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The couple visited the Pasadena Convention Center, which has been converted into an evacuation site for people affected by the Eaton fire
While the couple sought to offer support to victims and first responders, their actions drew criticism on social media. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, have come under fire after their surprise visit to a meal distribution centre for people affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles.
While the couple sought to offer support to victims and first responders, their actions drew criticism on social media, with many accusing them of using the tragedy for self-promotion.
On Friday, the couple visited the Pasadena Convention Center, which has been converted into an evacuation site for people affected by the Eaton fire. There, they met with residents, volunteers from World Central Kitchen (WCK), and first responders, as per CNN report.
The WCK, which the couple has partnered with through their Archewell Foundation, has been providing free meals to those impacted by the fires.
While their visit was praised by local officials, including Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, who described them as “great people” focused on helping, many social media users criticised the couple for acting like they were still royals.
Social media backlash over visit
One post read, “Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, always willing to exploit a tragedy to promote themselves. It’s disgusting. And her and Harry’s attempts to still act like royals is appalling. They are merely two nitwit celebrities with a failing brand, and yet the mayor of Pasadena and Gavin Newsom’s wife are with them. Why? They offer nothing. They both need to get it through their thick heads that THEY ARE NOT ROYALS HERE.”
“Just donate, maybe volunteer, but stop acting like you’re anything else. Royals represent their people and government, the cosplay royals represent nothing but their own greed. I’m sure Meghan is also panicking that her show and triumphant return will be wrecked by Mother Nature,” the post added.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, always willing to exploit a tragedy to promote themselves. It’s disgusting. And her and Harry’s attempts to still act like royals is appalling. They are merely two nitwit celebrities with a failing brand, and yet the mayor of Pasadena and Gavin… pic.twitter.com/2U9UCC9I7F— Royal News Network (@RNN_RoyalNews) January 11, 2025
Another comment accused Meghan of seeking out a photo opportunity during the visit, claiming she was “looking for her next photo op moment” rather than engaging meaningfully with the victims.
Despite the backlash, Mayor Gordo defended the couple, saying they were focused on supporting those in need and not seeking publicity. “They didn’t come out here for publicity,” Gordo explained. “They came out here to work.”
The couple’s visit comes as wildfires continue to devastate parts of California, with over 100,000 people under evacuation orders. It is understood that Harry and Meghan donated clothing, children’s items, and other essentials to the victims. They also reportedly offered their home to people who had to evacuate.
The Duke and Duchess relocated to the United States in 2020, settling in Montecito with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after stepping down from their royal duties.