Meghan Markle and Prince Harry joined the relief efforts in Pasadena, Calif. on Friday, in the wake of the ongoing Eaton fire, which has burned over 14,117 acres, more than 9,000 structures, and claimed at least six lives.
The couple distributed supplies and food at the World Central Kitchen in Pasadena, founded by chef José Andrés. Markle and Harry, whose Archewell Foundation has teamed with World Central Kitchen before, worked alongside Andrés, volunteers, and Pasadena mayor Victor M. Gordo to feed those displaced by the fires.
Initially the couple visited the relief center “anonymously,” with the Pasadena mayor telling Fox 11, “No one knew they were serving food with masks.”
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex member of the British royal family with mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo at a home at 2858 Highview Ave. that was destroyed during the Eaton fire in Altadena on Friday, January 10, 2025.
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Markle and Harry also met with Altadena residents at the ruins of their former homes to offer support. “They want to be as helpful as they can be,” Gordo said. “We visited with some of the affected families in some of the burned-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena. They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. They’re just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbors.”
Afterwards, Markle and Harry headed to the command post at the Rose Bowl to thank L.A. County firefighters and other first responders. “We went to visit some of the families and view firsthand some of the impacted area and then they wanted to visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and their neighbors,” Gordo said, adding that Markle and Harry “really buoyed the spirits of the first responders” and “people were very happy to see them.”
“It’s great people, great personalities and great heart for them to come out here and meet with the first responders, meet with the people who were affected,” Gordo said.
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex member of the British royal family with mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo at a home at 2858 Highview Ave. that was destroyed during the Eaton fire in Altadena on Friday, January 10, 2025.
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Earlier in the week, on Thursday, Markle and Harry shared a list of resources and ways to help in the fire relief efforts. “In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more — affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life,” read a statement posted to their website. “If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do. And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating… Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys & clothing, and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.”
Markle and Harry also shared information about the World Central Kitchen, the Animal Wellness Foundation, and Compton Cowboys, which are housing and caring for animals displaced from the fires, Airbnb and 211LA which are providing temporary housing to those who’ve been forced to evacuated, Baby2Baby which is providing baby essentials to families in need, and All Power Books, which is offering water, supplies, and other essentials to those who’ve been affected by the fires.
As of Saturday, Dec. 11, the Eaton fire is 15 percent contained. It is the second in size to the Palisades fire, which has burned 21,595 acres and more than 5,000 structures, and claimed the lives of at least two people. The Palisades fire is currently 11 percent contained.
In the wake of the devastation caused by the Los Angeles fires, many fashion and beauty brands have offered relief to those who have been displaced and lost their homes. Walmart announced a $2.5 million commitment to support relief efforts, while Target is donating $1 million to national and local partners helping with recovery efforts, and APL, Bubbles, Credo Beauty, Collina Strada, LoveShackFancy, and Rails are also among the brands providing resources to people affected by the wildfires.
