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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Offer Housing in Montecito Home to Friends Who Evacuated L.A. Fires
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are lending a helping hand to Angelenos displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires.
The Spare author, 40, and Suits alum, 43, have opened their home to close family and friends who have been impacted by the emergency, People confirmed on Friday, January 10.
The fires, projected to be California’s costliest, erupted on Tuesday, January 7, and 100,000 Los Angeles residents have been forced to evacuate after more than 35,000 acres burned to the ground, per Business Insider.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex — who share children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet — live in Montecito, which is 90 miles north of the Los Angeles area. In addition to providing support to their loved ones, the couple is working closely with their Archewell Foundation to identify the most effective ways to support the Southern California community during this crisis.
Meghan and Harry spoke out on the deadly fires in a memo titled, “Southern California Fires,” posted to their official Duke & Duchess of Sussex website on Thursday, January 9.
“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,” the message read. “A state of emergency has been issued. If you feel compelled to help, here are some resources and ideas,” it continued, and linked to groups already supporting their cause.
The couple highlighted chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, a longtime partner of the Archewell Foundation, for providing meals to first responders and fire victims. They also acknowledged CAL FIRE and the L.A. Fire Department Foundation, the Animal Wellness Foundation, Compton Cowboys, Airbnb and 211LA, Baby2baby and All Power Books.
“Open your home,” the couple shared in one final tip. “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.”
Prince Harry’s aunt, Sarah Ferguson, also shared a statement on Thursday, January 9, about the wildfires. The royal, 65, is the ex-wife of Harry’s uncle, Prince Andrew, and previously was a resident of the United States.
“I was thinking whether my words were going to sound very, very trite if I say anything, but I just have got to say something. My heart is so devastated by the fires in southern California, Los Angeles. All the people that are being evacuated from their homes, they’ve lost their homes, the animals, the Humane Society,” she said.
“I’m just so devastated, I just had to say something. You know that I am 100% there, I really want to know how we can help… Just my heart goes out to the emergency services, to all the people that are tirelessly working and have been working, for all these days, to try and contain the fire… To anyone out there, we’re here, we’re going to keep fighting, and we’re going to help you rebuild,” she continued.
Five people have been reported dead, though the exact death toll remains unknown. The Palisades Fire is the largest of the fires, ripping through over 17,000 acres.
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