Prince Harry And Meghan Volunteer At Pasadena Shelter To Support Wildfire Victims And First Responders

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited the Pasadena Convention Center, where they supported victims of the Eaton Fire and met with evacuees and first responders.

The royal couple reportedly volunteered with World Central Kitchen to serve meals and thanked those who assisted with recovery efforts.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had also earlier donated supplies and opened their Montecito estate to displaced friends.

On Friday, Harry and Meghan were spotted at the Pasadena Convention Center, which is now a shelter for those displaced by the Eaton Fire, to show their support for victims of the devastating wildfires sweeping through Southern California.

According to the New York Post, the couple met with affected families and first responders who have been tirelessly battling the blazes.

They began their visit by volunteering at Chef José Andrés' World Central Kitchen (WCK), where they helped serve meals to evacuees outside the center. The couple was joined by California's First Partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

Inside, Harry and Meghan spent time speaking with elderly residents and families who the fires have directly impacted.

Later, they returned to the Convention Center to meet with José Andrés, whose organization, WCK, has been actively distributing meals to wildfire victims and first responders at temporary food stations across Los Angeles County.

Their visit was reportedly a private gesture aimed at providing meaningful assistance to their community without drawing media attention or disrupting relief efforts.

Meghan wore a blue LA Dodgers cap to keep a low profile during their visit, while Harry, 40, opted for a black "Cali" hat from local brand James Perse.

The Duke and Duchess personally thanked the dedicated teams working tirelessly to assist those affected by the wildfires.

Sources also told the news outlet that Harry and Meghan remain committed to supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts, with plans for additional visits already underway.

In addition to their previous financial contributions through the Archewell Foundation, the couple donated clothing, children's supplies, and other essential items to help families struggling after the fires.

After their departure, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo spoke to Fox 11, emphasizing the couple's genuine commitment to supporting the community.

"They didn't come out here for publicity; they came out here to work," Gordo stated. "We went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view first hand some of the impacted areas."

He added, "And then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and our neighbors. They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders."

Beyond their community outreach, Harry and Meghan have personally supported wildfire victims by opening their $29.5 million Montecito estate to friends forced to relocate by the fires.

In a message shared on their website on Thursday, the couple encouraged the public to take action and support relief efforts.

They provided information on organizations actively assisting those impacted, including World Central Kitchen, Airbnb, and 211LA, which are working together to offer free housing to displaced individuals.

They also promoted Baby2Baby and All Power Books, both of which are providing essential supplies to affected families.

The Duke and Duchess further urged anyone in a position to help to open their homes to evacuees.

"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," their statement read. "And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating."

Following the Palisades wildfires, the Eaton Fire has become Southern California's second most destructive blaze this week. By Friday, it had scorched nearly 14,000 acres and was only 3% contained.

According to the New York Post, of the 11 confirmed fatalities, at least five have been attributed to this fire, making it one of the deadliest in recent memory. Entire neighborhoods in Altadena have been reduced to ash, with Pasadena also facing significant threats.

With a combined 35,000 acres burned, more than 5,000 buildings have been destroyed, and over 200,000 residents of Los Angeles have been forced to evacuate as the Palisades, Eaton, and Kenneth fires continue to rage.