Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex seen during The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Colombia Visit on August 15, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia.Photo:Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty
Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty
Meghan MarkleandPrince Harryare speaking out about therapidly spreading wildfiresdevastating Los Angeles and offering ways to support relief efforts.
On Thursday, Jan. 9, a statement titled “Southern California Fires” was shared to Prince Harry and Meghan’s officialsussex.comwebsite. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reside in Santa Barbara, California, while Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles.
“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 statement said.
“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 at work on the ground.
Firefighters battle the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on Jan. 9, 2025.Anadolu via Getty
Anadolu via Getty
Another idea to “Open your home” shared, “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.”
A second tip to “Give back” added, “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.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex live about 90 miles north of the Los Angeles area, where at least five fires were blazing as of Thursday morning,ABC Newsreported. Meghan, 43, Prince Harry, 40, and their children,Prince ArchieandPrincess Lilibet, reside in Montecito, a Santa Barbara enclave that has not been evacuated.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Abuja, Nigeria on May 10, 2024.Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty
Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty
Prince Harry’s aunt,Sarah Ferguson, also made a statement on Jan. 9 about the wildfires. The Duchess of York, 65, is the ex-wife of Harry’s uncle,Prince Andrew, and previously lived in the United States.
“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.
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Five people have been reported dead, though the exact death toll remains unknown, in the wildfires that began on Jan. 7. The Palisades Fire is the largest of the five fires, ripping through over 17,000 acres in what’s being described as the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency then, and around 130,000 people have been ordered to evacuate, theAssociated Presssaid.
Click hereto learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.
source: people.com
