Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Open Their Home to Friends Forced to Evacuate Fires
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are supporting the Southern California community amid rapidly spreading wildfires ravaging Los Angeles.
The Duke, 40, and Duchess of Sussex, 43, are offering their support and aid to those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires that erupted beginning Tuesday, Jan. 7. Over 100,000 Los Angeles residents have been forced to evacuate following the Palisades and Eaton Fires, with multiple smaller fires raging.
PEOPLE can confirm that the couple have opened their home to friends and loved ones forced to evacuate.
The couple live about 90 miles north of the Los Angeles area. Meghan, who is originally from Los Angeles, Prince Harry, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, reside in Montecito, a Santa Barbara enclave that has not been evacuated.
In addition to assisting their loved ones, they are also working with their Archewell Foundation to determine the most impactful ways to support the community during this crisis. The foundation is also looking for volunteer opportunities to assist with mental health recovery for those needing immediate help and will facilitate long-term recovery efforts.
Additionally, any donations through the foundation have been made to relief efforts.
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The Sussex family is working with chef José Andrés‘ World Central Kitchen (a longstanding partner of Prince Harry and Meghan’s charitable Archewell Foundation) to provide further relief efforts. Harry and Meghan also donated essential supplies, as well as clothing and children’s items.
On Thursday, Jan. 9, they issued a statement titled “Southern California Fires” on the sussex.com website, proposing resources and ideas to those who want to help those impacted.
The statement mentioned World Central Kitchen, CAL FIRE, the LA Fire Department Foundation, the Animal Wellness Foundation, Compton Cowboys, Airbnb and 211LA, Baby2baby and All Power Books.
Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty
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Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 7, multiple wildfires have been ravaging across Los Angeles County, including the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas and the Eaton Fire in Pasadena and Altadena, both of which are 0% contained.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna says the death toll from the L.A. fires is currently unknown, despite previous reports. At a press briefing on Thursday, Jan. 9, Luna said he was “not satisfied” with the preliminary information he received but noted that people “are doing their best” amid the difficult conditions.
Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.
