Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are speaking out about the rapidly spreading wildfires devastating 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 official sussex.com website. 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.
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The statement mentioned chef José Andrés‘ World Central Kitchen (a longstanding partner of Prince Harry and Meghan’s charitable Archewell Foundation), as well as CAL FIRE and the LA Fire Department Foundation as a support for firefighters. It cited the Animal Wellness Foundation and Compton Cowboys in their care for animals impacted by the blaze, connecting to Meghan’s longtime passion for helping animals.
The Sussexes’ statement also linked to Airbnb and 211LA, which have teamed to help anyone displaced find free housing, plus Baby2baby and All Power Books, which are both providing supplies.
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 News reported. Meghan, 43, Prince Harry, 40, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, reside in Montecito, a Santa Barbara enclave that has not been evacuated.
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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 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.
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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, the Associated Press said.
Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.
