LOS ANGELES, Jan 11: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were spotted touring the fire-damaged areas of Altadena, Los Angeles, on Friday, where they actively participated in the ongoing wildfire relief efforts. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, wearing face masks and walking with their hands clasped, spent 45 minutes quietly absorbing the devastation. Witnesses described the couple as somber, emotional, and visibly shocked as they toured the fire-ravaged neighborhood, accompanied by a team and a few city officials.

Earlier in the day, the royals also attended a nearby wildfire relief event where they were joined by actress Jennifer Garner. Garner was lending her support at one of World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) pop-up locations, partnering with Chef José Andrés to serve meals to evacuees and first responders. In an interview with MSNBC’s Katy Tur, Jennifer shared her experience of survivor's guilt after her Pacific Palisades home survived the L.A. blaze, while mourning the loss of a close friend from her church.

Markle and Prince Harry were among the many Southern Californians mobilized to help evacuees from the Eaton Fire. The couple, who reside in the affluent town of Montecito, north of Los Angeles, had previously opened their home to loved ones displaced by the fires. On this day, they visited the Pasadena Convention Center, which had been converted into an evacuation site for those forced to flee their homes due to the devastating fires.

During their visit, the couple met with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and worked alongside Chef José Andrés and WCK volunteers to distribute meals and supplies to those impacted. The couple’s Archewell Foundation has a longstanding partnership with WCK, having contributed relief efforts in countries like India and Dominica.

Mayor Gordo expressed his appreciation for the couple's quiet and discreet contribution, noting that they were present at the heart of the relief efforts at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, serving food "anonymously" while wearing masks. He remarked, “They want to be as helpful as they can be … they’re just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbors.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also spent time connecting with affected families and personally thanking first responders. The mayor highlighted their compassionate approach: “It’s great people, great personalities, and great heart for them to come out here and meet with the first responders, meet with the people who were affected. It’s very important.”

Markle, born in Canoga Park, which is located near the current fires, has shown particular empathy toward those impacted by the devastation. The couple visited some of the burned-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena, demonstrating their commitment to supporting those in need.

The ongoing state emergency in California is marked by several large wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have destroyed thousands of acres and displaced over 180,000 people. As of now, more than 9,000 structures have been destroyed, and at least 10 lives have been lost. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to support relief efforts as part of their broader commitment to humanitarian work.