Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Open Their Home to Friends Amid California Wildfires
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have opened their Montecito home to friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles, People confirmed on January 10.
The couple moved to California in 2020 after stepping down as senior royals in the UK. The Santa Barbara community of Montecito, where they are raising kids Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, is located roughly 90 miles north of the greater LA area. The area is not under evacuation at this time.
As of publishing, 180,000 people have been evacuated due to the fires, many of which have yet to be contained. In addition to the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have destroyed an estimated 10,000 structures so far, several smaller fires have broken out across the city, stretching firefighting resources thin. Dangerous, high-wind conditions are expected to continue through the weekend, according to recent weather reports.
In addition to housing friends and family, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are assessing how they can best direct their Archewell Foundation funds to assist those in the affected communities, People reports. On their website, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a list of resources as well as a short statement about the catastrophic impact of the fires: “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 couple suggests that those who feel compelled to help open their homes to evacuees, and donate clothes and supplies to families who have lost everything.
For more resources regarding how to help victims of the wildfires, click here.
