’State of emergency’: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s urgent plea amid L.A. wildfires
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have issued an urgent plea for help as devastating fires ravage their hometown of Los Angeles.
Royals
Don't miss out on the headlines from Royals. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have spoken out about the devastating Los Angeles wildfires after they came frighteningly close to facing evacuation.
The royal couple and their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, live in the exclusive celebrity enclave of Montecito, just under two hours from L.A., which was declared a “high fire risk” zone earlier this week.
The pair moved into the $22 million mansion, which boasts nine bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, back in 2020, after they stepped down from royal duties and left the United Kingdom.
MORE:Celeb homes destroyed in LA fires revealed
Now the Sussexes have issued a heartfelt statement on their website, reminding their fans that “a state of emergency has been issued” and urging them to donate to various wildfire funds.
“In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life,” the statement read.
“A state of emergency has been issued. If you feel compelled to help, here are some resources and ideas.”
Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, provided links to different charities, such as those helping with food, firefighter support, animal welfare and baby clothes donations.
They also urged people to “open their homes” to those in need.
“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,” they said.
“And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbours to see if they need help evacuating.
“Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys & clothing, and other essentials.”
According to Town & Country Magazine, the royals have made donations and have opened their Montecito home to friends who have been forced to evacuate their residences due to the blaze.
At least five people have died and roughly 30,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate their homes after wildfires ignited on Tuesday night and quickly spread across the Pacific Palisades and other dense communities.
It remains unclear if Harry and Markle were told to evacuate their estate.
Several celebrities have already had their homes burn down due to the devastating fires, including Paris Hilton, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, Anthony Hopkins, Anna Faris, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, Miles Teller, Eugene Levy, Billy Crystal and more.
Some 180,000 people have now been told to evacuate as at least five separate fires burn, including in the heart of historic Hollywood, just a few hundred meters from Hollywood Boulevard.
Part of the iconic Sunset Boulevard is in ruins after fire ripped through the Pacific Palisades.
When asked on Thursday, local time, about the total number of deaths, a senior sheriff said “Frankly, we don’t know yet”.
Los Angeles city mayor Karen Bass stated a “perfect storm” of drought and winds combined to bring on the fires.
Nonetheless, LA officials have said they hope the “tide is turning” in the fight against the fires but the impact is the worst ever seen in the city and forecasters have predicted critical fire weather could last through until Friday night (local time).
Originally published as ’State of emergency’: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s urgent plea amid L.A. wildfires
Harry, Meghan spotted amid LA fire tragedy
Harry and Meghan have been spotted meeting victims and emergency crews in LA.
Revealed: Queen Mary’s year of power with King Frederick
King Frederik X of Denmark and his Australian-born wife Queen Mary are marking the first year of their rule with some major milestones. But an expert thinks they have one weakness.