The Sussexes traveled 90 miles from their home to assist those impacted by the LA wildfires, but their trip has drawn sharp criticism.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s effort to comfort wildfire victims has stirred controversy, with a royal expert now weighing in on the matter. The couple was photographed last weekend embracing residents and distributing food to evacuees. While many fans praised their seemingly altruistic gesture, not everyone was pleased. Actress Justine Bateman publicly accused the pair of being “disaster tourists.”
The Sussexes have since become the subject of wild online conspiracy theories, with some alleging they “staged” parts of their visit, including a hug. Most of the scrutiny has focused on Meghan rather than Harry. However, British historian and royal expert Tessa Dunlop highlighted Harry’s presence.
Speaking to the Mirror, Dunlop said, “If the Duchess can’t convincingly pull off a philanthropy effort just 90 miles from her Santa Barbara home, imagine how Prince Harry felt. I’ve never seen him look so awkward. While Meghan moved around, giving hugs and handing out bottles of water, her hair swaying under a baseball cap, Harry appeared uncomfortable. His pale arms glowed under the sun, as he shifted uneasily, neither fully engaged nor entirely detached.”
Dunlop added, “An American friend remarked, ‘Prince Harry has never looked like he belongs here.’ Unlike the Beckhams’ smooth transition to LA life or Arnold Schwarzenegger’s embrace of California, Harry’s innate Britishness stands out, especially in the aftermath of the wildfires. In this harsh Los Angeles setting, he seemed out of place.”
She continued, “Though the couple faced backlash for what some deemed a ‘distasteful’ photo opportunity at a disaster site, most criticism was directed at Meghan. This is her home turf—she’s the former Hollywood actress recently forced to delay her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, filmed in Southern California. Once again, Harry is more of a side note in a larger Meghan narrative.”
A friend of the couple defended their trip to Pasadena, saying, “It’s offensive to Meghan and Harry that anyone would think this is just a photo op.”
Harry and Meghan reside in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, roughly 90 miles from Los Angeles. The source told Page Six, “Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles, so this will always be home to her.” They emphasized that Meghan is “not a tourist” and that “her heart is broken for the lives lost and those who have lost their homes in these fires.”
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo commended the couple, noting their eagerness to help. He described them as “great people” with “great personalities,” adding, “They lifted the spirits of the first responders. At the command post at the Rose Bowl, people were thrilled to see them.”
