Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been hailed as the “US version of the royals” following their visit to meet victims of the Los Angeles wildfire. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday, January 10, which is currently serving as an evacuation site for those affected by the Eaton fire in Altadena.
Donations and personal outreach
The Sussexes, through their Archewell Foundation, have already made significant monetary contributions to the relief efforts. In addition, they donated clothing, children’s items, and other essentials to the main donation center. Reports also suggest that the couple opened their home to friends and family forced to evacuate due to the fire.
During their visit, the couple engaged directly with evacuees, offering consolation and support through personal interactions. Meghan was seen embracing families affected by the tragedy, a gesture described by observers as both heartfelt and deeply symbolic.
‘The US version of the royals,’ says expert
Prominent body language expert Judi James shared her insights on the couple’s demeanor during the outing. Speaking to The Mirror, James remarked, “Meghan is doing some full-body hugs here in a ritual of consoling, and her facial expression mirrors the sadness the people she’s meeting must be feeling. Coming on top of some more practical help from the couple, there’s a feeling they’re appearing like the US version of our royals.”
James noted that Harry’s actions reflected his upbringing as a member of the British royal family. “For Harry, it will be an urge that is in his DNA as a royal—attending the location of a disaster and tragedy, being visible, and raising morale. He seems to be in that mode here, listening to stories and experiences to hopefully reassure and uplift.”
Meghan’s ‘signature’ move of compassion
The Duchess of Sussex’s embrace, which James describes as a “signature” move, played a central role in the couple’s approach. “This seems to have been an immersive experience for Meghan and Harry, although the consoling hugs have become the most camera-worthy moments,” James said.
During their visit, Meghan adopted what James termed a “head-down” posture while distributing food and essentials, signaling practicality over performativity. “Meghan’s actions look practical rather than performative, implying that the job of distribution is better achieved without a media scrum or interruptions,” James observed.
Harry, meanwhile, mirrored Meghan’s tactile approach, underscoring the couple’s unified commitment to offering hands-on assistance.
A new chapter of royal-style humanitarianism
Experts and commentators have frequently drawn comparisons between the Sussexes’ public roles and traditional royal duties. This latest appearance highlights their evolving role as influential figures on the global stage, blending compassion, visibility, and action in times of crisis.
As the couple continues their philanthropic work, their efforts to support wildfire victims serve as a poignant reminder of their commitment to humanitarian causes on both local and global scales.
