Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have once again managed to find themselves at the heart of a controversy—without doing much to actually deserve it. This time, they’ve sparked drama not with their Netflix series or Harry’s memoir, but over a literal wildfire in Los Angeles. Their surprise visit to a meal distribution center has social media users fuming.
The couple showed up at the Pasadena Convention Center, which had been transformed into an evacuation site for victims of the raging Eaton Fire. There, they met with residents, volunteers from World Central Kitchen, and first responders. But their visit quickly became a lightning rod for criticism online, with many accusing the Sussexes of turning a serious tragedy into yet another chance for a publicity stunt.
Critics wasted no time calling out Meghan and Harry for trying to maintain their royal image while making appearances that reeked of self-promotion. One scathing comment summed it up perfectly: "They are merely two nitwit celebrities with a failing brand, and yet here they are with the mayor and the governor’s wife, offering nothing."
The backlash didn’t stop there. Paula M, a Twitter user, pointed out that the couple only stayed for a mere 17 minutes but brought along their own camera crew. While some reports later claimed the visit lasted 45 minutes, the damage was already done. Meghan, according to observers, was handing out hugs like they were limited-edition giveaways, while Harry, in a rather tone-deaf move, handed a donut to a victim of the fire. Because, of course, that’s exactly what someone who’s just lost their home needs.
The couple then wandered around the charred remains of a destroyed home, with photographers in tow. It was hardly the low-key, authentic gesture they might have hoped for. Instead, they were labeled “disaster tourists” by some, strolling through a tragedy while posing for photo ops.
What really stung for many was that victims of the fire weren’t even allowed to return to their homes to assess the damage, yet Harry and Meghan were on site to… what exactly? Boost morale? Test out photo angles?
And then came the most biting accusation: that Meghan was scouting for her next big photo op. Many weren’t buying the “we’re just here to help” narrative. The general sentiment from critics was simple: If you really want to help, donate money or volunteer quietly—without all the paparazzi. But subtlety seems to be something the Sussexes can’t quite grasp.
One critic even suggested that the couple might be trying to boost their public image in order to secure government grants for their Archewell Foundation. What made this spectacle even more glaring was the stark contrast to local efforts. One local vet opened her practice to take in displaced pets, while a vintage clothing store owner set up a boutique where fire victims could choose free clothes with dignity. These acts of kindness didn’t come with camera crews or Instagram-worthy moments—but they certainly made a real difference.
The mayor of Pasadena, Victor Gordo, defended the visit, claiming that Harry and Meghan were there to help, not for publicity. However, with photographers documenting every step of their visit, it’s hard to buy that explanation. Locals, understandably, were frustrated, with some pointing out that the couple’s presence distracted from more urgent matters, like fighting the still-raging fires.
So, what do we make of this whirlwind appearance? Was it a genuine attempt to help, or just another notch in the Sussex PR machine? Either way, the backlash is real, and their critics aren’t letting them off the hook. Perhaps next time they could take a page from Jennifer Garner’s book and quietly volunteer without the fanfare. Or better yet, stay home. Their Montecito mansion may be far from the flames, but it seems the heat always finds them.
