In the midst of the devastating California wildfires, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s $29 million mansion in Montecito, roughly 70 miles north of Los Angeles. Reports from earlier this week indicated that the region was possibly threatened by the wildfires in a “high fire risk” area. Power companies have even considered shutting off electricity to mitigate the risk.
According to reports, Southern California Edison (SCE) was touting the idea of a “Public Safety Power Shutoff” in parts of Santa Barbara due to the wildfires. The fires have already burned tens of thousands of acres and destroyed over 1,000 structures, setting it up to be one of the costliest natural disasters in history. The death toll currently sits at 10.
However, other reports have indicated that the royal couple have opened their Montecito home up to those impacted by 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,” according to a statement from Harry and Meghan.
They further noted that “a state of emergency has been issued.” The statement added, “If you feel compelled to help, here are some resources and ideas.” The couple also gave a lengthy list of organizations that people can donate to, including chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, Cal Fire and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, a nonprofit that supports local firefighters.
Royal correspondent Cameron Walker reported on the news relating to Meghan and Harry, posting to X, “Prince Harry and Meghan’s Montecito mansion is currently about 80 miles away from the #CaliforniaWildfires. At the moment, their home is safe.” He added, “In response to the devastation, they have opened up their house to friends and loved ones who have been forced to evacuate. I understand they are both actively supporting communities in the short term, but are keen to address the long-term recovery efforts too.”
He continued, “Clothing, children’s items and other essential supplies have been donated by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to those affected by the fires, and they have been in direct contact with the founder of @WCKitchen,@chefjoseandres- a charity supported by Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation to provide food relief. Prince Harry and Meghan are actively working with their charity foundation (Archewell) to decide how and where support for communities affected by the crisis can have the most impact.”
“In the days ahead, I’m told the Archewell Foundation is looking at opportunities to volunteer in communities, where possible, and look into mental health recovery support,” Walker concluded, indicating the couple were interested in philanthropic efforts to help those who were devastated by the natural disaster. The post sparked numerous comments from those on social media.
One user wrote, “Not too certain… less than 100 miles away from the Flames, and with no containment on them in sight, a worse case scenario can see the fires spread Northern towards Montecito, or an arsonist could light one in the Los Padres forest, just as there are people doing so in LA.”
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