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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle encouraged fans to support those who lost their homes in the devastating Southern California wildfires after facing evacuation from their $14 million Montecito mansion.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared a statement and links to helpful resources and foundations on their website Thursday.
“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,” the Sussexes wrote in the statement.
“A state of emergency has been issued,” they continued, before adding, “If you feel compelled to help, here are some resources and ideas.”
The royal couple listed off several organizations that would help benefit people in need such as José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, and their own Archewell Foundation, which they said are “serving meals to both first responders and victims of the fire.”
They also shared that CAL FIRE and LA Fire Department Foundation are helping to support firefighters risking their lives to save their communities.
The “Suits” alum, 43, and her husband, 40, went on to share two organizations that aim to evacuate and rescue animals, naming the Animal Wellness Foundation and the Compton Cowboys.
The duo also shared that Airbnb and 211LA partnered “to provide free, temporary housing for those who have been displaced” and Baby2baby is providing essential supplies like diapers, clothing, hygiene products and emergency kits. The bookstore, All Power Books, is also offering supplies and water for pickup, they shared.
The “Spare” author and Markle then urged the public to “open your home.”
“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. And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating,” they wrote.
The pair ended their statement by asking those who can to “give back.”
“Some families and people have been left with nothing,” they wrote. “Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys & clothing, and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.”
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 — ravaging thousands of homes.
Harry and Markle’s sprawling mansion falls inside a “high fire risk” zone, a spokesperson for Southern California Edison told the Telegraph Wednesday.
The spokesperson added that power shutdowns could occur in Santa Barbara County due to “a Red Flag Warning and increased risk of wildfires” and that “affected customers” were being contacted in several communities, “including Montecito.”
It remains unclear if Harry and Markle were told to evacuate their estate in which they have lived with their two kids — Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3 —since retiring from their royal responsibilities in 2020.
Several celebrities have already had their homes burn down due to the blazes, including Paris Hilton, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, Anna Faris, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, Miles Teller, Eugene Levy, Billy Crystal and more.
