Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit the Royal Family but hoped to carve out an independent, ‘progressive’ role for themselves that combined philanthropy and media production to champion causes closest to their hearts via Daily Mail.
As six years passed, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been recognized for their charity and advocacy efforts, including receiving the award for Humanitarians of the Year and the prestigious Robert F Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope award.
Their journey to navigate their celebrity and royal roles has faced several hurdles. Experts believe the biggest mistake may have been when they were seen hugging victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires last January.
The destructive fire, which started on January 7th, 2025, ravaged Los Angeles, claiming 31 lives and destroying thousands of homes, leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins. A few days afterward, the former royals were recorded handing out food, embracing victims, and talking to volunteers and emergency responders at the Pasadena Community Centre, a visit that drew widespread criticism.
The couple were branded ‘disaster tourists’ and ‘ambulance chasers’ by Hollywood actress Justine Bateman, as footage showed Harry and Meghan at the evacuation centre alongside local mayor Victor Gordo.
Harry and Meghan, who is a LA native, later hit back at the ‘offensive’ claim they were after a photo opportunity, with a source suggesting they were volunteering ‘long before the media caught wind of their involvement’ in a defiant statement.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been handing out food parcels to those affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Centre, which was being used as an evacuation centre. The couple was also spotted hugging José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which was distributing free hot meals to the public and emergency crews in the wake of the fires.
The interaction was broadcast live on FOX LA, sparking backlash from royal fans and experts as well as Ms Bateman, best known for her role as Mallory Keaton on the hit 80s sitcom Family Ties.
Ms. Bateman posted a scathing statement on X that read: ‘Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved. They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now?”
‘They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists.’ The Sussexes, who live around 90 miles away the city, later hit back at Ms Bateman’s statement in a rebuttal issued to Page Six.
