On January 10th, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made an appearance in Pasadena, California, a mere 90 miles north of Los Angeles, ostensibly to lend a hand to those affected by the devastating wildfires.
The couple visited the World Central Kitchen, an organization known for distributing food and supplies to disaster victims. However, their "selfless" presence left much to be desired. While they were certainly in the vicinity of relief efforts, it’s hard to say how much they truly contributed beyond playing the role of concerned, humanitarian royalty.
As the cameras rolled, Meghan and Harry appeared flanked by no fewer than three bodyguards, almost as if they were the most famous—and endangered—people in the world. The scene seemed less like a genuine act of charity and more like a meticulously orchestrated PR stunt. According to People magazine, the pair were there in a "discreet" capacity, supporting relief efforts from the sidelines. But if discretion was the goal, they missed the mark entirely. Local news outlets captured every moment, including Meghan awkwardly touching a few cans and offering some seemingly forced hugs. It seemed more like a photo opportunity than a genuine act of charity.
The mayor of Pasadena, Victor Gordo, chimed in with high praise, commenting on how the couple's visit helped "boost the spirits" of first responders. But if by "boosting spirits" he meant the Sussexes aimlessly walking around, exchanging pleasantries with a few people, and ensuring they were seen by every camera within a five-mile radius, then perhaps he had a point. The real heroes were the first responders—those actually doing the hard work on the ground—while Meghan and Harry appeared to be more focused on getting attention for themselves.
And let’s talk about Meghan’s mask, which hung off her neck like a fashion accessory. If she truly sought anonymity, she would have kept it on. But let’s be honest: it was clearly a prop for the cameras. Meghan has mastered the art of working a camera angle, and it appeared as if she had orchestrated the perfect moment to look like she was going incognito, while still maintaining just enough visibility to keep up her carefully curated image.
The comedic gold, however, was in the couple's interactions with those around them. Harry managed to engage in some small talk with the relief workers—though, to be fair, they were likely just being polite. Meanwhile, Meghan fidgeted and seemed uncomfortable, constantly searching for someone to talk to, leaning in for her trademark hugs. It felt more like an audition for an Oscar in "overacting in a crisis" than genuine humanitarian work. At one point, she even attempted to help at the soda station, only for the first person she approached to simply walk right past her. Talk about an awkward moment.
The bodyguards, meanwhile, seemed to have a dual role: not only were they there to protect Meghan, but they also ensured that her every move was captured on camera in pristine high-definition glory. Were they guarding her from the devastation? Or perhaps from the possibility of her Cartier bracelet being snatched by someone who had lost everything in the fires? The whole spectacle reeked of opportunism, and the bodyguards, though unsung, played a crucial role in ensuring that the couple's every step was meticulously documented for the cameras.
The day concluded with Harry and Meghan visiting José Andrés at one of the food stations, where they praised the relief teams for their efforts. Meanwhile, Meghan continued to work the cameras, chatting and hugging, pretending to be an integral part of the operation. The grand finale? Harry, standing in the background with his hands in his pockets, doing his best to avoid being drawn into Meghan's enthusiastic embraces. It almost seemed as though they believed that by showing up and looking concerned, they could somehow erase the fact that their entire existence is built on exploiting tragic events for publicity.
Imagine being someone who has lost everything in a wildfire, only to be confronted by two celebrities pretending to be part of the solution while making it all about themselves. It’s a painfully obvious act of opportunism that only serves to further tarnish their public image. Honestly, it's exhausting to watch.
