Meghan Markle praised by teenage girl who founded wildfires charity for 'incredibly kind' help
Prince Harry and Meghan volunteered during the devastationMeghan Markle has been praised by a teenage girl who founded a charity to support those affected by the LA wildfires.
Last month saw Los Angeles and parts of Southern California ravaged by wildfires, leaving thousands affected.
Amid the devastation, Prince Harry and Meghan – who live in Montecito, California – were quick to offer their help.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle help out following wildfires
Last month, Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, were seen helping out with the relief efforts.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were spotted at the Pasadena Convention Center to hand out food parcels to those affected.
The royal couple were also seen hugging some of the volunteers, as well as the victims of the fires.
“They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders,” Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo said. “We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl, and people were very happy to see them.”
The mayor continued, saying: “They were not here for publicity, they came out here to work. They took the time to meet the people who were affected and spend time. They are just very caring people who are very concerned for their friends and neighbours.”
Harry and Meghan accused of ‘photo op’ amid LA wildfires
However, there has, of course, been criticism levelled at the Sussexes too. Some royal commentators and celebs have argued that Harry and Meghan were only helping out for a photo opportunity.
Even Kelly Osbourne appeared to take a subtle swipe at the couple.
“Is it just me being my normal overthinking cynical self, or is it really disturbing to see all of these celebrities using other people’s pain and suffering as a photo op,” Kelly said in a now-deleted Instagram video.
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Meghan Markle praised as being ‘incredibly kind’ by charity founder
Following the fires, one teen girl decided to help out.
Avery Colvert set up a charity organisation Altadena Girls Fire Relief, which took in clothes, makeup and skincare products and accessories from whoever would donate. She then hosted a free fair for those affected by the fires.
Meghan is so incredibly kind. She was so excited to help.
What Avery, 14, didn’t expect, however, was for Harry and Meghan’s charitable foundation, Archewell, to help out!
In an interview with Marie Claire magazine, Avery admitted that she “just started to break down crying” when she heard they wanted to help.
“Meghan is so incredibly kind. She was so excited to help,” she told the publication.
Meghan ‘photo op’ claims branded ‘ridiculous’
Avery continued, hitting back at claims that Meghan was only helping out for a photo opportunity.
Avery branded the claims “ridiculous”. She went on to reveal that Meghan came in to help the charity by bringing clothes from her own wardrobe, and was there for “multiple hours” per day.
The duchess even “got stylist training” so she could help girls choose outfits and accessories.
Who is Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex?
Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in California, United States. She is currently 43 years old. She had a career in acting before marrying into the royal family in 2018.
What did Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex do before joining the monarchy?
Former actress Meghan had a string of acting roles before she met Prince Harry, most famously playing the role of Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits.
Her acting career began at Northwestern University.
The duchess also wrote a lifestyle blog named The Tig and became heavily involved in charity work - which has continued since she met Harry.
Marrying Prince Harry
Meghan married into the royal family on May 19, 2018, when she and Prince Harry tied the knot at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Just a few months after their wedding, Meghan and Harry announced they were expecting their first child. They welcomed Prince Archie on May 6, 2019.
Two years later on June 4, 2021, the couple welcomed a daughter named Princess Lilibet. She was named after the late Queen Elizabeth II - whose nickname was Lilibet.
Months after welcoming son Archie, Prince Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping down from their senior royal roles within the royal family. They then moved to the United States and have lived there since.
Meghan has made a return to the entertainment world, launching projects with Netflix alongside Harry. In January 2025, she announced a lifestyle show named With Love, Meghan, which will see her giving cooking and gardening tips to viewers alongside a host of celebrity guests. It will premiere on March 4, 2025.
“For all the girls that were coming in, they got to be styled by Meghan Markle,” Avery said. She then revealed that some people broke down in tears when they saw Meghan helping out.
Avery’s stepdad was also surprised at just how helpful Meghan was, saying he was in shock at how long she stayed and helped. He revealed that she was even carrying people’s bags to their cars with them.
He continued to sing Archewell’s praises, explaining how the organisation helped her charity secure a permanent location. Meanwhile, he also praised them for “opening doors” and “make connections”.
Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle divorce ‘won’t happen because he would lose too much’
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