Fans criticize Meghan Markle for wearing luxurious jewelry while visiting Eaton fire victims

The Duchess of Sussex has been the focus of intense public debate, with her actions and decisions under close scrutiny, as Southern California grapples with an unrelenting series of wildfires.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been actively helping victims of the horrific wildfires that have ravaged Southern California. On Friday, January 10, 2025, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their second visit to Pasadena in a week, eliciting varied reactions from the internet community.

They visited with Mayor Victor Gordo to discuss relief and recovery efforts, as well as spending time with first responders and Eaton Fire victims at the Pasadena Convention Center.

During their tour, the royal couple donated food and supplies to victims while also discussing community rehabilitation and disaster assistance. Their previous efforts included surreptitiously bringing food to people affected by the flames earlier this week.

However, their current visit stirred outrage online, with some fans criticizing Meghan for wearing pricey jewelry on the occasion. The former actress, wearing a Cartier bracelet in a video from the occasion, drew significant criticism online.

Meghan’s accessories received a lot of attention on social media. Some voiced outright disgust. A user said the following: “Photo ops… she shows up wearing 50k in Cartier jewelry lol [sic].”

Another said, “She had to wear a Cartier bracelet for that?” Fake.” A third person said, “Wearing her best Cartier love bracelet jewelry to help out!”

“Now is not the moment to appear flawless or prim and correct.” If you want to help, leave your jewelry at home and avoid getting it in the camera’s lens. Another wrote.

Despite the reaction, some complimented the couple’s efforts. One user said, “They’re always so caring and helpful to [sic] others.” Another user commented, “They’re always so caring and helpful to others.”

On X, opinions were split evenly, with some accusing the pair of fabricating the visit for publicity. “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry view this as a picture opportunity. She is promoting her new cooking partnership with Cartier on the @netflix program. They are not giving or bringing food for wildfire victims (she has a cooking program!). Markle simply runs there, embracing people for cameras. “Disgusting [sic],” said one user.

Another person asked, “Was it just a photo op, or were they volunteering [sic]?” Others supported the couple’s motives, highlighting their empathy and willingness to assist. “Remember their compassion the next time you choose to criticize them,” one person said.

The anger went beyond social media, with director Justine Bateman openly denouncing the couple’s vacation as a “photo op.”

She stated, “Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers.” What a horrible ‘photo op’ they created. They’re ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are visitors, often referred to as “disaster tourists.”

Despite the criticism, the couple’s commitment extends beyond their looks. In an official statement, they stressed the extent of the wildfire destruction and offered options to aid.

“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,” a press release said. They acknowledged the state of emergency and urged the people to assist groups that provide immediate relief.

Partners like José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, CAL FIRE, and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation are doing essential work, as noted in the statement.

Animal welfare organizations like the Animal Wellness Foundation are sheltering and caring for evacuated pets, while Baby2Baby is giving hygiene items, diapers, and emergency kits to families in need.

Harry and Meghan also asked people to offer their homes to friends, neighbors, and pets impacted by the flames and to check on elderly or handicapped residents who may require assistance escaping.

We also welcomed donations of clothing, toys, and necessities, mentioning organizations like the American Red Cross and Airbnb that have partnered with 211LA to offer temporary shelter.

Among these efforts, the Duchess of Sussex has made a personal choice to postpone the premiere of her planned Netflix program, “With Love, Meghan.” Due to the terrible destruction, the passionate lifestyle series, originally scheduled to start in January, has moved back to March 4, 2025.

“I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,” Meghan told CNN in a statement.

The show offers a mix of open discussions and practical advice for achieving beauty in everyday life. Friends and special visitors will join the 43-year-old “Suits” veteran as she embraces fun over perfection and gets her hands dirty in the kitchen, garden, and other areas. The initiative strives to engage with consumers on a human level, emphasizing the unexpected delight in regular occurrences.

In addition to public engagements, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have offered their Montecito home to friends and family affected by the fires. The flames have not touched their home, which is around 90 miles north of Los Angeles.

The Archewell Foundation, the couple’s humanitarian foundation, has been working closely with relief agencies to promote both immediate and long-term recovery. Donations given through the foundation have gone toward initiatives such as food distribution, mental health services, and critical supplies. Archewell is also searching for other volunteer opportunities to help rebuild impacted communities.

Since January 7, 2025, flames have ravaged Los Angeles County, causing over 100,000 people to flee. Among others, the Palisades and Eaton Fires remain completely uncontrollable, wreaking havoc. First responders are working hard to preserve the impacted communities, as homes, schools, and medical institutions have turned to ashes.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s participation in relief operations, however divisive, has highlighted the continued issues that Southern California towns confront. Their efforts, whether genuine or staged, have highlighted the crucial need for relief and solidarity during this crisis.