Meghan Markle and Prince Harry break silence on LA wildfires as they face evacuation

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have urged their supports to help out following the ongoing wildfires which are currently sweeping across California – 70 miles from their home

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have spoken out as they face evacuation from the wildfires.

The Duke and Duchess remain at high risk due to living in Montecito, California, just 60 miles from the fires across Malibu. The Sussexes currently reside in the town with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. However, as the fires continue to take over parts of California including Los Angeles and areas such as the Runyon Canyon area of the Hollywood Hills.

In a statement, the couple said: "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 state of emergency has been issued. If you feel compelled to help, here are some resources and ideas."

The couple continued: "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. Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys & clothing, and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need."

The Duke and Duchess currently risk having the power to their mansion cut off due to the ongoing fires. Firefighters are continuing to tackle the blazes as thousands of people flee the areas to seek safety. Electricity companies around Montecito, where the couple have lived in a "high fire risk" property since 2020, suggested on Wednesday that shut downs of power were possible. This raised the prospect of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex having to move to safety with their two young children.

A spokesman for Southern California Edison (SCE) – one of the major power providers in the area – said it was "considering a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in parts of Santa Barbara County due to a Red Flag Warning and increased risk of wildfires". He confirmed "affected customers" were being contacted in a number of communities, "including Montecito".

Experts believe that the PSPS could affect around 4,000 customers in Santa Barbara and that all residents and business affected have been notified. An online property checker states of Meghan and Harry's home: "This location is in a High Fire Risk Area. Power may be shut off during a PSPS to prevent wildfires.

"Increased fire risk conditions are expected in this area from 1/7/2025 – 6pm PST to 1/8/2025 – 9am PST. Be prepared for a PSPS during this time, although we may avoid shut-offs." Thousands of acres were burnt in the hills around the Palisades which – like Montecito – is an affluent coastal community with some of the most expensive properties in the USA. Utility companies shut off power to more than 8,000 homes to prevent live electrical wires from increasing the fire risk. In 2017, one of California's largest ever wildfires was reached Montecito, but it survived with only minor damage.

The town of some 10,000 people has a strict fire control programme in place, which ensures everything from clearing up dried leaves to installling fire-proofing in every building. Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, bought their home for $14.65 million in the summer of 2020, and now live their with son Archie, five, and three-year-old daughter Lilibet.

Thousands of homes across Los Angeles have been destroyed by the devastating wildfires, including those owned by Paris Hilton, Harrison Ford and Billy Crystal. Five people have been sadly lost their lives in the blaze, according to officials. It's reported over 1,000 homes have been destroyed and more than 70,000 people evacuated.

One of the areas hardest hit is the Pacific Palisades, an affluent Los Angeles neighbourhood that is the home to many high profile A-listers, including Mandy Moore, Anthony Hopkins and Jamie Lee Curtis, all of whom have lost their homes in the unfolding carnage.

The wildfires are still raging on and some celebrities are returning to their homes to see the heartbreaking damaged caused. Star Wars icon Harrison Ford somberly looked on as he returned to his neighbourhood while actor Ashton Kutcher offered a hand to friends affected by the devastation.

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