The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Family, News and Events 10: August 2024 -


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Agree entirely. Real philanthropists quietly do what is required without the need for camera crews or publicising what they are doing.
I understand but there are people who get a morale boost when celebrities show up to offer comfort. It provides a psychological benefit when people feel that famous person cares about them.
 
A friend of mine lost their house in the Palisades fire, so the last few days have been an absolute nightmare. It’s heartbreaking and surreal seeing the destruction. All of the places we know and love are now gone. Every few hours there is a new evacuation order, and a new area where people have to scramble to get out of the area. We’re all on edge…it’s a scary time right now.

As for the Sussexes, it’s good to see them volunteering. In fact, it’s been heartening to see all of the volunteers (both celebs and non celebs) come together to hand out supplies and food. The devastation is beyond real, so it’s nice to see people step in to help each other.

Having said that, I do have an issue with them being allowed to survey the damage in Altadena. Many of the Altadena residents haven’t even been able to do that yet. The Sheriff and the National Guard are turning them away and not allowing them to go back and get their belongings, or check on their homes and neighborhoods. Yet two private citizens who don’t even live in the area, and aren’t part of the government, have been given priority over the actual residents. It makes me deeply uncomfortable. I don’t completely blame the Sussexes. City officials are also behind this decision. I don’t understand why they (or the Sussexes) felt this was appropriate. There is a lot of anger right now so this was absolutely not the right move.
I agree. My own family members had to evacuate due to the Eaton fire. I would be seriously asking questions to my elected officials as to why celebrities are allowed to tour the area when impacted residents cannot go there. For now those who can gain access to these sites should be limited to first responders (fire, police, National Guard etc..), elected officials and limited members of the media.
Had they simply made a donation of any kind from Montecito, I'd have been very pleased to see them assisting.
 
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The Suxesses have become a very explosive and controversial topic. Personally, ever since they publicly discredited the British royal family, I've been done with them. I can well imagine that there were many rules that no longer fit in with modern times. However, I have always found it very unsympathetic that they made the “dirty laundry”, which exists in almost every family, public and also exploit it financially.
But enough of that.

I can understand the criticism of their behavior during the fire disaster in California. On the other hand, if they hadn't spoken out and done something, but instead stayed in their million-dollar mansion because they weren't personally affected? The international shitstorm would have been much worse.
Sometimes I think they can do whatever they want, they will only ever reap criticism. And that, unfortunately, is their own fault
 
A friend of mine lost their house in the Palisades fire, so the last few days have been an absolute nightmare. It’s heartbreaking and surreal seeing the destruction. All of the places we know and love are now gone. Every few hours there is a new evacuation order, and a new area where people have to scramble to get out of the area. We’re all on edge…it’s a scary time right now.

As for the Sussexes, it’s good to see them volunteering. In fact, it’s been heartening to see all of the volunteers (both celebs and non celebs) come together to hand out supplies and food. The devastation is beyond real, so it’s nice to see people step in to help each other.

Having said that, I do have an issue with them being allowed to survey the damage in Altadena. Many of the Altadena residents haven’t even been able to do that yet. The Sheriff and the National Guard are turning them away and not allowing them to go back and get their belongings, or check on their homes and neighborhoods. Yet two private citizens who don’t even live in the area, and aren’t part of the government, have been given priority over the actual residents. It makes me deeply uncomfortable. I don’t completely blame the Sussexes. City officials are also behind this decision. I don’t understand why they (or the Sussexes) felt this was appropriate. There is a lot of anger right now so this was absolutely not the right move.
Keep safe. We cannot offer practical or hands on help from our end, but believe me the world is thinking of you all.
 
This occurred to me too. I could be wrong but I assume that the Sussexes did not get a private visit but rather accompanied officials during an already scheduled tour as a way to bring attention to Altadena. There are so many communities impacted, it must be very tempting for officials to try to focus the spotlight on the people they serve.

Maybe they do have ulterior motives but the people Harry and Meghan met seemed to be buoyed by the visit. They could have just stayed home but instead, they have joined other celebrities to offer some comfort.
With all due respect, we’re seeing images of the destruction in real time, so the Sussexes aren’t actually bringing attention to anything. There was no need for them to be given a tour of the evacuation area. They’re not elected officials. They’re not bringing awareness to the situation. They’re not bringing needed supplies to fight the fires. Their presence at the disaster area wasn’t needed. TMZ said they came with their team and I think the mayor, so this was definitely more of a private visit.

And I’m sure some people did appreciate seeing them, but most residents just want to go home. They want to go back to see if there is anything left of their lives. To grab mementos, or medicine (my friend is dealing with this right now). Yet they’re being turned away, while two private citizens are being escorted around town like they’re elected officials. It’s beyond infuriating.

Here is an article that talks about the frustration many Altadena residents feel.


There is a time and place when it comes to visiting disaster areas. You don’t go when the residents still haven’t been able to process what’s going on. You don’t go when the area is still volatile. The Eaton and Palisades fires are less than 15% contained. It’s going to take weeks to put out them out. Our local news is saying the winds are going to strengthen again next week, which means continued fire hazard. It’s still a dangerous situation.

If the Sussexes insist on doing these faux royals visits, then they need to learn when it’s an appropriate time to visit a disaster area. Volunteering is fine. I applaud them for that. What I object to is them touring impacted areas before the residents.

I am so sorry to hear that soapstar :( I cannot begin to imagine what it must feel like. Please look after yourselves at this dreadful time.
Thank you, shady lady.

I agree. My own family members had to evacuate due to the Eaton fire. I would be seriously asking questions as to why celebrities are allowed to tour the area when impacted residents cannot go there.
Exactly. It wasn’t appropriate time for them to go.

I really hope your family members are safe and holding up okay, TLLK.
 
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With all due respect, we’re seeing images of the destruction in real time, so the Sussexes aren’t actually bringing attention to anything. There was no need for them to be given a tour of the evacuation area. They’re not elected officials. They’re not bringing awareness to the situation. They’re not bringing needed supplies to fight the fires. Their presence at the disaster area wasn’t needed. TMZ said they came with their team and I think the mayor, so this was definitely more of a private visit.

And I’m sure some people did appreciate seeing them, but most residents just want to go home. They want to go back to see if there is anything left of their lives. To grab mementos, or medicine (my friend is dealing with this right now). Yet they’re being turned away, while two private citizens are being escorted around town like they’re elected officials. It’s beyond infuriating.

Here is an article that talks about the frustration many Altadena residents feel.


There is a time and place when it comes to visiting disaster areas. You don’t go when the residents still haven’t been able to process what’s going on. You don’t go when the area is still volatile. The Eaton and Palisades fires are less than 15% contained. It’s going to take weeks to put out them out. Our local news is saying the winds are going to strengthen again next week, which means continued fire hazard. It’s still a dangerous situation.

If the Sussexes insist on doing these faux royals visits, then they need to learn when it’s an appropriate time to visit a disaster area. Volunteering is fine. I applaud them for that. What I object to is them touring impacted areas before the residents.


Thank you, shady lady.


Exactly. It wasn’t appropriate time for them to go.

I really hope your family members are safe and holding up okay, TLLK.
Thank you soapstar. As you mentioned in your post, this is still an active disaster. High winds are coming tomorrow and while my family are okay now, their home and fully occupied rental properties are still in the danger zone of the Eaton fire. Their tenants are in danger too. Add to that there's now ample evidence that some of these fires were arson related, I'd like to point out that this entire region of Southern California from Santa Barbara Co. to the Mexican border could explode. Our resources are stretched very, very thin even with aid and assistance from our neighboring states and Mexico.
I am absolutely livid that celebrities are being given access by city officials to the fire zone when residents cannot access their own homes.:mad: The Sussexes could have declined that portion of their visit but instead they chose to go and ensure that they were filmed/photographed.
I'm going to back out of this thread for the time being.
 
I am always interested in how such meetings with mayors or other officially responsible persons come about. You and I would certainly not have a meeting with the governor or mayor or any other important person with responsibility in this disaster. So, Harry and Meghan contacted these officials in advance, thanks to their status. And this status is solely due to the fact that Harry is the son of the King of England. And everyone knows that, even in the USA. Meghan alone, were she not his wife, would probably have no significance and would not have the same status that she has gained through her marriage.
That's just a fact, and that's how the world works!
 
Soapstar and TLLK, all my thoughts for you, your dear ones and all those affected. I’m not interested in the celebrities affected as they have ample resources, but “the commoners”, my heart is going to them.
 
I understand but there are people who get a morale boost when celebrities show up to offer comfort. It provides a psychological benefit when people feel that famous person cares about them.
I am sorry but if I was homeless, left with the clothes I stood up in, the last thing I would want are celebrities using my situation to boost their egos and their popularity.

I am always interested in how such meetings with mayors or other officially responsible persons come about. You and I would certainly not have a meeting with the governor or mayor or any other important person with responsibility in this disaster. So, Harry and Meghan contacted these officials in advance, thanks to their status. And this status is solely due to the fact that Harry is the son of the King of England. And everyone knows that, even in the USA. Meghan alone, were she not his wife, would probably have no significance and would not have the same status that she has gained through her marriage.
That's just a fact, and that's how the world works!
The royal family they want nothing to do with. The irony .
 
Stay safe and sending prayers to those affected Soapstar and TLLK.

I'm all for celebrities helping - again there are many celebrities doing that right now given some of the areas effected. But in a way these celebrities are better suited as they have a better connection to the areas. Again, Jennifer Garner has also been helping with World Central Kitchen after feeling she needed to do something for the area she lives in and has done for 25+ years. Yet she doesn't need a mayor to accompany her or to have access to devastated areas where even home owners can't go. Nor did she have to drive 1hr40 mins to get to somewhere to help.

If this was truly in their local area whatever they did would feel more "real" and genuine IMO, but travelling so far to "help" makes it feel a little more thought out especially given they seem to have made sure to alert the mayor they were coming.

Again with them - maybe genuine intentions but poorly executed, IMO anyway.
 
Stay safe and sending prayers to those affected Soapstar and TLLK.

I'm all for celebrities helping - again there are many celebrities doing that right now given some of the areas effected. But in a way these celebrities are better suited as they have a better connection to the areas. Again, Jennifer Garner has also been helping with World Central Kitchen after feeling she needed to do something for the area she lives in and has done for 25+ years. Yet she doesn't need a mayor to accompany her or to have access to devastated areas where even home owners can't go. Nor did she have to drive 1hr40 mins to get to somewhere to help.

If this was truly in their local area whatever they did would feel more "real" and genuine IMO, but travelling so far to "help" makes it feel a little more thought out especially given they seem to have made sure to alert the mayor they were coming.

Again with them - maybe genuine intentions but poorly executed, IMO anyway.
As always. It is the pattern.
 
We've just been seeing pictures of large piles of donated clothing, at (I think?) the Santa Anita racetrack, and volunteers trying to sort it all out. We've also seen pictures of long queues at relief centres, where the American Red Cross are giving out food and drink. Clearly a lot of people are trying to help those affected by this terrible disaster. But touring the evacuation zone, as if it's some sort of tourist attraction, really isn't helping anyone.

Hope that you and your family are OK, TLLK. My thoughts are with everyone affected. Even if you're a world famous film star, losing your home and all your belongings is a horrific thing to happen.
 
I hope everyone and their loved ones remain safe. It’s a devastating time for a huge number of people and the subjects of this thread have perhaps never been more irrelevant or minor.

It’s simultaneously true the Duke and Duchess have never been good at reading the room: any room, any time. There’s a difference between ‘wanting to appear helpful’ and actually being of help.
 
The Sussexes donated material to help people displaced by the fires. They got out and volunteered with World Central Kitchen. It appears that their presence has brought a small morale boost to at least some of the people there. I hope that the Sussexes take comfort in that.

If people want to spend their time looking for ulterior motives from the Sussexes or question why they're even there, then so be it. The Sussexes shouldn't answer to that, especially when more important things are going on.

I do agree that it's wrong that the mayor is giving the Sussexes a tour of homes when even their owners aren't allow to go back.
 
They were helping hand out food parcels. Maybe their being shown the area was to see if there was a better way or more effective way to disperse the parcels since they are working with WCK. At least they are doing something. Maybe being shown the area was because of Archewell and where best to see first hand where they could help.
I know people don't believe but they could have just as easily stayed put in their home and not been on the ground helping like a lot of others.
 
I appreciate everyone's feedback. It would have been better to wait until the immediate crisis is over before visiting but I want to give Harry and Meghan the benefit of the doubt. I understand why others find that difficult - I still see red whenever I am reminded of Uvalde. Tragically, the need in LA, as in North Carolina, will continue for a long term. I feel (hope) that the Sussexes will continue to be involved in the recovery. I wish everyone the best.
 
There isn’t any mention of food in that article, it talks about clothing, toys (as mentioned a few days ago on their site) and monetary donations through archewell (so not their money) to support the rebuilding of the area. Also, that they met with Jose with whom they’ve been working for a few years. Nicely put to say not very much. Funny how it’s said they’ve done it discreetly.
When Meghan arrived on the scene it was the first time I ever heard the term 'virtue signaling'. Now I almost take for granted that when they make an appearance like this virtue signaling is all it is. Vapid, glad-handing PR on the back of devastated people.
 
They were helping hand out food parcels. Maybe their being shown the area was to see if there was a better way or more effective way to disperse the parcels since they are working with WCK. At least they are doing something. Maybe being shown the area was because of Archewell and where best to see first hand where they could help.
I know people don't believe but they could have just as easily stayed put in their home and not been on the ground helping like a lot of others.
Archewell is not the Red Cross, Unicef, they are small fry why would they be touring to see at first hand how they could help. This is a mega situation that requires government support, they are small fry.
 
Archewell is not the Red Cross, Unicef, they are small fry why would they be touring to see at first hand how they could help. This is a mega situation that requires government support, they are small fry.
Pure PR, they had no business or need to be there other than centering themselves in the situation. With camera crew in tow I'm sure. Despicable to take away precious moments someone could be relaxing or eating or out there being a hero so H&M can get their next fake award or Netflix fodder.
 
Archewell is not the Red Cross, Unicef, they are small fry why would they be touring to see at first hand how they could help. This is a mega situation that requires government support, they are small fry.
And even if it were for Archewell (which I doubt): they have (a limited number of) staff to do the real work. So, they would need to be the ones discussing the best ways to help out.
 
Kudos to them for being out and about and doing something worthwhile!

I have family and friends in the vicinity who thankfully are ok. However friends of a cousin lost EVERYTHING and literally only left with their lives. Needless to say we're all pitching in to help.

So sad....
 
Do they do actual real work, I am really confused about Archewells place in the charity sector.
I think primarily, they issue grants. Which is fine, but which should not require their level of staffing and overhead.

I think what most people are responding to is the continued confused messaging. Visiting disaster sites (though usually at carefully timed moments to carry out a specific program in agreement with local authorities) is a normal part of work the royal family does, but it’s because they are representatives of the British government, not representing their own interests.

Harry, I think, has the idea that this is the right thing to do because it was the right thing to do for most of his life, but his life has changed and it’s not the right thing for his new life where he is representing himself and his and Megan’s professional interests rather than the government.

Their best move would be to emulate what other celebrities are doing in support. The visit to World Kitchen and a donation to the organization would have been great; surveying the damage in an area they don’t live where residents can’t go is not great.
 
Kudos to them for being out and about and doing something worthwhile!

I have family and friends in the vicinity who thankfully are ok. However friends of a cousin lost EVERYTHING and literally only left with their lives. Needless to say we're all pitching in to help.

So sad....
do you think it is possible that a great deal of people are working hard in the background to help but are not splashed across TMZ to tell everybody what they are doing.
 
Where is the evidence that Harry and/or Meghan called TMZ or indeed anyone else prior to their visit? And when I first saw them on camera early this morning Aus time, it was a TV Fox network local to the area that was reporting and filming the couple, not their own cameras at all. Indeed I didn’t see any camera crew ‘following them around’.
 
Where is the evidence that Harry and/or Meghan called TMZ or indeed anyone else prior to their visit? And when I first saw them on camera early this morning Aus time, it was a TV Fox network local to the area that was reporting and filming the couple, not their own cameras at all. Indeed I didn’t see any camera crew ‘following them around’.
I never said they called TMZ I just commented it was on there. I am sure there are others working in the background who are not on TMZ.
You can defend them all you like , as you always do, I really do not care, this is a tragedy multiple times over and I have better things to do with my time,
 
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I watched the news earlier tonight and it showed residents sitting on the pavement waiting to view their area to assess the damage, I am not saying it is the same area that Meghan viewed as I have no idea but once again it is the optics that they are viewing areas that the residents cannot.
 
The best way they can help is by donating, or handing out food/supplies. Their visit to the evacuation zone served no purpose except to anger the residents who actually should be there.

I’ll just leave these quotes here:

The Guard member was apologetic as people kept coming up, begging to get medication, clothes and insurance papers from their homes.

“I’m sorry,” he said to one woman. “I hate to keep you out of your home.”

Residents gathered around the intersection, frustrated there were no details about when they would be let in.
On Friday afternoon, McCurdy was tired and frustrated, waiting at the blockade, the air ashy.

“They put up a notice saying you were allowed to come in for one visit,” he said. “That’s why everybody’s showing up. … It is frustrating.”

He and his daughter and wife waited two hours before concluding the Facebook post was not true.

I just watched a local press conference where they reiterated that they’re not letting anyone into the evacuation areas, so you need to make sure you take your meds, insurance papers belonging
 
I think the fire victims need privacy not a camera crew gathering info for further exploitation. So sad victims can't go in and view the destruction themselves. I live in N CA and we were evacuated and couldn't go in and look and see if our homes were still standing, excruciating mentally. The S's are there for PR.
 
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