Key Takeaways:

• Mayor Victor Gordo defends Prince Harry and Meghan Markle against PR stunt accusations during their visit to an evacuation center.
• Harry reportedly brought a donut for a fire victim, indicating their genuine approach to volunteering.
• Critics claim the couple’s actions were self-serving amid ongoing controversies regarding their public image.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle faced significant backlash for their recent visit to an evacuation center in Pasadena, California, where they assisted firefighters and evacuees. Mayor Victor Gordo has stepped forward to counter claims that their efforts were merely a “PR stunt”, emphasizing that neither the first responders nor the public recognized the couple as they served food anonymously, wearing masks and caps. Gordo stated, “They really buoyed the spirit of the first responders. People were very happy to see them,” highlighting their efforts were rooted in goodwill rather than publicity.

Amid the outcry, a lighthearted anecdote emerged involving a fire victim who asked Prince Harry for a donut. Gordo recounted that Harry quickly left to find one and returned ten minutes later with the sweet treat. “The gentleman looks up and says, ‘I guess I need my carbs and my sugar,’” Gordo relayed, underscoring the comical yet genuine interaction that little did the man know was with a royal.

Despite the apparent positive interactions, social media reaction remains divided, with critics accusing the Sussexes of making every crisis about themselves. Many voiced confusion over the presence of cameras during what was portrayed as an “anonymous” visit. Some residents expressed anger that Harry and Meghan received a “quasi-royal” tour while evacuees were still barred from returning home. Supporters, however, argue that celebrities like Harry and Meghan volunteering should not be met with disdain, stating, “The faux hate toward this couple has to stop,” and defending Markle against what they see as ongoing unfair criticism.

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