As Southern California faces a relentless wave of wildfires, the Duchess of Sussex has become the center of intense public debate, with her actions and choices under close scrutiny.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been actively supporting wildfire victims in the region. On January 10, 2025, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Pasadena for the second time in a week, evoking mixed reactions online. They met with Mayor Victor Gordo to discuss relief efforts and spent time with first responders and victims of the Eaton Fire at the Pasadena Convention Center.

During their visit, the royal couple distributed food and essential supplies and engaged in discussions about community recovery. Earlier in the week, they had anonymously delivered food to displaced families. However, their recent appearance sparked online controversy, with criticism directed at Meghan for wearing expensive jewelry during the visit. A video from the event showed her wearing a Cartier bracelet, which became a focal point of online disapproval.

Social media users voiced their criticism, with comments like, “Photo ops … she shows up wearing 50k in Cartier jewelry lol [sic].” Others questioned the appropriateness of wearing such accessories during a relief effort. Despite the backlash, many praised the couple’s efforts, emphasizing their caring nature and willingness to help.