She continued, “Though the couple faced backlash for what some deemed a ‘distasteful’ photo opportunity at a disaster site, most criticism was directed at Meghan. This is her home turf—she’s the former Hollywood actress recently forced to delay her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, filmed in Southern California. Once again, Harry is more of a side note in a larger Meghan narrative.”

A friend of the couple defended their trip to Pasadena, saying, “It’s offensive to Meghan and Harry that anyone would think this is just a photo op.”

Harry and Meghan reside in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, roughly 90 miles from Los Angeles. The source told Page Six, “Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles, so this will always be home to her.” They emphasized that Meghan is “not a tourist” and that “her heart is broken for the lives lost and those who have lost their homes in these fires.”

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo commended the couple, noting their eagerness to help. He described them as “great people” with “great personalities,” adding, “They lifted the spirits of the first responders. At the command post at the Rose Bowl, people were thrilled to see them.”