Jose Andres Praises Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for Their Wildfire Relief Efforts
Celebrity chef José Andrés has expressed his admiration for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for their dedication to volunteering during the recent wildfires in California.
In an interview with People, published on January 19, Andrés, who is 55 years old, shared his happiness in seeing the couple contribute alongside many others during this critical time.
"I mean, listen, I consider them friends," Andrés stated. "I know they are in the spotlight — not in America, but in Britain — and what I can tell you from what I know is that they don’t have to, but they decide to do it."
Andrés is the founder of World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that provides meals to communities in need during conflicts or natural disasters. The organization has a long-standing partnership with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation.
Markle, aged 43, and Harry, aged 40, recently collaborated with Andrés and World Central Kitchen to support efforts for wildfire relief. They also donated essential items to those affected in the Pacific Palisades area, where the fires began on January 7.
Andrés remarked, "Probably, you feel like it’s better that nobody does anything because nobody criticizes you for showing up — but the amazing thing is that they show up."
This support comes in spite of criticism aimed at the couple; Justine Bateman had previously accused Markle and Harry of volunteering merely for a "photo op." Bateman commented on social media, stating that the couple was no better than “ambulance chasers” and questioned their intentions.
While Andrés did not directly address Bateman’s remarks during his People interview, he emphasized that anyone who volunteers deserves applause and recognition, celebrity or not.
He added, "The hugs I saw them give to the people that recognize them and even the people that don’t recognize them — it’s people that just want somebody to listen to them and give them a hug."
Andrés noted, "The joy they bring to the people, the joy they bring to the first responders, or the people that lost everything… and to see those celebrities giving hugs and crying with the people when some of those celebrities lost their homes — they could be home, but they are there."
When the fires first erupted, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex even opened their home in Montecito, California, which is about 80 miles from the blaze, to friends who needed somewhere safe to stay.
Furthermore, Markle decided to postpone the release date of her upcoming Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, which was initially set for January 15, now moved to March 4.
In a statement released on January 12, Markle expressed gratitude towards Netflix for their understanding in allowing her to delay the launch to concentrate on aiding those affected by the wildfires in California.
volunteering, relief, wildfire, support