In an emotional moment, the Duchess of Sussex was seen embracing evacuees sheltering from the devastating wildfires in California.

In an emotional moment Meghan Markle appeared to choke back tears as she hugged evacuees of the California wildfires.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were seen at the Pasadena Convention Centre on January 10, which is being used as an evacuation centre.

Here the couple spoke to victims and also thanked first responders including Los Angeles County firefighters and police.

The clip of the joint appearance shows Meghan, who was dressed in a light blue shirt and blue baseball cap, and Harry, who wore a black baseball cap and black shirt, also taking time to console the Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo.

A video circulating social media and broadcast on Fox News shows Meghan closing her eyes as she embraces people and listens to their ordeals as the situation unfolds.

Meghan and Harry visited evacuees of the California wildfires

It is understood the couple donated essential supplies, served meals with World Central Kitchen and connected with affected families and elderly individuals.

Pasadena Mayor, Victor Gordo, praised and described the couple’s efforts on Fox News: “They want to be as helpful as they can be…we visited with some of the affected families in some of the burned-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena.

“They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. They’re just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbours.”

He said Harry and Meghan made an earlier appearance at the centre on the same day, during which they were “anonymously” serving food to victims who were unable to recognise the pair with their masks on.

Social media users have praised the strenuous efforts of the couple online. One user wrote: “Honestly, I think it’s a nice gesture on their part.”

Another said: “Harry and Meghan continuing his mother’s absolutely inspiring work.”

Meghan and Harry were pictured helping victims of the wildfires (Image: Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News)

The wildfires in Southern California, have tragically claimed the lives of eleven people. Law enforcement officials expect the death toll to rise once weather and fire conditions allow dogs and detectives into the burn zones.

Through their Archewell Foundation, it is reported Harry and Meghan have contributed monetary donations and plan to continue supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts with future visits.

Harry and Meghan previously issued a statement and urgent plea for help on their website: “In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life.”

The couple, who live in Montecito, California, also posted a series of links on their Sussex.com website to various charities people can help with, and urged people to “open their homes” to those evacuated.

Pasadena Mayor, Victor Gordo, praised the couple’s efforts (Image: MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Image)