The Duke and Duchess of Sussex travelled to Pasadena to offer support to residents impacted by the LA fires, but conspiracy theorists have now savagely questioned the move

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were filmed consoling victims of the LA wildfires, but their kind gesture has since sparked wild conspiracy theories online.

The couple, who live 90 miles north of LA, travelled to Pasadena on Friday, where they met with the city’s mayor Victor Gordo and emergency workers tackling the Eaton Fire.

Footage showed the duchess, wearing a blue LA baseball cap, and the prince hugging people who had fled to the Convention Center, and handing out food to evacuees.

But some X Users have brutally accused the couple of ‘staging’ one aspect of their trip. Alongside a video clip showing Meghan and Harry consoling a woman wearing a dark grey T-shirt, one wild claim reads: “The part they don’t want you to see. The girl that Meghan was hugging is leaving with them, so she’s clearly staff.

“Then you pan round to see that the TMZ photographer was allowed to follow them into the security closed off area, to get the footage needed. Publicity vultures.”

“Why is the ‘Fire Victim’ leaving with them?,” one person questioned in the comments, to which another claimed: “She was a volunteer, according to her lanyard, but it’s obvious she’s their staff. Meghan only goes to hug her when she realises they are being filmed walking away.”

However, the city’s mayor Victor Gordo spoke out in praise of Harry and Meghan, telling reporters: “This is their second visit today. We were here earlier today and they were serving food, anonymously. No one knew they were serving food, with masks on. They didn’t come out here for publicity. They came out here to work.

He continued: “Then we went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view first-hand some of the impacted area. Then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and our neighbours.”

It’s not the only criticism to have been aimed at the Sussexes following their Pasadena visit. The couple have been savagely branded “disaster tourists” with actress Justine Bateman slamming them for a “repulsive photo op”.

Taking to X, she fumed: “Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved. They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists.”

Harry and Meghan are understood to have donated supplies, including clothing and children’s items, to people affected by the disaster.

They also released a statement on Thursday urging people to help those affected by the wildfires and to open their homes to those evacuated. “If a friend, loved one, or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do,” the couple wrote on their official website.

“Be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbours to see if they need help evacuating. Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.”

The Mirror has reached out to Harry and Meghan’s representatives for comment.