Harry and Meghan were photographed with locals residents in Pasadena (

Image: BBC)

The Sussexes travelled 90 miles from their home to help those affected by the LA wildfires – but they have come under some fierce criticism in the wake of their trip

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to console victims of the LA wildfires has sparked controversy, and now a royal expert has weighed in on the move.

The couple were photographed last weekend embracing local residents and handing out food to evacuees. While many fans applauded their seemingly selfless act, not everyone agreed as the couple were publicly accused of being ‘disaster tourists’ by actress Justine Bateman.

The couple have found themselves embroiled in wild conspiracy theories online ever since, with some even suggesting they had ‘staged’ aspects of their trip, including a hug. Much of the spotlight has been on Meghan, rather than her husband. But according to British historian and royal expert Tessa Dunlop, there is much to be made of Harry’s appearance.

Harry and Meghan were photographed talking to local residents in Pasadena ( 
Image:
BBC)
She told the Mirror: “If the Duchess can’t pull off a convincing philanthropy heist just 90 miles down the road from her Santa Barbara home, then just imagine how Prince Harry felt. I have never seen him look so awkward.

“While Meghan bobbed about, issuing hugs and bottles of water, her hair sashaying under a baseball cap, denim casuals keeping her look cool, uncomfortable, pale Harry hovered on the sidelines, neither in nor out, not fully engaged nor totally removed. Shifting on his feet, his milk-bottle white arms glowing in the forgiving sun, he seemed more unsure than the displaced folk without homes.”

Tessa continued: “In the words of one American friend, ‘Prince Harry has never looked like he belongs here’. Unlike the Beckhams’ easy transition into LA life, or former Californian Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s adoption of the state as his patch, Harry’s hardwired Britishness is a stumbling block, and never more so than last weekend in baked, ravaged Los Angeles where the Duke of Sussex clearly didn’t fit in.

“Perhaps unfairly, ire was poured on the couple for a ‘repulsive’ photoshop opportunity at a disaster hotspot, but the target of the vitriol was primarily his wife. This is her patch, and she’s the one-time Hollywood actress who has just been forced to postpone With Love, Meghan, her Netflix lifestyle-series filmed in Southern California. Once again, Harry is little more than a footnote in a bigger Meghan story.”

Expert Tessa Dunlop has said Harry looked ‘uncomfortable’ during the visit ( 
Image:
BBC)

It comes after a friend of the couple defended their decision to travel to Pasadena and said: “It’s offensive to Meghan and Harry that anybody would think this is merely a photo opportunity.”

Harry and Meghan live in Montecito, near Santa Barbara, some 90 miles from Los Angeles. But the source told Page Six: “Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles, so this is, and always will be, home to her.” They added that the Duchess was ‘not a tourist’ and that “her heart is completely broken for all the lives that have been lost and for those whose homes have been destroyed in these fires”.

Victor Gordo, mayor of Pasadena, also praised the pair, saying they were keen to provide any support they could. The mayor said they were “great people” with “great personalities.” He added, “They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl, and people were very happy to see them.”