The Duke of Sussex has stayed in the US this week despite his trial against The Sun’s publisher getting underway in the UK.

Prince Harry was seen on a solo visit without Meghan Markle (Image: Instagram/ @salinasfiredepartment)

Prince Harry was all smiles as he visited a fire department in California alone this week to meet service dogs and emergency personnel who have been helping tackle the ongoing wildfires in LA.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, was pictured at Salinas Fire Department yesterday meeting the fire service dogs and emergency workers.

He donned a casual outfit for the visit with grey cargo trousers and a matching grey fleece.

In pictures shared online, the prince can be seen petting two of the service’s dogs Cruz and Taffy. He was also seen in talks with firefighters who have been tackling the wildfires in LA.

The fire service department wrote on social media: “Cruz and Taffy, facility dogs with the Salinas Fire Dept, along with their friends, have been actively assisting in the efforts to combat the LA fires, providing much-needed support to firefighters and affected communities.

Harry spent time talking to firefighters on the visit (Image: @salinasfiredepartment/In​stagram)

“In an inspiring turn of events, they also had the opportunity to meet Prince Harry, who is known for his philanthropic work and advocacy on various social issues, including disaster relief. This encounter not only boosted their morale but also emphasized the importance of community and collaboration in the face of such devastating challenges.”

Fans were quick to praise the prince for his latest visit. One person wrote: “Beautiful visit from Prince Harry.”

A second said: “What a lovely visit from Prince Harry.”

The visit comes just weeks after Harry and wife Meghan, 43, stepped out to volunteer at the Pasadena Community Centre in Los Angeles.

The couple spent time giving out food supplies to victims of the wildfires and meeting with first responders, with the pair also seen hugging those who have lost their homes.

Prince Harry speaks to firefighters who have been helping with the LA wildfires (Image: salinasfiredepartment)

While the couple were praised by many for the visit, they were also criticised and dubbed “disaster tourists”.

Hollywood actress Justine Bateman wrote on X at the time: “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. #PalisadesFire.”

A source close to the couple told Page Six that Meghan and Harry found the comments “offensive”. They said: “It’s offensive to Meghan and Harry that anybody would think this is merely a photo opportunity.

“Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles so this is, and always will be, home to her.”