Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s subtle nod to LA wildfire victims as they pay visit to Pasadena Convention Centre

The Duchess of Sussex made a nod to her hometown when comforting victims of the ongoing LA fire on Friday.

Alongside Prince Harry, 40, Meghan handed out food parcels to those affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Centre in Los Angeles, which is being used as an evacuation centre.

The couple were spotted hugging José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen – a company distributing free hot meals to the public and emergency crews in the wake of the wildfires.

While the mother-of-two, known for choosing sentimental clothing pieces, opted for a low-key outfit consisting of a light blue shirt, black leggings, and white trainers, it was her hat that showed her love for the county devastated by the fire.

While also helping to keep them anonymous, Meghan, 43, opted for a £23 LA Dodger hat in the shade ‘essential blue’, featuring a Los Angeles Dodgers ‘LA’ logo in white on the front.

Harry followed in his wife’s footsteps and revealed his love of his home in the US by sporting a vintage hat with a California bear on it, which features on the official flag of the state of California.

The father-of-two also sported a casual outfit for the outing, complete with a black polo shirt and trousers.

The couple were keen to provide any support they could, according to the Mayor, saying they were ‘great people’ with ‘great personalities’. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a nod to the area devastated by fire through their choice of headwear when visiting victims on Friday at the Pasadena Convention Centre

‘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,’ the Mayor added. 

The interaction was broadcast live on Fox News, with news anchor Susan Hirasuna later being slammed online for describing Meghan as ‘Princess Markle’. She also received criticism for saying Meghan was ‘hanging out with the commoners’. 

It comes after the couple opened the doors to their $29million mansion in Montecito, which is around 90 miles from LA, to their friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate the ongoing wildfires. 

Speaking to Fox News, Mayor Gordo said: ‘They (Harry and Meghan) want to be as helpful as they can be and really they just want to be supportive.’

He added that the couple visited some of the burnt out houses in Pasadena and Altadena and spoke to those who had lost their homes. 

‘They took the time to meet the people who were affected and spend time. They are just very caring people who are very concerned for their friends and neighbours,’ the Mayor said. 

Meghan donned a £23 LA Dodger hat in the shade ‘essential blue’, featuring a Los Angeles Dodgers ‘LA’ logo in white on the front

Harry sported a vintage cap with a California bear on it, which features on the official flag of the US state of California

Ms Hirasuna then asked: ‘I saw Meghan Markle stoop down and take the lid off of a plastic bin. Do they want to really get down and dirty?’

Mayor Gordo replied saying the couple ‘were not here for publicity, they came out here to work’. 

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

‘We went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view firsthand some of the impacted area and then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and their neighbors,’ the Mayor added. 

Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California’s First Partner, was also pictured speaking to the couple along with Chef Andrés. 

Harry and Meghan have urged other Los Angeles residents to open up their homes for victims in a statement on their website, Sussex.com, as the wildfires continued to level celebrities’ homes, leaving nothing but ash and rubble.

The couple urged: ‘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.

‘And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating.’

Meghan sported a LA Dodgers hat, pictured left, and Harry donned one with a California bear on it, pictured right, which features on the official flag of the US state of California

Meghan spoke with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, center, and Doug Goodwin, who’s home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are photographed speaking with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo

‘Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys and clothing, and other essentials,’ they said, noting the American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need. 

Harry and Meghan have already done so, according to The Telegraph, and are working with their staff from the Archewell Foundation to identify the most effective ways to support the community.

Donations have also been made to relief efforts through their foundation, which is also looking for opportunities to volunteer.

Thousands of firefighters have been attempting to contain the wind-driven fires in California which have so far killed 11 people, ravaged communities, and sent thousands of people frantically fleeing their properties.

Blustery winds continue to whip across Los Angeles and could still ignite new fires, though they appear to have mellowed somewhat from their highs on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Since the fire broke out in Pacific Palisades, new fires have started further east in Altadena, which forced major evacuations in nearby Pasadena on Tuesday night.

More fires broke out in the Hollywood hills on Wednesday, threatening heavily populated parts of Hollywood.

Stars, including Adam Brody and Leighton Meester had their homes destroyed, along with Anna Faris’ mansion.

John Goodman and Anthony Hopkins were left with nothing but rubble after their homes burned, and Billy Crystal and Eugene Levy have also lost their houses.

Actor James Woods shared a video of the approaching flames shortly before he evacuated ahead of the destruction of his house. 

The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag saw their home destroyed in the wildfire, and Spencer was pictured looking sombre at the approaching flames before his family was forced to flee.

The Eaton Fire, which broke out just north of Pasedena, has been one of the most devastating, having claimed the lives of six people and burning more than 7,000 structures.