It is understood that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have invited friends forced to flee their homes due to terrifying LA wildfires to stay with them at their home in Montecito – but they too are also on standby should they need to evacuate

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have opened up their £23million mansion to help those forced to flee terrifying LA wildfires.

It is understood the Sussexes have invited friends and loved ones who have been forced to evacuate due to the nearby fires to stay with them at their Montecito home. The couple is also believed to have donated supplies to people affected by the blazes, including clothing, children’s items, and other essential supplies.

A series of major fires in California have killed 10 people, ravaged communities and sent thousands of people fleeing their properties, including in areas popular with celebrity homes.

Harry and Meghan’s home in Montecito ( 
Image:
Google Earth)
It comes as sources close to the Sussexes also said they are ready to go into “crisis mode” if they need to evacuate should the fires start to threaten their home. However, it is believed they are still some way from their mansion.

Their security team has been coordinating an evacuation plan while packing essentials for their children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. A neighbour said: “It’s not chaos here yet but the fire is moving fast and we are not taking any chances.” The couple and their neighbours have been given public safety survival kits containing a solar charger, flashlight, protective equipment, ice, water, snacks and safety pamphlets.

Yesterday, Harry and Meghan spoke publicly about the fires for the first time with a statement on their website. They also recommended a list of fire service charities, animal groups and other initiatives to support. It said: “In the last few days, wildfires in southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life.”

Homes have been destroyed by the fires in the LA neighbourhood of Pacific Palisades ( 
Image:
AP)
The Sussexes added: “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. 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.”

Airbnb and 211LA, a non-profit organisation offering housing advice, have partnered to provide free temporary housing to people displaced, Harry and Meghan said. They added that long-time Archewell Foundation partner World Central Kitchen is serving meals to emergency service crews and victims. The list also included Cal Fire and LA Fire Department Foundation which are supporting firefighters, as well as the Animal Wellness Foundation which is housing evacuated animals.Baby2baby is offering nappies, clothing and emergency kits to families, Compton Cowboys is providing emergency transport for horses and bookshop All Power Books is keeping its doors open to distribute aid and offer supplies and water for pick-up, the Sussexes said.

TV personality Paris Hilton, US actor Billy Crystal, The Princess Bride star Cary Elwes, talk show host Ricki Lake and Oscar-winning songwriter Diane Warren are among those who have confirmed that their residences have been destroyed in the fires.

On Thursday, in a social media post, film star Jamie Lee Curtis, 66, said she would be taking money from a foundation set up by her family to aid the areas most impacted. Thousands of firefighters were attempting to contain the original Palisades fire, with at least 70,000 people forced to evacuate their homes as the metropolitan area became blanketed in a thick cloud of smoke and ash.