Prince Harry and Meghan Markle volunteered at an evacuation center where they met the fire victims and the first responders — after they announced that they would open their Montecito home for those in need. Their Archwell Foundation has already been working with chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen to provide meals. Their visit to the evacuation centers was a part of their ongoing philanthropic action but it became a huge controversy as they were photographed hugging people — making it look like nothing but a PR stunt.
Amid all this, a claim is going viral on social media that Meghan Markle actually hugged a woman who was later seen leaving the evacuation center with Harry and Meghan and was probably their staff. “They leave with the girl she hugs for the camera, she is one of their staff, Meghan only hugs her at the end because Harry lets her know they are being filmed from behind,” a post making this viral claim said.
“She leaves with that same woman, she is a staff member. Meghan knew the camera was on here, this was performative compassion. As they leave, Harry waves at a cameraman behind them, presuming who they were not expecting and Meghan then quickly goes to hug the girl again,” another post said.
Meghan haters lapped it up and lashed out at Meghan for faking it in front of the camera.
British journalist Neil Sean claimed that US channels were tipped off in advance before Harry and Meghan’s visits. They had a camera crew and security services when they went there, Sean said adding that it was an alleged staff whom Meghan hugged. He contended that it does not make sense that the woman left with them.
While it can’t be confirmed whether the woman was their staff, she could be a volunteer at the evacuation center who accompanied them till the exit of the center. The woman also had a lanyard indicating that she was probably working at the center.
‘Harry, Meghan US version of royals’
Body language expert Judi James said Harry and Meghan’s visit to the LA fire victims exuded a regal status and they behaved like they are the US version of royals/. “Meghan is doing some full body hugs here in a ritual of consoling and her facial expression mirrors the sadness the people she’s meeting must be feeling,” James told the Mirror. “Coming on top of some more practical help from the couple there’s a feeling they’re appearing like the US version of our royals.”
