Prince Harry raised eyebrows after appearing “awkward” and “out of place” next to Meghan Markle during their visit to the victims of the LA wildfires at the Pasadena Convention Center.
Royal expert Tessa Dunlop commented on Harry’s demeanor, noting that he seemed uncomfortable and disengaged while Meghan actively interacted with survivors, handing out food and offering hugs.
Speaking to The Mirror, Dunlop said, “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.”
She continued, describing Meghan as fully engaged with the victims, “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.”
Dunlop added, “Shifting on his feet, his milk-bottle white arms glowing in the forgiving sun, he seemed more unsure than the displaced folk without homes.” She also noted the sentiment expressed by an American friend, who said, “Prince Harry has never looked like he belongs here.”
The visit sparked some criticism, particularly of the couple’s optics in the midst of such a tragedy. Dunlop explained that while some criticized Meghan for a “repulsive” photo opportunity in a disaster zone, the focus of the negative attention was primarily on her.
“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,” Dunlop noted. “Once again, Harry is little more than a footnote in a bigger Meghan story.”
The royal couple’s visit to the disaster site highlighted the ongoing challenges Harry faces in adapting to his new life in California. His awkwardness during the event raised questions about his sense of belonging in this new chapter of his life, overshadowed by Meghan’s prominent role.