Prince Harry takes on Royal role as devastating tragedy hits US

Prince Harry appeared to step back into his royal role as he and Meghan Markle made a surprise public appearance to support victims of the devastating California wildfires. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited an evacuation site in Pasadena, California, on January 10, where they offered comfort to those forced to flee their homes.

Harry, who stepped down as a senior working royal alongside Meghan in 2020, was seen embracing and consoling victims during the visit. His interactions drew attention, with body language expert Judi James analyzing his behavior and noting a return to familiar royal duties.

Speaking with The Express, James said, “Harry looks a little distracted at one point and maybe at a loss to know how to react, but he mirrors his wife by placing a hand on the woman’s shoulder. He appears more assured with the man, cupping the side of his face before offering a very close hug of what looks like sympathy.”

James also observed Meghan’s empathetic gestures during the visit. “Meghan uses a variety of different levels of response here to show her reactions to the stories she is hearing,” she explained. “Her shoulder touch leads to a very deep hug of consolation, followed by responses of horror as she clutches her hands together and even performs a praying hand gesture.”

Of Harry’s approach, James remarked, “It looks as though he has fallen into the kind of royal role he would have played after tragedies or disasters in the UK, where this kind of photo opportunity would have been seen as a way of boosting morale and ensuring attention.”

The couple’s visit highlights their continued commitment to community service despite stepping back from royal duties. By offering support to wildfire victims, Harry and Meghan demonstrated their willingness to use their platform to shed light on critical issues and provide comfort in moments of crisis.

The California wildfires have caused widespread devastation, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s appearance at the evacuation site serves as a reminder of their efforts to balance private life with public service.