Their mansion sits in Santa Barbara, which has been hit with a ‘high fire risk’ warning.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have opened up their Montecito mansion to friends and loved ones who have been displaced by the wildfires currently devastating California. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a statement on Thursday, imploring their followers to support victims of the blazes, which have seen more than 130,000 flee their homes.

While fires have not yet spread to Montecito, the Santa Barbara enclave where Meghan and Prince Harry live with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, large swathes of the community have been labelled a ‘high fire risk’, with warnings of potential power shut-offs in the area. Malibu, located 70 miles away, saw beach-front homes reduced to ash as the wildfires spread through the city.

View of the gate of the Estate where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle have their house in Montecito

In a statement released on their Sussex.com website, the Duke and Duchess called upon Californians to support each other in whatever way they could, writing: ‘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 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 clothing, and other essentials. The American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.’

Now, it has been revealed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are leading by example, with The Telegraph reporting that the royal couple have opened the doors of their mansion – dubbed ‘The Chateau of Riven Rock’ – to welcome friends, family, and loved ones who may be in a need of a place to stay.

The couple are also said to have donated essential supplies to fire victims, including clothing and children’s items. The Duke and Duchess have been working with their close friend, chef José Andrés, and his World Central Kitchen organisation to supply meals in the wake of the disaster. Donations have reportedly been made to relief efforts via the Sussexes’ Archewell Foundation.

A view of Montecito, large swathes of which have been hit with a ‘high fire risk’ warning

Harry and Meghan moved to Montecito in 2020, setting down roots in a mansion with extensive gardens, clipped hedges, cypress and olive trees, a tennis court, a tea house, a children’s cottage and a large swimming pool. There’s also an additional guest house, with two further bedrooms and bathrooms. Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, was filmed in Montecito, at the idyllic estate of philanthropists Tom and Sherrie Cipolla.

Los Angeles declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, and the world watched on as wildfires spread across 27,000 acres and killed at least five people. One of the worst affected areas, the ritzy Pacific Palisades, plays home to numerous Hollywood celebrities, many of whom have seen their luxury mansions ravaged by the blaze.

Paris Hilton, whose beachfront home was burnt to the ground, said that the disaster left her ‘heartbroken beyond words’, mourning the ‘precious memories’ she had forged in the Palisades. According to People, actors Miles Teller, Anthony Hopkins, and John Goodman have also lost their homes.

In the May 2019 issue of Tatler, David Jenkins wrote about the 365 days that had passed since Meghan Markle’s marriage to Prince Harry. Now, many of the anecdotes of courtier gossip and fall outs with friends ring resoundingly true, as the Duke and Duchess look ahead at 2025

It comes at a difficult time for Meghan Markle, who on Wednesday announced the death of her beloved rescue dog, Guy. The Duchess said she had cried ‘too many tears to count’ following the tragic news, which she shared in a touching video montage in tribute to the canine companion, who she had adopted 15 years ago.

Royal watchers were particularly moved by the bond between Guy and Prince Archie. In one home video, the five-year-old tells his mother that their pet ‘might fall’ as the dog accompanies the Sussexes in the backseat of a car, driven by Prince Harry. ‘He’s not gonna fall, don’t you worry,’ the Duchess replies, ‘Mama has him.’

The tribute closes with Meghan, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet singing a song dedicated to Guy, with Prince Archie’s American accent drawing the attention of many: ‘We love you Guy! And we’ll be true, when you’re not near us, we’re blue!’