Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received a lot of criticism when they showed up at an evacuation center set up for citizens in and around LA County who have been affected by the wildfires.

They were supposed to be volunteering their time. But because they only stayed for 17 minutes and then took pictures with Pasadena’s mayor Victor M. Gordo, many dubbed it as a staged “photo op” for the Sussexes. The non-working royals also toured some of the disaster zones which angered residents who own property there and haven’t been allowed to get back there yet themselves.

To try and quiet some of the negative noise, a few days later Meghan was spotted carrying bags of donations as she arrived at Altadena Teen Girls, which is an organization helping several fire victims. And the following week, Prince Harry made a trip of his own to meet with fire department officials and therapy dogs.⁠

However, an expert noticed that the Duke of Sussex didn’t appear too comfortable making his appearance without Meghan.

Prince Harry makes solo trip to area devastated by wildfires

On Jan. 21, Harry made a surprise visit to the Rose Bowl–which is currently being used as a base for the Eaton Fire responders–and met with Salinas firefighters as well as therapy dogs sent to Los Angeles to assist with the response to the wildfires.

The prince was dressed casually in black pants and a black jacket as he was seen petting the dogs named Cruz and Taffy.

Following the visit, a post on the department’s Instagram page read: “[Salinas Fire Dept. officers and dogs] also had the opportunity to meet Prince Harry, who is known for his philanthropic work and advocacy on various social issues, including disaster relief. This encounter not only boosted their morale but also emphasized the importance of community and collaboration in the face of such devastating challenges.”

Expert says the duke looks confused without Meghan there

Just like last time he was in LA with Meghan, Harry posed for a photo with some first responders. But an expert pointed out that during this outing without his wife, the duke showed confusion about his role there.

As body language and behavioral expert Judi James told The Mirror: “The visit has all the hallmarks of a royal one as it’s claimed he has been there boosting morale, which is not something a normal citizen of Montecito or your average celebrity would be expected to do. He’s not in celebrity mode, either, with his very understated casual clothing and his tempered smiles to the camera.”

James went on to explain that the photo taken “wouldn’t fit the royal profile” as it would require a “smarter dress.”

Moreover, in one image Harry is seen standing at the end of the line for a group photo instead of front and center. According to James, “Harry stands at the back and the end of the line for the group photo rather than posing in the middle to show full engagement. He’s splayed his legs but stuffed his hands into his pockets hinting at a desire to hide.”