Prince Harry Visits with Firefighters and Therapy Dogs Ahead of Tabloid Settlement: ‘Boosted Their Morale’

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Salinas Fire Dept/MEGA

Prince Harry with Salinas Fire Department

Salinas Fire Dept/MEGA

The same week his landmark court case againstThe Sunwas scheduled to take place in the U.K.,Prince Harryremained at home in California — and the Southern California wildfires were top of mind.

On Jan. 21, the Salinas Fire Department shared a photo of Prince Harry with firefighters as well as Cruz and Taffy, facility dogs who work with the fire department. The dogs, the fire department wrote, “have been actively assisting in the efforts to combat the L.A. fires, providing much-needed support to the firefighters and affected communities.”

Prince Harry with Salinas Fire Department

Of meeting the Duke of Sussex, 40,the fire department wrote, “In an inspiring turn of events, they 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.”

In the four photos shared on Instagram, Harry can be seen posing with the dogs and firefighters, bending down to pet the dogs and chatting with a firefighter. Harry is a known dog lover, and he and wifeMeghan Marklehave two dogs, a black Labrador named Pula and a senior rescue beagle named Mamma Mia. On Jan. 7, Meghan announced that their other rescue beagle, Guy, had died, writing on her newly launched Instagram account that she had“cried too many tears to count.”

In addition to meeting with therapy dogs and firefighters,The Daily Mailreported that on Jan. 20 Harry met firefighters from South Dakota in Southern California who have been drafted to help with the fighting the wildfires in the area.

Prince Harry with Salinas Fire Department

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Prince Harry South Dakota Department of Public Safety

South Dakota Department of Public Safety/Facebook

On Jan. 9, Harry and Meghan shared a statement titled “Southern California Fires” to theirofficial sussex.com website, where they wrote, “In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers and so much more — affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life.” The statement went on to share ways the public could help contribute to the relief effort. On Jan. 12, Meghan, 43, delayed the planned Jan. 15 release date of her Netflix showWith Love, Meghanuntil March 4 out of sensitivity to the fires in L.A., located about 90 miles from Harry and Meghan’s home in Montecito.

Prince Harry with Salinas Fire Department

An industry insider later told PEOPLE on Jan. 13 that “Delaying the release ofWith Love, Meghanwas likelyan easy decision for her. I don’t think she could imagine putting out a show centered on joy and hosting when so many people in her home state no longer have homes to host people in.”

A poster from Netflix’s ‘With Love, Meghan’ with the show’s original release date.Courtesy of Netflix

With Love, Meghan Key Art

Courtesy of Netflix

“I think it’s sad that critics are saying she’s only doing this to avoid the fires overshadowing her show. We’re all human, and we’re dealing with a catastrophe,” the insider added.

In addition tovolunteering at World Central Kitchenin Pasadena on Jan. 10, PEOPLE previously confirmed the couple alsoopened their Montecito hometo friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate, andMeghan made a low-key visiton Jan. 13 to the Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery group, bringing new clothing, beauty products and lunch for the volunteers.

Prince Harry South Dakota Department of Public Safety

On Jan. 22, Harry’s legal battle with Rupert Murdoch-ownedThe Sunended in a reported eight-figure settlementand a “full and unequivocal apology” for not only Harry but also his mother, Princess Diana, for “serious intrusion” into both of their lives.

source: people.com