A ‘devastated’ Sarah Ferguson offers message of support as wildfires ravage Los Angeles

It has been a week that many in the Los Angeles area would prefer to forget, as devastating wildfires continue to rage.

Amid the devastation, one British royal has stepped forward with a heartfelt message to the city and its citizens.

Sarah Ferguson uploaded a video on social media expressing her distress for those caught up in the wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area.

Concerned that her words may sound trite, the Duchess of York spoke directly to the camera as she explained that she “had to say something” about the devastation that has wiped out parts of Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Altadena.

“My heart is so devastated by the fires in Southern California and Los Angeles. All the people who have been evacuated from their homes, they’ve lost their homes,” she said.

“The animals, the humane society, I am just so devastated.

“I just had to say something.”

The 65-year-old former royal then explained how sincerely she wanted to help out and asked how she could lend a hand.

“You know that I am 100 per cent there,” she said.

“I really want to know how we can help.

“All over the world is just so affected by this extraordinary devastation.

“My heart goes out to the emergency services, to all the people who are tirelessly working and have been working for all these days to try and contain the fire.”

Ferguson ended her video with a message addressed directly to the first responders.

“To the first responders and the extraordinary people who are out there fighting, to anyone out there, we’re here, we’re going to keep fighting, we’re going to help you rebuild,” she said.

 

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Her heartfelt words resonated with many, as fans flocked to the comments section to express their gratitude.

“You’re such a beautiful soul, Sarah. Your kindness and compassion shines through. God bless you,” one wrote.

“Thank you for mentioning the animals. They need voices.”

“Thank you so much for your heartfelt words. I live in Southern California and knowing that someone so far away and a member of the royal family is taking the time to send messages of love and hope is so kind. Bless you for your kindness and keep the thoughts and prayers coming,” commented another.

“Thank you for your genuine concern.”

In a similar show of support, other members of the Royal Family, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have also stepped up to offer support to those affected by the fires.

The couple donated supplies, served meals with the World Central Kitchen in Pasadena, California, thanked first responders and met with affected families as they took in the devastation caused by the fires.

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo praised the pair for their efforts, telling reporters that they are “very caring people” and that many “were very happy to see them”.

“It’s great people, great personalities and great heart for them to come out here and meet with the first responders, meet with the people who were affected,” Mayor Gordo said.

“It’s very important. They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders.

“People were very happy to see them. They want to be as helpful as they can be … we visited with some of the affected families in some of the burned-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena.

“They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time.

“They’re just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbours.”