Everyone has been keeping an eye on the tragic wildfires that have been wreaking havoc through Northern and Southern California, and everyone knows that the fires have been devastating. According to Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea, the death toll is already at 79, with more than 1,000 people still missing. The entire world has watched the destruction unfold, and Queen Elizabeth also just decided to send a message to the people of California, which happens to be Meghan Markle’s birthplace.

The Queen recently released a joint statement with her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The statement read as follows: “Prince Philip and I offer our deepest sympathies to the people of California, who continue to suffer from the devastating fires across the state. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victims, and to all those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. I pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the US emergency services and the volunteers that have provided support.”

Queen and Meghan Markle
Getty Images

The Duchess of Sussex actually lived in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles with her mother, Doria Ragland, until she was just two years old. If you’re interested in providing assistance to the California residents, Pop Sugar has offered some ways to do that:

-Donate to the American Red Cross, which is providing assistance to California residents.

-If you’re in the surrounding area, give displaced citizens a place to stay using Airbnb’s Open Home program.

-Find opportunities to offer your skills or donate through the California Volunteers network.

-Assist evacuated animals by donating to the Humane Society of Ventura County or purchasing needed supplies on its Amazon wishlist.

We all hope that the situation in California can soon come to an end and that that great state can begin to rebuild.

Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and all things royal!