Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series With Love, Meghan has been delayed due to the ongoing wildfire crisis in California, she has announced.
The US state has been devastated by wildfires over the past week, described by California governor Gavin Newsom as the worst natural disaster in the country’s history “in terms of the scale and scope”.
More than 12,000 homes have been destroyed in the blazes, with more than 150,000 people evacuated from their residences and at least 16 people confirmed to have died.
As a result of the fires, a number of cultural events set to take place in the area have been delayed, including the announcement of this year’s Oscar nominations.
Meghan’s Netflix series, a cookery show following the former Suits actor’s life in Montecito, California, was set to debut on the streaming service on 15 January.
Follow live updates on the California wildfires here
However, Netflix has now announced that With Love, Meghan will be released on March 4, for reasons of sensitivity.
“I’m thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California,” Meghan said in a statement.
Last week, Meghan and Prince Harry were seen getting personally involved in volunteering efforts in the wake of the wildfires.
On Friday (10 January), the Sussexes visited an evacuation site in Pasadena, California, where charity organization World Central Kitchen was distributing food and supplies to victims of the Eaton Fire.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
According to a report in People magazine, Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, also donated money to the relief efforts through their charity, the Archewell Foundation.
Among the areas worst affected by the disaster is the Pacific Palisades region, where many A-list celebrities live. Several celebrities, including Paris Hilton and When Harry Met Sally star Billy Crystal, have lost their homes in the fires.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo claimed that the royal couple, who volunteered anonymously, “really buoyed the spirits of the first responders”, during their visit.
“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,” the politician told Fox News.
Last Thursday, Harry and Meghan issued a statement on the fires on their official website.
It read: “In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighbourhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centres, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life. A state of emergency has been issued.”
Signposting a number of charities and organisations providing aid during the fires, the statement added: “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,” says the statement. “And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbours to see if they need help evacuating.”