Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have received glowing praise from celebrity chef José Andrés for his or her dedication to humanitarian and charitable work.
The Duke of Sussex recently made a solo stop at an event celebrating the launch of Andrés’s cookbook, “Spain My Way.”
Amid reports that the couple is battling financial pressure, a royal expert has suggested they could now face calls to reduce their expensive lifestyle in California.
World-renowned celebrity chef José Andrés expressed admiration for Harry and Meghan, praising their commitment to humanitarian causes.
In a conversation with PEOPLE, Andrés, who also leads humanitarian efforts through his World Central Kitchen nonprofit, gave insight into his close friendship with the couple. He explained that they’re open and welcoming, like every other family.
“They made their kitchen the meeting place like every other family,” he said. “I like how Meghan interacts along with her children and food.”
Andrés is near the Sussexes and even appeared on Meghan’s lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan,” on Netflix. Within the finale of the show’s second season, Meghan revealed that Harry doesn’t like lobster, prompting Andrés to joke, “And also you married him anyway?”
For the chef, spending time with Harry and Meghan appears like meeting with anyone else, as they discuss life, family, food, recent restaurants, and other on a regular basis topics.
Prince Harry And Meghan’s Quiet Charity Work Gets Highlight
The chef went on to highlight Harry and Meghan’s dedication to hands-on charity work, saying he’s “proud to call them friends.”
Through their Archewell Foundation, the couple has partnered with Andrés’s World Central Kitchen nonprofit to offer meals to communities affected by disasters.
He said he often receives calls or texts from the Montecito-based royals when disasters occur, with the couple asking, “What can we do here, and might we assist you?”
“No person finds out about those moments, and so they do it often, on a regular basis,” he said of the couple’s efforts.
Through the Eaton fires that ravaged parts of Pasadena and the greater California area, Harry and Meghan joined Andrés’ organization’s relief efforts, sharing meals and supplies with victims.
“They’re all the time caring about all of the things happening on the earth. They don’t have to try this,” Andrés said. “They sincerely do it because they care.”
Chef Defends Harry And Meghan From ‘Photo Op’ Criticism
While the couple has often faced online criticism and accusations of staging “photo ops” when stepping out to perform public service, Andrés appeared to beat back against that narrative. He explained that the Sussexes ensure to indicate up and “be a part of the answer.”
Weighing in on Harry’s recent trip to Ukraine, where he supported wounded veterans and military personnel through his Invictus Games Foundation, Andrés said, “not plenty of people do this.”
“They will determine to live a life within the comfort of their home, but I like that they’re there even when no person’s looking, they’re there just ensuring that they can be a part of the answer,” he added of the couple. “That’s why I’m very proud to call them friends,” Andrés said.
Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Face Fresh Pressure Over Their Lifestyle
Despite their humanitarian work, Harry and Meghan have continued to face scrutiny, especially over their funds. Over time, they’ve reportedly lost out on multimillion-dollar deals, while several business ventures have struggled to achieve strong momentum.
Based on Page Six, Harry has not been earning as much as before, while Meghan has essentially change into the “breadwinner” of their family. Their cost of living is alleged to be north of $6 million, with a big portion reportedly going toward security, travel, staff salaries, mortgage payments, and other expenses.
Royal expert and columnist Maureen Callahan has now suggested that the couple is under mounting pressure to downsize their luxury lifestyle in California if financial pressure continues to grow.
King Charles Reportedly Still Hesitant To See Prince Harry
While speculation has suggested that Harry may meet along with his estranged father, King Charles, during a summer trip to the UK to drum up support for the Birmingham Invictus Games next 12 months, sources have claimed that a reunion is unlikely.
Citing the couple’s proposed “half in, half out” royal arrangement, which was rejected by Queen Elizabeth, a source told royal commentator Paula Froelich that it will be difficult for the king to increase an olive branch.
“Ever since Harry broke the Sandringham agreement, it will be an excessive amount of for Charles to see him,” the insider said, per NewsNation.
Charles can be understood to be displeased by claims that Meghan has used his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, to advertise merchandise from her lifestyle brand, As Ever.