Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have received glowing praise from celebrity chef José Andrés for their 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 may now face calls to scale back 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 are open and welcoming, like any other family.
“They made their kitchen the meeting place like every other family,” he said. “I love how Meghan interacts with her children and food.”
Andrés is close to the Sussexes and even appeared on Meghan’s lifestyle series, “With Love, Meghan,” on Netflix. In the finale of the show’s second season, Meghan revealed that Harry does not like lobster, prompting Andrés to joke, “And you married him anyway?”
For the chef, spending time with Harry and Meghan feels like meeting with anyone else, as they talk about life, family, food, new restaurants, and other everyday topics.
Prince Harry And Meghan’s Quiet Charity Work Gets Spotlight
The chef went on to spotlight Harry and Meghan’s dedication to hands-on charity work, saying he is “proud to call them friends.”
Through their Archewell Foundation, the couple has partnered with Andrés’s World Central Kitchen nonprofit to provide 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 can we help you?”
“Nobody finds out about those moments, and they do it often, all the time,” he said of the couple’s efforts.
During 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 are always caring about all the things happening in the world. They don’t have to do that,” Andrés said. “They sincerely do it because they care.”
Chef Defends Harry And Meghan From ‘Photo Op’ Criticism
While the couple has frequently faced online criticism and accusations of staging “photo ops” when stepping out to perform public service, Andrés appeared to push back against that narrative. He explained that the Sussexes make sure to show up and “be part of the solution.”
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 a lot of people do that.”
“They can decide to live a life in the comfort of their home, but I love that they are there even when nobody’s looking, they’re there just making sure that they can also be part of the solution,” 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 finances. Over the years, they have reportedly lost out on multimillion-dollar deals, while several business ventures have struggled to gain strong momentum.
According to Page Six, Harry has not been earning as much as before, while Meghan has essentially become the “breadwinner” of their family. Their cost of living is said to be north of $6 million, with a large 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 with his estranged father, King Charles, during a summer trip to the UK to drum up support for the Birmingham Invictus Games next year, 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 would be difficult for the king to extend an olive branch.
“Ever since Harry broke the Sandringham agreement, it would be too much for Charles to see him,” the insider said, per NewsNation.
Charles is also understood to be displeased by claims that Meghan has used his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, to promote merchandise from her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
