Meghan Markle pushes back the launch of her new Netflix show because of wildfires in LA – timing questioned by experts

Meghan Markle has decided to delay the launch of her new lifestyle and cooking Netflix show due to the ongoing LA wildfire crisis.

The programme, With Love, Meghan, was set to be released on January 15, but this has now been moved to March 4.  

The Duchess of Sussex issued a statement on Sunday, just three days before the series was set to launch. In her statement, she expressed gratitude to Netflix for their support in delaying the release. This step was taken to prioritize the needs of those affected by the wildfires in her home state of California.

With Love, Meghan reportedly includes tributes to the California-based royal’s home state and her personal ties to it. 

Last week, Meghan and Prince Harry were seen participating in volunteering efforts in the wake of the deadly fires.

During their visit on January 10, the Sussexes went to an evacuation site in Pasadena, California. The charity organization World Central Kitchen was actively providing food and supplies to victims of the Eaton Fire in that area.

According to People magazine, Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, also donated money to the relief efforts through their charity, the Archewell Foundation.

The Pasadena Mayor, Victor Gordo, praised the royal couple for their visit. He mentioned that the couple had volunteered anonymously and that their presence had significantly lifted the spirits of the first responders present at the site during their visit.

Meghan Markle has pushed the release of her new Netflix show to March 4 due to the LA wildfires 

The Duchess, 43, bills the series as creating ‘wonder in every moment’ as she shares her tips and tricks on living well

Meghan Markle was spotted comforting victims and first responders at an evacuation centre on Friday amid the ongoing fires in LA

‘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.

He added that the couple visited some of the burnt out houses in Pasadena and Altadena and spoke to those who had lost their homes.

‘They took the time to meet the people who were affected and spend time. They are just very caring people who are very concerned for their friends and neighbours,’ the Mayor said.

It comes after PR experts questioned the timing of the release of Meghan’s Netflix cookery show and said it should be postponed amid the wildfires.

They suggested to air it now could come across as ‘insensitive’ and ‘tone deaf’ and cause a fierce backlash against the royal couple. 

UK brand and culture expert Nick Ede told MailOnline: ‘I think Netflix bosses will be having to make some big decisions as whether to air With Love, Meghan in the next week.

‘With the show being so centred on California life, Los Angeles and Montecito, providing a glimpse into aspirational and inspirational living, I suspect it will be pulled from its current schedule and delayed for at least a few months.’

A description of the series on Tudum’s website said: ‘Produced by Meghan, With Love, Meghan blends practical how-to’s and candid conversation with friends, new and old.

‘Meghan shares personal tips and tricks, embracing playfulness over perfection, and highlights how easy it can be to create beauty, even in the unexpected.

‘She and her guests roll up their sleeves in the kitchen, the garden, and beyond, and invite you to do the same.’

Flames engulf a structure as the Eaton Fire burns in Pasadena on January 7

So far 16 people have died in the fires, with US President Joe Biden making the terrifying prediction the death toll will rise further in infernos he has likened to a ‘war zone’. 

Meghan and Harry also opened the doors to their $29million mansion in Montecito, which is around 90 miles from LA, to their friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate the ongoing wildfires. 

They have now urged other Los Angeles residents to open up their homes for victims in a statement on their website, Sussex.com, as the wildfires continued to level celebrities’ homes, leaving nothing but ash and rubble.

The couple wrote: ‘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.

‘And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating.’

‘Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys and clothing, and other essentials,’ they said, noting the American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.

Since the fire broke out in Pacific Palisades, new fires have started further east in Altadena, which forced major evacuations in nearby Pasadena on Tuesday night.

More fires broke out in the Hollywood hills on Wednesday, threatening heavily populated parts of Hollywood.

Stars including Paris Hilton, Adam Brody and Leighton Meester’s homes were destroyed, along with Anna Faris’ mansion.

Meghan Markle speaks with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, center, and Doug Goodwin, who’s home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena

Flames near the Mandeville Canyon on January 11

Meghan and Harry pictured with other volunteers after helping LA wildfire victims

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stood alongside the embattled California governor’s wife as they served meals to the survivors of the Los Angeles wildfires

John Goodman and Anthony Hopkins were left with nothing but rubble after their homes burned, and Billy Crystal and Eugene Levy also lost their houses.

Actor James Woods shared video of the approaching flames shortly before he evacuated ahead of the destruction of his house.

The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag saw their home destroyed in the wildfire, and Spencer was pictured looking somberly at the approaching flames before his family was forced to flee.

The Eaton Fire, which broke out just north of Pasedena, has been one of the most devastating, having claimed the lives of six people and burning more than 7,000 structures.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.