A new Netflix series starring Meghan Markle, the actress wife of Britain's Prince Harry, has been delayed due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, the Duchess of Sussex said Sunday.
"With Love, Meghan," an eight-episode lifestyle and cooking show, was set to debut on the streaming platform Wednesday, but with blazes still raging across Los Angeles, killing at least 16 people and destroying thousands of homes, it has been pushed back to March.
"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," Markle said in a statement.
Markle, who was born in Los Angeles, lives with Harry in Montecito, a coastal enclave about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of the city.
A Netflix statement called the show a "heartfelt tribute to the beauty of Southern California."
The delay was made "at the request of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and with the full support of Netflix... due to the ongoing devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires," it said.
Last week, Harry and Meghan were seen in Pasadena, Los Angeles, comforting fire survivors. They also urged Californians to open their homes to evacuees.
"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," said a statement posted on their official website.
A publicist did not respond to AFP's request for comment on whether the couple had personally hosted any evacuees, but a report in Britain's Telegraph said they were sheltering "friends and loved ones who have been displaced by the wildfires."
The pair also reportedly donated "clothing, children's items, and other essential supplies."
A trailer for With Love, Meghan previewed Markle sharing tips on cooking, gardening, crafting, flower arranging, and hosting. Guests will include celebrated chef Alice Waters, actress Mindy Kaling, and close friend Abigail Spencer, one of Markle's Suits co-stars. Harry appears briefly in the trailer.
Since stepping away from their royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been financially independent, developing their own sources of income. Their partnership with Netflix produced the widely discussed Harry & Meghan, a six-episode docuseries released in December 2022.
In March 2024, Meghan launched the lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard.