The Duchess of Sussex has been praised as 'incredibly kind' by the teenage founder of an LA-based charity set up in support of those affected by the wildfires last month. Avery Colvert, 14, told Marie Claire that the support from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation has turned the relief effort - Altadena Girls - supporting young girls in need into a full-blown non-profit organisation.

Hitting back at claims that Meghan, 43, was chasing a photo opp when she and Harry were spotted volunteering at a food bank in LA, Colvert said 'people weren't there'. She recalled how the Duchess brought 'bags of clothing from her own closet' and even 'got stylist training' so she could help the young girls pick the most flattering outfits from the piles of donations Altadena Girls received. 'For all the girls that were coming in, they got to be styled by Meghan Markle, she continued, adding that some people were so overwhelmed by the Duchess' presence at her fair that they 'just completely broke down'.

Her step-father Matt Chait added that Archewell Foundation has continued to support Altadena Girls and 'open lots of doors for us and make connections'. He said that the foundation also helped secure the building that is now Altadena Girls' permanent home. Meanwhile, Avery is excited for what the future holds as Altadena Girls is set to become a 'long-term solution' to help young girls in need rather than just a disaster relief project set up in response to the wildfires that ripped through Los Angeles in January.

The Duchess of Sussex has been praised as 'incredibly kind' by the teenage founder of an LA-based charity set up in support of those affected by the wildfires last month. Last month, it was reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who were also on the cusp of evacuation as the fire spread towards their Montecito mansion, have donated to the Altadena Girls Fire Recovery Fund through their Archewell Foundation.

Altadena Girls was launched by 14-year-old Avery Colvert to support teenage girls in her community to 'regain their sense of self and confidence' after the fires. The charity website notes: 'This fundraiser aims to restore normalcy for the teenage victims affected by this unfortunate event. 'Avery, witnessing the profound impact on her friends and schoolmates, has embarked on this mission to provide essentials that are crucial for them to feel like themselves again.

'We are focusing on gathering clothes, personal items, beauty and hair care products – the everyday items that allow these teenagers to thrive and carry on amidst challenging circumstances. 'By contributing, you help us fund the necessary items that bring smiles back to our teenagers' faces and a sense of normalcy back to their lives. More importantly, you are helping us build towards long-term support.'.

Taking to Instagram, the charity gave a 'special thanks' to Archewell Foundation for their support. Royal fans responded with gushing comments to thank Harry and Meghan, who inspired them to also donate. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle , who are now also on the cusp of evacuation as the fire spreads towards their Montecito mansion, have donated to the Altadena Girls Fire Recovery Fund through their Archewell Foundation.

One person wrote: 'If Harry and Meghan give the seal of approval then so do I. I'm happy to donate money. I am in Australia so unfortunately can't volunteer. Well done girls.'. Another said: 'Thank you Harry and Meghan and all the help you give via your Archwell foundation. Heading straight to donate.'. Someone else wrote: 'Precious Harry and Meghan. Stay strong Altadena.'. It comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made an appearance at a food bank as they comforted victims and first responders amid the ongoing fires in LA.

The royal pair have been handing out food parcels to those affected by the devastating fires at the Pasadena Convention Centre in Los Angeles, which is being used as an evacuation centre, on Friday. The couple were spotted hugging José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which is distributing free hot meals to the public and emergency crews in the wake of the wildfires. Meghan, who was dressed in a light blue shirt and blue baseball cap, and Harry, who donned a black baseball cap and black polo shirt, also took time to speak with the Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo.

The couple were keen to provide any support they could, according to the Mayor, saying they were 'great people' with 'great personalities'. It comes after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made an appearance at a food bank as they comforted victims and first responders amid the ongoing fires in LA. The deadly fires, which have killed at least 24 people and burned more than 40,000 acres, have been fueled by high winds like the ones that are today expected to hit Montecito.