World Central Kitchen owner and chef José Andrés praised friends Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for showing up to help victims of the L.A. fires despite criticism in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s lives and careers were highlighted in a cover story from Vanity Fair, with the news outlet speaking to more than a few of the people in their inner circle. One such person the news outlet spoke to was Jane Marie,

They met up with Pasadena’s mayor, Victor Gordo, thanked first responders and also met up with their pal, Andrés, who was on hand with his charity, World Central Kitchen, which feeds people displaced by war and natural disasters.

“Family Ties” star Justine Bateman, who has already voiced her distain for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ administration in the aftermath of the disastrous Southern California wildfires, slammed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for what she believed to be an insensitive “photo op” at an evacuation center for victims.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been branded 'highly inappropriate' for the comments they made about Meta, the tech company that owns Facebook and Instagram

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decide to be in the UK spotlight, according to a friend of the couple. José Andrés, 55, the World Central Kitchen founder, praised the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for stepping out to serve meals,