The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have said Jamaica is ‘close to their hearts’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have donated to relief efforts across the Caribbean following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic storms ever recorded.

In a statement released through the Archewell Foundation, the couple said they were “deeply moved” by the destruction in Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and the Bahamas, where entire communities have been flattened and thousands of families left homeless.

“Hurricane Melissa has torn through the Caribbean, devastating communities across Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas,” the statement read.

“Many people have lost their lives in one of the strongest Atlantic storms ever recorded, with winds reaching 185 mph. Thousands of homes are gone. Critical infrastructure, hospitals, schools and water systems, lie in ruins.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex highlighted the impact on Jamaica, a country they described as being “close to their hearts” after visiting in early 2024 for the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love in Kingston.

“Jamaica, a country The Duke and Duchess hold close to their hearts and last visited in 2024, has been hit especially hard,” the statement continued.

“Towns and villages that are usually vibrant and full of life have been torn apart. Entire neighbourhoods remain underwater. More than three-quarters of the island is still without power, and for many families, the question isn’t just about rebuilding – it’s about making it through the day.”

According to reports from Jamaica, at least 32 people have died and thousands more have been displaced following the Category 5 storm.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recall Jamaica visit as they pledge major Hurricane Melissa donation

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The hurricane also caused widespread flooding and landslides in Haiti, where more than 40 people have been confirmed dead.

Despite the destruction, Harry and Meghan praised the strength and unity of local communities, describing the recovery efforts as a reminder of “the power of community in its truest form.”

“But here’s what keeps showing up in every report, every photo, every story coming out of Jamaica: people helping people,” they said.

“Neighbours clearing debris together. Families sharing what little they have. Communities organising, coordinating, refusing to give up. That’s not just resilience – that’s the power of community in its truest form.”

Streets covered with mud, after Hurricane Melissa passed the Catherine Hall community in Montego Bay, Jamaica | REUTERS

The couple also singled out chef José Andrés’s organisation World Central Kitchen, which has been providing hot meals to thousands of families in Jamaica and Haiti since the storm made landfall.

“We’ve been so moved, once again, by the work of World Central Kitchen, whose teams showed up immediately to serve hot meals to thousands of families, and they’re far from alone. Aid workers, first responders, volunteers from organisations large and small – they’ve all dropped everything to help. Their commitment is extraordinary.”

The Archewell Foundation said it had made donations to several relief groups, including World Central Kitchen, the Jamaica Relief Fund, Team Rubicon, All Hands and Hearts, Walk Good Jamaica and Food for the Poor Jamaica.

“These communities need our support now,” the statement concluded.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pictured in Jamaica in January 2024

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“We’ve donated, and ask you to give whatever support you can, large or small, because every little helps.”

Hurricane Melissa has left large parts of the Caribbean in crisis, with infrastructure severely damaged and access to food, clean water and medical care limited.

Recovery efforts are ongoing, as Governments and aid organisations work to reach remote areas still cut off by floodwaters.

Authorities across the region have described it as one of the most destructive storms in living memory.