Prince Harry and Meghan donate towards new roof for women's shelter in Texas

The former British royals surprised the Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support in Dallas with a donation

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior working royals last year. AP

A Texas shelter that’s been badly damaged by a winter storm is getting help from Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

The former British royals surprised the Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support in Dallas, US with a donation.

The shelter's chief executive, Jan Langbein, said she could not disclose the amount, but that it was enough to replace the roof on the organisation's transitional housing complex, and to help with other immediate needs such as staffing.

"We were notified that through the actions of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's nonprofit, Archewell Foundation, Prince Harry and Meghan will make a donation to help us get back on our feet," Langbein said in a statement.

"Not only will this gift provide for our critical needs, it shines an international spotlight on violence against women and children, letting survivors know that they are not alone."

Millions of people in Texas lost water and power after a deadly deep freeze began on Thursday, February 11.

Amy Norton, the shelter's senior director of fund development, told CNN that the roof of its transitional housing caved in, pipes burst and furniture was destroyed – although no one was injured. The shelter had to close its doors for the first time in 35 years because of the storm, she said.

The shelter is the latest charitable organisation the couple have helped since stepping away from their royal duties.

“We believe in the best of humanity. Because we have seen the best of humanity,” the couple wrote last year on their foundation’s website. “We have experienced compassion and kindness. From our mothers and strangers alike."

Their statement adds: “In the face of fear, struggle and pain, it can be easy to lose sight of this. Together, we can choose courage, healing and connection. Together, we can choose to put compassion in action.”