MASERU, Lesotho (AP) — Prince Harry is currently in the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho, where he co-founded a youth charity in 2006 in memory of his beloved mother, Princess Diana.
This visit marks Harry’s first trip to southern Africa in five years, which will also include a stop in Johannesburg, South Africa. His journey began on Tuesday with an engagement involving young people, where he shared stories and experiences around a campfire. His private scheduled event took place on Wednesday, as part of a four-day itinerary. Despite his travels, his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, remained at home.
Harry established the Sentebale charity alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to provide support for young individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Over the years, the organization has expanded its focus to address broader challenges faced by children and young adults, including health issues, social inequality, and climate concerns. Sentebale, which translates to “don’t forget me” in the Sesotho language, was created to honor the memories of both princes’ mothers.
Speaking to the young attendees gathered by the campfire, Harry expressed his passion for empowering youth, stating, “We are building a force of young advocates, and when they are empowered to use their voices, the strength of their impact will be immense. You might not always realize how significant your influence is, but if it changes even one person’s life, it’s worth it.”
The campfire event took place at a children’s center, which is funded by Sentebale, located in the historic village of Thaba Bosiu—once the capital of Lesotho. Here, Prince Seeiso, 58, affectionately referred to Harry as his younger brother and reminded those present that Harry holds a special title, “the warrior,” given to him in Lesotho.
Harry, dressed casually in a puffer jacket and dark pants, received the praise with a warm smile. His visit also included a courtesy call to Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Sam Matekane, who noted, “Lesotho will always be a second home for Prince Harry, and we are forever grateful for his dedication to our country.”
Lesotho is also preparing to celebrate its Independence Day on Friday, alongside marking 200 years since its establishment as a nation. Harry’s connection with Lesotho began after he completed school, during which he volunteered with orphaned children, igniting a lifelong commitment to the country.
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