Prince Harry is currently on a visit to the small mountain kingdom of Lesotho, where he co-founded a youth charity in 2006 in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana. The Duke of Sussex kicked off his visit by engaging with young people and sharing experiences around a campfire gathering. He also met with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane during his stay.
Prince Harry, who recently turned 40, is expected to extend his trip to include a visit to Johannesburg in neighboring South Africa. This marks his first visit to the region in five years, although his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children Archie and Lilibet did not accompany him on this journey.
The charity, Sentebale, was co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho with the initial aim of supporting young people affected by HIV/AIDS. Over the years, Sentebale has expanded its focus to address various challenges related to health, inequality, and climate that children and young people face in Lesotho and Botswana.
The name 'Sentebale' translates to 'don't forget me' in the Sesotho language, reflecting the princes' commitment to honoring their late mothers through this charitable work. During the campfire gathering, Prince Harry emphasized the importance of empowering young advocates to make a positive impact, no matter how small it may seem.
The evening event took place at a children's center funded by Sentebale in the historic village of Thaba Bosiu, which holds significance in Lesotho's history as a former capital. Prince Seeiso referred to Prince Harry as his younger brother and highlighted Harry's African title, 'the warrior,' bestowed upon him in Lesotho.
Lesotho, known as the 'kingdom in the sky' due to its mountainous terrain, is celebrating its Independence Day and the 200th anniversary of its founding this year. Prince Harry's connection with Lesotho dates back to his post-school visit, where he worked with orphaned children, solidifying his bond with the nation.
Lesotho's Prime Minister Matekane expressed gratitude for Prince Harry's dedication to the country, inviting him to participate in the upcoming independence celebrations. Meanwhile, Prince William, Harry's older brother, is gearing up for a visit to southern Africa next month to attend the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa.
