The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has returned to the small African kingdom of Lesotho, a place that holds a special significance for him, both personally and philanthropically. Co-founder of the Sentebale charity, Harry’s visit marks his continued commitment to supporting the youth of the region.
The charity, established in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, was inspired by the humanitarian legacy of Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana.
The royal visit saw Harry engage with local youth by joining them around an evening campfire. There, he shared stories, listened to their experiences, and emphasized the importance of their voices in shaping the future.
“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.”
Harry’s Ties to Lesotho Run Deep
On Wednesday, Harry paid a courtesy call to Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Sam Matekane, who welcomed him warmly and acknowledged the long-standing bond the prince shares with the country.
“Lesotho will always be a second home for Prince Harry, and we are forever grateful for his dedication,” Matekane remarked, extending an invitation for Harry to participate in Lesotho’s upcoming Independence Day celebrations.
Sentebale, meaning “don’t forget me” in the Sesotho language, was originally founded to assist children affected by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana. Over the years, its mission has expanded to address various challenges faced by young people, including issues related to health, inequality, and climate change.
The charity stands as a tribute to the memory of both Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, and Prince Seeiso’s mother, Queen Mamohato.
The campfire gathering was held at a children’s center in Thaba Bosiu, a village steeped in history as the former capital of Lesotho. The event was marked by camaraderie and shared purpose, with Prince Seeiso, 58, referring to Harry as his “younger brother” and reminding attendees of the African title he had previously bestowed upon him: “the warrior.”
Lesotho, often referred to as the “kingdom in the sky” due to its dramatic mountainous landscape, is celebrating its Independence Day this Friday, a key moment in its 200-year history.
With a population of 2.3 million, the country is entirely surrounded by South Africa, and its partnership with Sentebale has become a symbol of international collaboration aimed at improving the lives of the region’s most vulnerable.
This visit is Harry’s first return to southern Africa in five years. It is part of a four-day trip that will also take him to Johannesburg, South Africa.
While his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, did not accompany him on this journey, Harry’s connection to the region remains undiminished.
His involvement with the charity started when he first visited Lesotho after completing school, working with orphaned children and solidifying his bond with the country.
Looking ahead, Prince William, Harry’s elder brother, is also set to visit southern Africa next month. He will be in Cape Town, South Africa, to host the Earthshot Prize, an environmental award launched through his Royal Foundation, which seeks innovative solutions to tackle climate change.
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