Prince Harry has made an impassioned plea for “people at the top to start listening” during a solo trip to Lesotho.
The Duke of Sussex reunited with his old friend, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, at a bonfire event for his charity Sentebale where they were joined by youth advocates from Botswana and enjoyed performances from dancers.
Sentebale, co-founded by Harry and Prince Seeiso in 2006, supports children and young people affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana.
The charity’s work has expanded since its inception when one in three children in Lesotho had lost a parent to HIV AIDS-related illness.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho arrive at a welcome event at Sentebale’s Mamohato Children’s Centre
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Speaking about the charity’s impact, Harry said: “We’re hitting the targets, not just Sentebale but all of the departments are, and it’s making a massive difference, and it is this surge of energy and optimism and the voice of young people ranging from six to 25, and the biggest difference of which really needs more work, is when people from the top start listening.”
Prince Seeiso echoed Harry’s sentiments, saying: “This whole journey of Sentebale started from that element of [Harry] having come to the motherland, he’s now my younger brother Mohali, the warrior, but experiencing breathing the same air, eating the same food as the children… that inspired this dream to come to where we are now.”
Harry’s connection to the region dates back to 2004 when he spent two months in Lesotho during his gap year. This experience inspired him to launch Sentebale.
The charity now works across Lesotho and Botswana, teaching children critical life skills that build confidence, as well as providing inclusive services to address mental and physical wellbeing, and offering vocational training for young women.
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Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attends a welcome event at Sentebale’s Mamohato Children’s Centre
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Harry’s recent solo engagements have garnered attention, including his appearance at the WellChild Awards in London on Monday.
The Duke interacted warmly with children and families, showcasing what royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams called “the Prince who once had so special a part in our national life.”
Despite travelling to the UK, it appears Harry did not meet with his father King Charles III or brother Prince William. Relations remain strained, with no indication of a reconciliation during this brief visit.
Royal author Phil Dampier noted that if Harry “does more WellChild style events and less whinging, I’m all in favour of it”, suggesting a potential shift in the Duke’s public image.
Matt James (left), WellChild chief executive, Craig Hatch (second left), WellChild chair of trustees, Sally Jackson, GSK, and Sally Beck (right) with the Duke of Sussex, Patron of WellChild,
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He told MailOnline: “He showed his best side the other day in London and now he’s carrying on good work in Lesotho and South Africa with his Sentebale project.”
