Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, embarked on a solo trip to South Africa on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, where he continued his longstanding dedication to the charity he co-founded, Sentebale. The organization, created in 2006, supports vulnerable children and young people affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana.
Harry reunited with his old friend and co-founder of Sentebale, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, around a bonfire during a meaningful event reflecting the charity’s mission. The gathering took place as part of his Sentebale tour, which aims to raise awareness and support for those impacted by HIV. While speaking to a group of supporters and attendees, Harry’s message was clear: more needs to be done, and the voices of young people must be heard.
“We’re hitting the targets and making a massive difference,” Harry said during his speech, but he urged that “people from the top” should start listening to the concerns and ideas of those aged 6 to 25. His passion for the cause was evident, as he has been deeply involved with Sentebale since its founding, inspired by his experiences in Lesotho during his gap year in 2004.
Prince Seeiso, standing alongside Harry, emphasized the lasting impact that their partnership has had on the region. He explained how the idea for Sentebale began with Harry’s early visits to Lesotho and how it has continued to evolve. “The whole journey of Sentebale started from that element of [Harry] having come to the motherland,” Seeiso said. He credited Harry’s firsthand experiences of “the same air and food as the children” as the driving force behind the dream to help those affected by the HIV epidemic.
Throughout the trip, Harry remained focused on Sentebale’s core mission: strengthening the social and emotional well-being of vulnerable young people and providing access to essential health services. The charity also works to build skills and livelihoods among youth, especially those affected by or at risk of contracting HIV.
One key moment during his visit was a lunch meeting with the Royal Family of Lesotho. Prince Harry was photographed alongside Her Royal Highness Princess Senate Seeiso, the 22-year-old eldest daughter of King Letsie III and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso. The princess shared her gratitude on social media, writing, “I had the pleasure of hosting The Duke of Sussex today for lunch.”
Harry’s recent appearance in South Africa came just days after a brief visit to the UK for the WellChild Awards, an event close to his heart where he praised the courage of young recipients. While in London, Harry did not meet with King Charles or Prince William, fueling speculation about his relationship with his family. However, Harry’s trip to South Africa was focused squarely on his charitable work, as he continues supporting initiatives prioritizing youth advocacy and health services for those most in need.
The impact of Harry’s advocacy in Southern Africa is a testament to the deep bond he shares with the region, forged through years of hands-on work and personal connection