Prince Harry opens up on solo trip without Meghan as he reunites with old friend around bonfire on South Africa visit
PRINCE Harry has demanded “people from the top start listening” in a bonfire chat while on a trip to South Africa.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, has taken yet another solo trip, with wife Meghan Markle noticeably absent, to drive work for his charity Sentebale.
On his first night in Lesotho he was reunited with old pal and co-founder of Sentebale, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, around a firepit.
The pair discussed the charity, which supports children and young people living with, or who are at risk from, HIV, and what it’s been working on.
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 added: “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.
“But it is that deep felt need that we want, collectively, to make a difference in our lifetime, and not only in our lifetimes, but to leave a legacy and pass on the baton to the next generation so that’s why we are going out in all different angles.”
Harry spent two months in the landlocked African kingdom during his gap year back in 2004.
And the experience made a lasting impression on the Duke – who was just 19 at the time.
Two years later, he launched Sentebale which means “forget me not” in a sweet nod to his mother Princess Diana – who famously met with AIDS patients in hospital.
In 2006, one in three children in the country had lost parents to HIV AIDS-related illness.
The charity now works across Lesotho and Botswana helping those most vulnerable.
Earlier in the day, Harry had lunch with Prince Seeiso’s niece, Princess Senate Seeiso of Lesotho.
The pair posed for a picture before the princess posted it on Instagram, writing: “Had the pleasure of hosting the Duke of Sussex today for lunch.”
Harry last visited Lesotho in 2018 and his latest trip will see him meet local leader and youth advocates.
The group will head to Lesotho “to witness Sentebale’s programmes at work.”
It comes after Harry made a brief visit to the UK to hail a group of “little legends” honoured at an awards ceremony.
He paid tribute to the children and teenagers recognised at the WellChild Awards – who act as carers, fundraisers or just carry on with life as they cope with debilitating conditions.
Harry appeared upbeat and relaxed for the evening presentation.
And before the ceremony began he was upstaged by a boisterous seven-year-old, Noah Nicholson, who threw his toys on the floor and delighted in Harry picking them up.
Harry told the young people and their families: “Thank you for your courage, your perseverance, your kindness and of course your humour.
“And thank you for being you and uplifting all those around you. The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me.
“The stories of young people who battle against the odds, living lives filled with medical procedures, hospital stays and endless appointments, remind us all of the strength of the human spirit.
“For many of us it is a daily life we can hardly imagine, and yet somehow, the young people I meet are always smiling and every room they walk into seemingly lights up with warmth and positivity.”