Prince Harry has been “warmly welcomed by the King and Queen” as he touched down in Lesotho.
The Duke of Sussex has travelled to southern Africa to perform duties associated with his Sentebale charity, which he co-founded in 2006.
Harry, 40, co-founded Sentebale with Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso initially to help young people affected by HIV/AIDS.
This was, in part, to carry on the legacy and the work of Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, who helped rid society of the stigma of AIDS during the 1980s and 1990s.
Prince Seeiso and Prince Harry posing in LesothoGettySentebale works in Lesotho and Botswana and has evolved into an organisation that supports children and young people as they face various challenges related to health, inequality and climate.
The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex took to their Sussex.com website to update its readers on the trip.
They issued a statement which read: “Today marked a significant moment as Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex – or Mohale, as he’s affectionately known by the Basotho people – commenced his trip to Lesotho, warmly welcomed by The King and Queen in a private meeting.
“This occasion not only rekindled cherished connections from his childhood but also celebrated a remarkable milestone: the 200th anniversary of the nation.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho arrive at a welcome event at Sentebale’s Mamohato Children’s CentreGetty“The Duke holds a special place in his heart for this nation, particularly through his work with Sentebale, the organisation he co-founded alongside Prince Seeiso in 2006 to support vulnerable children in Southern Africa.
“His commitment to the region is deeply rooted in a shared vision for sustainable development and empowerment.”
On Tuesday, the Duke of Sussex had lunch with Princess Senate Seeiso of Lesotho, 23, and was pictured standing beside the young royal.
Princess Senate is the niece of Prince Seeiso, whom with Harry co-founded Sentebale.
Prince Harry meeting with his Sentebale charity in southern Africa
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Prince Harry sitting at a campfire in Lesotho
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Harry’s trip to Lesotho appears to mark another week away from his wife Meghan Markle and their two children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, who did not join the duke in his visit to the UK either.
The father-of-two did not visit King Charles or Prince William while in the UK on Tuesday, despite staying at a London hotel just two miles from Buckingham Palace and less than an hour’s drive from his brother’s home.
In an Instagram post, Princess Senate wrote: “Had the pleasure of hosting the Duke of Sussex today for lunch.”
Business leaders, philanthropists and local stakeholders are gathering in Lesotho to drive forward the work of the charity.