Prince Harry visits the small mountain kingdom of Lesotho, where he’s called ‘the warrior

Prince Harry recently visited Lesotho, a small mountainous country, to support a youth charity he co-founded there in 2006 in memory of his late mother, Princess Diana. The Duke of Sussex started his four-day trip on Tuesday by meeting with local young people and sharing stories around a campfire. On Wednesday, he also paid a courtesy visit to Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Sam Matekane.

This trip marks Harry’s first visit to southern Africa in five years. Although he turned 40 last month, he traveled alone, without his wife Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet.

Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho founded the charity Sentebale, which initially focused on helping children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS. Over time, the organization has expanded its work to support youth in Lesotho and Botswana facing health challenges, inequality, and climate-related issues. Sentebale, meaning “don’t forget me” in the local Sesotho language, honors both Harry’s and Seeiso’s late mothers.

During the campfire gathering, Harry encouraged the young people, saying, “We are building a group of young advocates, and when you use your voices, your impact will be powerful. Even if your influence changes just one life, it’s worth it.”

The event was held at a children’s center funded by Sentebale in the historic village of Thaba Bosiu, once the capital of Lesotho. Prince Seeiso affectionately referred to Harry as his “younger brother” and reminded everyone that Harry holds an honorary African title as “the warrior.” Harry, dressed casually in a puffer jacket, smiled at the mention of his title.

Harry’s connection to Lesotho goes back to his gap year after school when he volunteered with orphaned children in the country. Lesotho, sometimes called the “kingdom in the sky” due to its high mountains, celebrates its Independence Day on Friday and is marking 200 years since its founding this year. Prime Minister Matekane invited Harry to participate in the independence celebrations, thanking him for his long-standing dedication to the country.

Meanwhile, Harry’s brother, Prince William, is set to visit South Africa next month to attend the Earthshot Prize event, an environmental initiative he launched through the Royal Foundation.