By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
-Prince Harry is the youngest son of King Charles III and Princess of Wales Diana. The name ‘Harry’ has being in the family for generations. He was born in 1984. He firstly traveled to Lesotho two decades ago during his gap year. Since that initial visit, he has returned to the country multiple times, and today he arrives with his charity, Sentebale.
“The royal family of Lesotho, along with the nation itself, has been a source of support for me over the past 20 years, receiving me with warmth and generosity,” Prince Harry stated during remarks made at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York City last week.
“This beautiful mountain kingdom feels like a second home to me, and our friendship has deepened as we have collaborated to address some of the most urgent issues affecting individuals and the broader community. It all started 20 years ago when my dear friend Prince Seeiso first introduced me to your remarkable country. I was deeply moved by the resilience and bravery of your people in the face of significant challenges.”
In 2006, Prince Harry co-founded the charity Sentebale, which translates to “forget-me-not” in Sesotho, alongside Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso. Established in memory of their mothers, the organization provides support to vulnerable children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana, who are impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Since its inception, Harry has been a passionate advocate for Sentebale both in Lesotho and globally. He recently contributed $1.5 million from the proceeds of his memoir, Spare, to the charity and actively participates in annual polo fundraisers to generate additional support.
Two decades ago, a prince crossed the ocean and forged a friendship that would shape his life, his country, and Lesotho’s youth,” we might say. That friendship, symbolized by the humble forget-me-not flower, blossomed into a mission of hope, an alliance between nations that would nurture Lesotho’s vulnerable children and youth in the face of HIV/AIDS.
Through the grace of ‘Mohale,’ as Prince Harry is endearingly known in Lesotho, Sentebale has become a shining beacon of compassion, inspiring global action for a more just, loving world.
The bond between the House of Windsor and Lesotho runs deep, forged in sorrow and bound by compassion. Prince Harry’s dedication to Sentebale is a testament to the belief that from the ashes of tragedy, a flame of hope can rise.
As the charity’s co-founder, Harry has been a stalwart champion for Lesotho’s children, using his platform to shine a light on the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS and the unique struggles faced by those living in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Prince Seeiso remarks that this brings immense joy to him, his team, and the broader community to welcome Prince Harry, or ‘Mohale’ as they affectionately call him. Now, more than ever, as they confront the challenges faced by youth in Lesotho, the combined efforts of both local and international individuals and organizations who recognize the potential in these young people are vital.
Prince Harry’s devotion to Sentebale, a love forged in memory of Princess Diana and Princess Mantšebo, has been a two-decade-long labor of love that transcends borders, thrones, and cultures.
As ‘Mohale’ returns to his second home, the embrace of Lesotho is warm and welcoming, for the prince’s compassion is a beacon of hope, a beacon that reflects the values and spirit of both nations.
In the face of adversity, Lesotho’s children and youth are no longer forgotten. Prince Harry’s heartfelt words echoed through the valleys and mountains, forging a deeper bond between the nation and the royal.
Reflecting on his journey from wide-eyed traveler to devoted advocate, Prince Harry’s voice was suffused with humility and admiration. “I have been privileged to witness firsthand the incredible fortitude of Lesotho’s people, who face adversity with grace and determination,” he said. “In this country of heroes, I have learned valuable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the enduring power of human connection.
With each visit to Lesotho, Prince Harry breathes life into a shared story of kindness, empathy, and resilience. The journey he began as a wide-eyed young man, enthralled by the rugged beauty of Lesotho and the warm embrace of its people, has blossomed into a legacy of compassion and dedication to the country’s youth. Prince Harry’s return journeys to Lesotho represents a page turned in a shared, heart-warming narrative of compassion, understanding, and perseverance.
Embarking on a personal journey as a young man, fresh-faced and eager to explore the world, Prince Harry was enraptured by the rough-hewn charm of Lesotho and the affectionate reception of its people. Over the years, this journey evolved into an enduring, empathetic bond, where he lent his voice to the struggles of Lesotho’s youth and championed their resilience in the face of adversity.