Prince Harry has called for leaders to “start listening” for a greater impact during his solo trip to South Africa where he is visiting for his charity Sentebale, the Daily Mail reported.
Sitting around a bonfire with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, Harry spoke about the progress of the charity and the importance of engaging with youth voices.
“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,” Harry said, according to the Daily Mail.
Prince Seeiso also reflected on the beginnings of Sentebale and the bond he shares with Harry. Referring to him by the affectionate name given by the Basotho people, Seeiso said, “This whole journey of Sentebale started from that element of [Harry] having come to the motherland — he’s now my younger brother Mohale, 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,”
He added, “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.”
Sentebale, founded in 2006 by Harry and Prince Seeiso, supports children and young people affected by HIV in Southern Africa. Harry’s commitment to the cause began in 2004 when he first visited Lesotho during his gap year.
Harry’s trip comes after a brief stop in the UK for the WellChild Awards, where he did not visit King Charles or Prince William, despite staying close to their homes. His wife Meghan Markle and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, did not accompany him on this trip.