Prince Harry is preparing for one of the most important engagements of the year after touching down in the African country of Lesotho. The royal is undertaking a three-day tour of the region on behalf of his charity Sentebale, and on Wednesday he will see first-hand how the project has evolved since his last visit in 2010.
Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006 to help vulnerable children in the country. "Every time I spend time with the kids, I get this buzz," he has said. "Spending time with them keeps me grounded." After completing his tour of Lesotho, Harry will fly to Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend the charity's fundraising gala. He isn't expected to stay and accompany girlfriend Cressida Bonas to the wedding of her half sister Isabella Calthorpe, as reports had initially suggested. Isabella will wed Sam Branson – the son of Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson.
Harry was accompanied by his brother Prince William on a 2010 visit to Lesotho. The brothers visited Semongkong Children's Centre, an orphanage funded by Sentebale. They were given a warm welcome by youngsters, many of whom had lost their parents to HIV or Aids.
For both brothers, their late mother Princess Diana is never far from their thoughts – especially when they're involved with the causes she championed. "She'd be very proud of what Harry's done with Sentebale, bearing in mind that it's actually his own charity that he started," William has said. "Hopefully she'd be chuffed." Harry has also won praise from the people of Lesotho, where he is regarded as a hero. "We don't call him Harry; here he is known as Mohale, which means brave man or warrior," said Malineo Motsephe, who helped organize Harry's first trip to the country in 2004. "He dared to come here and live with us and his concern and empathy for the disadvantaged people of our country has made a difference and will continue to make a difference."
