Prince Harry has released several personal photos from his charity trip to Lesotho, which the royal undertook earlier this month. While the world's media were focused on his older brother Prince William's trip to New York with the Duchess of Cambridge, Harry was making a private visit to the African nation from 5 to 10 December. As co-founder of his charity Sentebale, which means "Forget Me Not" in Sesotho, Harry was visiting to view the construction of the new Mamohato Children's Centre. The facility will support local children living with HIV, by providing them with healthcare and education. Meeting the youngsters and seeing how far the charity had come since it was set up in 2006, photography fan Harry couldn't resist documenting his trip in a series of black-and-white photos.
Prince Harry said he loved having the time to get behind the camera and take photos
"I have always enjoyed photography and the challenges that come with trying to capture the perfect shot, although privately I don't take many photos," said the Prince. "The best photos I have are in my head – I have some very special memories, mostly from Africa. "But on this visit, I had the time and opportunity to be on the other side of the camera and take some photos in the stunning country of Lesotho for my charity Sentebale."
A photo, taken by Prince Harry, of local children who are supported by his charity Sentebale
Harry, who recently fronted the #FeelNoShame campaign, met dozens of young HIV sufferers who were attending workshops that aimed to help them develop greater confidence, self-reliance and address the stigma surrounding them. "These are children who have never had the chance to talk about their illness, and who had no idea that they were one of so many in their age group," said Harry. "It was really emotional watching them interact with each other. "Some were really outgoing chatty kids, others slightly overwhelmed, but all with huge smiles. This confirmed to me again that what we're doing is going to change thousands of children's lives, and hopefully save a generation."
Prince Harry said that these two youngsters, who come from a herding community, were 'his favourites'
The fourth-in-line to the throne also travelled to the highlands of Mokhotlong to see the herd boys (young shepherds), who are benefitting from Sentebale's night school programme, offering basic education and life skills. Harry co-founded Sentebale with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho after visiting the country in 2004. He set it up in memory of his late mother Princess Diana, and as a reminder to not forget the children of Lesotho.