Prince Harry travelled to the northern most point of England on Wednesday to carry out two very different but important engagements. The 30-year-old royal, who recently made headlines for speculation that he was dating Emma Watson, paid a visit to Northumberland followed by Newcastle.
Carrying out his first engagement for the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Harry visited their Red Squirrels Northern England project in Haydon Bridge.
The Prince was touring the area to see how the trust is working to conserve the red squirrel population and oversee grey squirrel control.
© Photo: PAPrince Harry learnt how the Northumberland Wildlife Trust are protecting red squirrels
During the visit Harry was reunited with Conrad Dickinson – a patron for the Northumberland Wildlife Trust and the man who led Harry's team to the South Pole during their 2013 charity expedition. The pair, who had flown the charity's flag at their final snowy destination, shared many a joke as their enjoyed their reunion 15 months later.
Harry also met local photographer Will Nicholls, who is a fervent supporter of the trust, and heard how Will has been championing red squirrel conservation through photography.
© Photo: PAConrad Dickinson and Prince Harry trekked to the South Pole together in 2013
After learning about the trust and taking in the natural beauty of the area, Harry headed for his second engagement in Newcastle, on behalf of charity Armed Forces & Veterans Launchpad. The charity provides accommodation to veterans and their partners, to make the transition from military to civilian life as easy as possible.
Harry was visiting one residential unit – Avondale House, located in Byker Estate. The facility, which is a safe place for veterans to live while looking for jobs, is made up of 34 one-bedroom flats with communal areas and private gardens.
Harry toured the area and met its residents, while also learning about the charity from its staff and volunteers.
Before the visit Major Kenneth James McMillan, from Launchpad, said: "As you can imagine the guys are super excited about Prince Harry's visit." He also spoke about how the organisation helps men and women "gain confidence" in rebuilding their life surrounded by "people of similar experiences and attitudes".
The visit will have struck a chord with Harry, who holds the rank of Captain in the army, as he has always supported military personnel, especially those returning to their home country. Last year Harry fronted the first Invictus Games – a Paralympic-style sporting event aimed specifically for wounded servicemen and women from countries all around the world to compete in.
