Prince Harry's Charitable Visit to Florida: Purpose and Destination Revealed

Prince Harry Is Set to Travel to Florida for Charity Event

Prince Harry Karwai Tang/WireImage

Prince Harry made a journey across the country from his residence in Montecito, California, to show his support for his nonprofit organization, Sentebale.

The 39-year-old prince is scheduled to participate in a charity polo match in Florida on Friday, April 12, on behalf of Sentebale. He will be playing in the Royal Salute Polo Challenge with his friend and Sentebale ambassador, Nacho Figueras.

One night earlier, the Duke of Sussex participated in a panel discussion at José Andrés Group’s Zaytinya in South Beach for a nonprofit. The focus was on addressing health, wealth inequity, and climate challenges facing African youth.

Dr. Sophie Chandauka, the chair of Sentebale, expressed admiration for the youth advocates involved in the Let Youth Lead program. She highlighted their potential in influencing national policies and societal topics. The program empowers them to use their voices on platforms like national radio to drive positive change. Dr. Chandauka emphasized the importance of collaborating with esteemed voices in the U.S. to support the next generation in creating solutions for change in the Global South.

Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho co-founded Sentebale in 2006 to help young Africans living with HIV and AIDS. The nonprofit was created in response to the needs of young people in Lesotho, driven by Harry and Seeiso's shared love for the country and in honor of their mothers. Princess Diana, Harry's mother, passed away in 1997, while Seeiso's mom, Queen Mamohato Bereng Seeiso, died in 2006.

In the Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan," Harry shared his experience of meeting Seeiso, who is now 57 years old. He described it as amazing, recalling how they rode horses together to Seeiso's cattle post. Their bond quickly grew, and they became like brothers.

Seeiso also took part in the documentary, sharing how the two princes connected through their shared experiences of growing up in royal families and losing their mothers at a young age.

Prince Harry Is Set to Travel to Florida for Charity Event 2

Prince Harry Matt Jelonek/Getty Images for Sentebale

“I could see that Harry is very much his mother,” Seeiso said in an interview for Harry & Meghan.

One of Sentebale's major charity events is the annual Polo Cup, which took place in Singapore last year. Prince Harry joined in the game.

In a statement before the August 2023 match, Harry emphasized the importance of the Polo Cup in supporting Sentebale's mission to ensure the well-being and success of children and young people. The funds raised from the event will specifically benefit the Clubs and Camps program. This program offers intensive psychosocial support to young individuals living with HIV.

Harry highlighted the significance of empowering young people to be aware of their HIV status, maintain their health, and combat the stigma surrounding the virus. By doing so, they can break the cycle and thrive in a world where being HIV positive is no longer a life-threatening condition.

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Prince Harry Matt Jelonek/Getty Images for Sentebale

Harry competed with the Royal Salute Sentebale team, going head-to-head against Figueras. In the end, both teams ended up sharing the trophy as the match resulted in a tie.

Following his decision to step down from his position as a senior working royal, Harry has been actively involved in various roles and patronages, including his work with Sentebale. In 2020, amidst family issues with his father, King Charles III, and brother, Prince William, Harry and his wife Meghan Markle resigned from their duties and moved to California with their children Archie, 4, and Lilibet, 2.

Editor's P/S:

Prince Harry's unwavering commitment to Sentebale is a testament to his compassionate nature and enduring legacy. His journey to Florida for a charity polo match and participation in a panel discussion highlight the importance of addressing health, wealth, and climate challenges facing African youth. Through Sentebale, Harry empowers young individuals living with HIV to break the cycle of stigma and strive for a future without fear of discrimination.

Harry's close bond with Sentebale co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, forged through shared experiences of loss and royal lineage, underscores the organization's deep personal connections. The annual Polo Cup serves as a significant fundraising event, enabling Sentebale's Clubs and Camps program to provide essential support to youth affected by HIV. Harry's passion for this cause reflects his unwavering belief in the power of youth leadership and the potential for positive change in the Global South.