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Harry pitches in to help African orphans


March 2, 2004
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Prince Harry has been doing his bit to help victims of the Aids epidemic in southern Africa. The 19-year-old was pictured helping with building work at an orphanage in the impoverished nation of Lesotho, where more than a third of the population is living with the disease.

In the newly released photos the young royal is seen helping erect a fence and planting trees at the Mants'ase Children's Home in the small mountain kingdom. Since arriving in Lesotho on February 13, he has also helped lay foundations for a new hospital and dug trenches for crops.

"Prince Harry and his friend George Hill have been travelling the country getting to know Lesotho and its people and working on projects to help local communities," said a Clarence House spokesman. "This orphanage needs fencing to keep the animals out... He is not here on an official royal visit. Like any normal 19-year-old he wanted to come and experience it for himself, contribute and learn a bit of the country."

Details of Harry's trip to Africa have been kept under wraps until now, as organisers wanted to avoid a repeat of the media scrum that followed his time in Australia. The teenager is spending eight weeks in Lesotho as part of his gap year.

Photo: © Alphapress.com
The teenage prince and four-year-old Mutsu Potsane head out to plant a peach tree together. Harry has also been following local doctors on their rounds, as they do their best to fight the Aids tragedy which is afflicting the countryPhoto: © PAy
Photo: © Alphapress.com
The Mants'ase Children's Home needs more trees to provide shade. The royal visitor is spending eight weeks in Africa as part of his gap yearPhoto: © PA

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