MASERU, Lesotho -- MASERU, Lesotho (AP) — Prince Harry is visiting the small mountain kingdom of Lesotho having co-founded a youth charity there in 2006 in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana.

The Duke of Sussex started his visit on Tuesday by engaging with young people and sharing experiences around a campfire in the evening. He paid a formal visit to Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane on Wednesday.

Harry, who celebrated his 40th birthday last month , is also scheduled to visit Johannesburg in neighboring South Africa during his four-day trip to southern Africa. This marks his first visit to the region in five years. His wife, Meghan Markle, and their children Archie and Lilibet did not accompany him.

Harry co-founded the Sentebale charity with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho initially to help young people affected by HIV/AIDS. It works in Lesotho and Botswana and has evolved into an organization that supports children and young people as they face various challenges related to health, inequality and climate.

Sentebale, which means “don’t forget me” in the Sesotho language, was established by the princes as a tribute to their mothers, both of whom have passed away.

“We are building a movement of young advocates, and when they are empowered to use their voices, the impact will be powerful," Harry told the young people and others involved with his charity who were gathered around the campfire. “You might not always realize how influential you are, but if you change even one person’s life, it’s worth it.”

The evening event took place at a children's center funded by Sentebale in the historic village of Thaba Bosiu, which was once the capital of Lesotho.

Seeiso, 58, referred to Harry as his younger brother and reminded everyone that Harry holds an African title that Seeiso had bestowed upon him. Seeiso explained that Harry is also known as “the warrior” in Lesotho.

Harry, who was dressed casually in a puffer jacket and dark pants, acknowledged the compliment with a smile.

Seeiso’s father, King Moshoeshoe II, died in a car crash in 1996, one year before Princess Diana died in Paris.

Lesotho, often called the “kingdom in the sky” due to its mountainous landscape, celebrates its Independence Day on Friday. This year also marks the bicentennial anniversary of the country's founding. Harry's connection to Lesotho, a nation of 2.3 million entirely surrounded by South Africa, began after he graduated from school when he visited and worked with orphaned children.

“Lesotho will always hold a special place for Prince Harry, and we deeply appreciate his dedication,” Matekane stated, inviting Harry to be part of the independence celebrations.

Harry's older brother Prince William is planning a visit to southern Africa next month, including a trip to Cape Town, South Africa, for the Earthshot Prize , a global environmental award he initiated through his Royal Foundation.

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