Prince Harry returned to Lesotho on Tuesday, marking his first visit to the region in five years. The Duke of Sussex co-founded the Sentebale charity in the small mountain kingdom in 2006, in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana. His visit began with an intimate gathering around a campfire with young people supported by Sentebale, where Harry shared stories and encouraged them to use their voices to make a difference.

“We are building a force of young advocates, and when they are empowered to use their voices, the strength of their impact will be immense,” Harry said to the group gathered at a children’s center in Thaba Bosiu, a historic village that once served as Lesotho’s capital. “You might not always realise how significant your influence is, but if it changes even one person’s life, it’s worth it.”

On Wednesday, Prince Harry paid a courtesy visit to Lesotho’s Prime Minister Sam Matekane, who praised Harry’s longstanding connection to the country. “Lesotho will always be a second home for Prince Harry, and we are forever grateful for his dedication,” Matekane said. The prime minister also extended an invitation for Harry to participate in the nation’s Independence Day celebrations on Friday, as the country commemorates 200 years since its founding.

Harry’s ties to Lesotho began after he finished school, when he visited the kingdom and worked with orphaned children. He later partnered with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to establish Sentebale, which means “don’t forget me” in Sesotho, the local language. Initially focused on helping young people affected by HIV/AIDS, the charity has since expanded its mission to support children and youth facing challenges related to health, inequality, and climate.

Prince Seeiso, 58, referred to Harry as his “younger brother” and fondly reminded the gathered crowd of the African title he had bestowed on the Duke years ago, calling him “the warrior” of Lesotho. Harry, dressed in a puffer jacket and dark pants, smiled warmly at the compliment.

During his four-day visit to southern Africa, Harry is also scheduled to visit Johannesburg, South Africa. His wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, did not join him on this trip.

Prince Harry’s visit to Lesotho comes just weeks after his 40th birthday and ahead of his brother, Prince William’s, own trip to southern Africa next month. William will be traveling to Cape Town, South Africa, to attend the Earthshot Prize, an environmental award he launched through his Royal Foundation.

As Lesotho gears up for its Independence Day celebrations, the kingdom—often referred to as the “kingdom in the sky” due to its mountainous terrain—continues to hold a special place in Harry’s heart.