Prince Harry Revealed He Has a Nickname Referring to His “Spare” Status

Following a quick visit to the UK on Monday, Prince Harry returned to another place he has often called home. On Tuesday, Harry continued his world tour with a trip to Lesotho, the small African nation where he spent part of a gap year in 2003. During the visit, he was on hand to help King Letsie III and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso celebrate the country’s 200th anniversary. Later, Princess Senate Seeiso shared footage of Harry and his longtime friend Prince Seeiso discussing Sentebale, the HIV/AIDS charity they cofounded in 2006, while sitting by a bonfire.

In the video, Harry spoke about how far Sentebale has come in addressing their original goals, helping young people affected by the AIDS crisis in Lesotho and Botswana. “Stigma is being broken down in this country, and also in Botswana. We’re hitting the target, not just Sentebale, but in general, all of the partners are,” he said. “It’s making a massive difference, and it is this surge of energy and optimism and the voice of young people, ranging from six to 25.”

In another video, Seeiso revealed that Harry was given a special nickname in the country, Mohale, when he visited in 2003. “He is now my younger brother, Mohale, the warrior,” Seeiso said. “Experiencing, breathing the same air, eating the same food as the children, the herdboys, the shepherds, that inspired this dream to come to where we are now.”

The name actually used to belong to another historical spare. Mohale was the name of the younger brother of Lesotho’s 19th century founder Moshoeshoe, and in the country’s oral tradition, Mohale was remembered as a brave warrior. The small country’s capital city, Mohales Hoek, is named after the historical figure, with the addition of the Afrikaans word for “corner.”

In a statement, Harry’s office confirmed that Mohale is his nickname in the country. “As the celebrations for Lesotho’s bicentennial unfold, Prince Harry’s presence signifies deep respect for the country’s heritage and its people,” the statement continued. “He concluded the evening feeling uplifted by the dedication and determination of everyone involved, reinforcing the belief that, united in purpose, they can forge a brighter tomorrow.”

Harry’s visit is his first public trip to southern Africa since he and wife Meghan Markle traveled with a six-month-old Prince Archie in 2019. According to the AP, Harry will continue on to host a series of meetings for Sentebale in the South African capital Johannesburg.