Prince Seeiso and Prince Harry attend a welcome event at Mahomato Children’s Center in Maseru, Lesotho on Oct. 1, 2024.Photo:Brian Otieno/Getty
Brian Otieno/Getty
Prince Harryand Prince Seeiso of Lesotho’s charity,Sentebale, is preparing to unveil something special in New York City.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso said, “This collaboration with Ki Smith and his gallery is incredibly meaningful to the organization. Having Ki join us in Lesotho this past October to see Sentebale’s work firsthand, and to experience the creativity, resilience and determination of the young people we serve, was truly special. ‘Friend’ is making art accessible to everyone—an act that resonates deeply with Sentebale’s ethos of leaving no one behind. This exhibition captures the spirit of inclusivity and community that lies at the heart of both Sentebale and Ki Smith Gallery. Sharing art as a powerful force for connection and change, is inspiring."
The Duke of Sussex will attend an intimate launch party on Wednesday, Dec. 4, to officially kick off the exhibit.
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso at a Sentebale event to meet young women in the Socio-economic Strengthening program in Leribe, Lesotho on Oct. 2, 2024.Brian Otieno/Getty
Prince Harry, 40, and Prince Seeiso, 58, established Sentebale in 2006 in memory of their late mothers,Princess Dianaand Queen Mother ‘Mamohato Bereng Seeiso. Sentebale means “forget-me-not” in the Sesotho language, representing a pledge to remember the most vulnerable youth in the region. Sentebale’s name also links the charity to Princess Diana in another way, as forget-me-nots were her favorite flower.
Sentebale works to support children and young people in Southern Africa, including those living with HIV/AIDS, covering healthcare, education, vocational training, climate resilience and life skills. By donating proceeds from “Friend” to Sentebale, Smith hopes to reimagine the intersection of art and impact, effortlessly connecting philanthropy and high art.
Ki Smith and Prince Seeiso in Lesotho.BRIAN OTIENO FOR GETTY
BRIAN OTIENO FOR GETTY
The Ki Smith Gallery in New York City ahead of the “Friend” exhibit benefitting Sentebale.Roman Dean
Roman Dean
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso visit Pointmain Health Facility in Leribe, Lesotho on Oct. 2, 2024.Brian Otieno/Getty
The gallerist recently joined Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso in Lesotho in October, a trip which reconvened the princes with local Sentebale leaders to highlight programs to philanthropists and corporate foundations.
The Duke of Sussex’s trip included visits to Mamohato Children’s Centre, a heartfelt fireside chat, day in Leribe to see programs championing young people and private panel discussion about strengthening the next generation.
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“I’ve made it one of my life’s missions to create a platform for young voices, and we have seen time and time again that young voices, when they are listened to, have the solutions,” Prince Harry said in a statement shared to thesussex.comwebsite he shares with his wife,Meghan Markle.
“Friend,” benefitting Sentebale at the Ki Smith Gallery in New York City, opens on Dec. 14 and runs until Jan. 19. Members of the public can RSVP to attend viakismithgallery.com.
source: people.com