These past two days saw Princes William and Harry of the U.K. finalize their trip to Botswana and head for the Kingdom of Lesotho. It is part of the brothers’ visit to southern Africa where they are checking in on how their charities are helping the region.
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On Monday, Harry got a chance to see how local animals benefit from the Tusk Trust, which William is patron of. This time around, Harry showed his older brother how his charity, Sentebale, helps AIDS orphans in Lesotho.
As the royal brothers wrapped their Botswana stay, they stopped by a school in Maun. There, Prince William was shown a vuvuzela, a horn being used during the World Cup. Unfortunately, William had difficulty playing the instrument. Upon failing to hit a note, he said, “There you go, embarrassed myself again!”
Also in Maun, Prince William was shown around the Bio-boundry Lab at the Predator Conservation Trust. He was given a demonstration on the lab’s equipment which aims to help the animals on the conservation.
Later in the day, William and Harry left for Lesotho, a Kingdom that is completely surrounded by South Africa. Like their ancient ancestors, they entered the country on horseback, arriving in the village of Semongkong, and were greeted by ululating women and shepherd boys.
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While in Semongkong, the brothers – along with Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso, the youngest son of King Letsie – visited a school and spent the day with its students.
Harry’s charity, Sentebale, helps the local boys here by opening schools that would teach them basic education, social skills and how to avoid AIDS. This area of Lesotho has young boys as young as eight year-old walking miles to the nearest school after spending the day tending herds. Sometimes, they board at the school in substandard conditions. When they return to their villages as 18 year-olds, after spending years being sexually abused by older boys, the young men become abusers themselves. Sentebale aims to prevent that.
“It’s the main thing to do”, said Harry, according to the Daily Telegraph.
“They’re herd boys from aged eight to 18 then they come back at 18 with no education, no social skills. All they want to do is…”, he added, pointing to his groin.
The three Princes spent the day listening to the boys’ stories and gave them all warm hats. They even danced with the students at one point.
One former shepherd boy, Julius Matsoso Majoso, 32, who now teaches at the school was impressed with William, Harry and Seeiso’s compassion for them.
“They are really shepherds because shepherds are the people who really take care of other things. So it means they are really Kings.” he said.
British Princes William and Harry began their joint tour of southern Africa Tuesday in Gabarone, Botswana. They are there to check out the work of their charities and watch England play at the World Cup, taking place in South Africa.
Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The royal brothers started their day off with a visit to Mokoloda Nature Reserve. They were greeted by a group of Botswanan dancers and were given a tour of the reserve’s education center.
At one point, William and Harry were given an 8.5 foot rock python to wrap across their shoulders, with the head on Harry and the tail at William’s end. If the brothers were nervous handling a python, it was the snake itself that was nervous – it urinated on the floor of the education center.
But William laughed it off, saying “It’s peeing. It’s obviously very relaxed.”
Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Prince Harry even teased his brother by taking the python’s head and waving it into William’s face, who didn’t seem pleased with that.
Later, the two were shown a baby python. This time William got back at his younger brother by saying, “You can have the common house snake. It’s the same colour as your hair. Big brother chooses the python, little brother gets the common brown.”
“Mine will bite you,” Harry quipped back.
After the snakes, the reserve showed the duo twin cheetahs.
Accompanying the royals at the reserve were a group of deaf schoolchildren. One of them asked the Princes about their mother, the late Princess Diana who died in 1997 in a Paris car accident. Prince Harry got a bit teary-eyed when Prince William told the girl that their mother was dead.
The Mokoloda Nature Reserve is supported by the UK-based conservation charity Tusk Trust, which Prince William is patron of.
William and Harry’s joint visit will take them to Lesotho, where Harry’s charity, Sentebale, takes care of orphans. The trip will end by watching England play against Algeria in the FIFA World Cup.
Wednesday April 21st marks Queen Elizabeth II’s 84th birthday, and for her big day, she got quite a present!
AP Photo/Ben Stansall, Pool/FILE
In New Zealand, the MPs through out a referendum that was meant to abolish the monarchy. It was voted down 68 to 53 in its first read. Disgruntled republicans are pointing the finger at the Queen’s grandson, Prince William because his visit to the country likely boosted interest in the royal family.
“We think that’s down to a visit by a certain Prince William in January,” said Lewis Holden, chairman of the nation’s Republican Movement. “That’s why Buckingham Palace sent him out here.”
A poll showed that support for a republic went from 47 percent in 2008 to 37 percent just after William’s visit. At the same time, 51 percent of Kiwis wanted to keep the monarchy.
When broken down by gender, more women then men want to keep the Queen as their head of state.
Despite this defeat, many New Zealanders feel someday they will become a republic. Some say it might happen when Prince William’s father, Prince Charles, becomes King.
“The question many New Zealanders ask is: why should we have a head of state on the other side of the world who is not a citizen of our country?” said Green MP Keith Locke.
“The present Queen has been competent in the performance of her duties and she turns 84 this very day. I wish her a happy birthday.”
All over the world, the media is buzzing over the latest speculation that Britain’s Prince William and his girlfriend of 7 years, Kate Middleton are set to announce their engagement soon. Although rumors of this have been going on for several years now, this time may actually be it.
AP/FILE
This is all because of an article from The Daily Beast’s Tina Brown. In it, she says a royal source claims that on the dates June 3rd and 4th, the calendar is blank. Plus, Parliamentary elections have been set and many royal watchers have speculated that once the elections are over, William and Kate would be free to marry.
However, there is a reason not to get too excited. Another royal source told People magazine that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will be visited Plymouth in the south of England during those days.
Also, CNN was told be Clarence House: “we don’t comment on speculation,” while Britain’s Telegraph reported that a spokesman for St. James’s Palace declined to comment. It also quoted a source as saying that any suggestion of Buckingham Palace’s preparing for upcoming nuptials was “wide of the mark.”
Many royal watchers have predicted that 2011 may actually be the year Prince William and Ms. Middleton will marry. It will coincide with Prince Philip’s 90th birthday, William will be done with his RAF training, and it is the year before two major events in London that will weigh heavily on taxpayers: the 2012 Summer Olympics and the Queen’s 60th Jubilee.
But if the wedding announcement will come on June 3rd or 4th as predicted, then it will be safe to say “finally!”
The BAFTAs have a new president, and it is not a movie or television star. Instead, it is the young man who would one day be King of the United Kingdom, Prince William. The 27 year-old Prince made his debut as president of the Orange British Academy of Film Awards on Sunday at the Royal Opera House in London. William worked the red carpet, shaking hands with fans before giving a speech to open the ceremony.
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“I am so grateful to Lord [Richard] Attenborough for inviting me to take over from him,” the Prince said, referring to the actor who suffered from a serious head injury in 2009. William wished he was well enough to attend the BAFTAs.
“The visual arts are such a vital part of what makes up the fabric of this nation,” the Prince went on to say. “Britain has been a world leader in so many ways, not least in its cultural achievements. From the days of Shakespeare to our own Shakespeare in Love, British playwrights, script writers, actors, film makers and now video game designers have led the way globally, if not always in terms of resource then undoubtedly in talent and innovation.
“From what we are about to see tonight, it is quite clear that the same extraordinary cultural dynamism that so infused the first Elizabethan age still drives the beating heart of British visual arts in this second Elizabethan era.”
Prince William then went on to describe the royal family’s links to the BAFTAs, which goes back a ways.
“My grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, was there right at the start, presiding over that exciting time which saw the coming together of the British Film Academy and the Guild of Television Producers and Directors,” he said. “He was followed as president by Lord Mountbatten, who in turn handed over to my aunt, the Princess Royal.”
“So now perhaps you can see why I feel this is such a privilege for me – and I will do my level best to live up to my illustrious predecessors.”
William added: “Occasions such as tonight are obviously wonderful showcases for the British film industry, but I am also extremely excited about the prospect of working with Bafta on its myriad charitable endeavours.
“Because what is less known about this wonderful organisation is how much good it does for young people with its mentoring schemes, career starter initiatives and learning and events activity across the country.
“So, thank you for all you do to support the genius of film. Thank you for asking me to become your fifth president.
“It is a very great honour.”
With that, the Prince sat in the audience with the rest of the nominees and watched the ceremony.
One of the tasks he did as President of the BAFTAs was giving a lifetime achievement award to actress Vanessa Redgrave – who is a republican and a longtime critic of the royal family.
But Redgrave had nothing but kind words to say about William’s father, Prince Charles, saying “I would like to say, your Royal Highness, how much I admire your father for his intelligence, humility and kindness.”
She also mentioned having the pleasure of meeting his mother, the late Princess Diana.
Prince William said coming to Australia was a “realization of a dream.” Judging from his three days spent Down Under, it appears it certainly was for the 27 year-old Prince.
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On Wednesday, he enjoyed a hip-hop performance at a teen center, shot guns on a military firing range, and had another barbecue this time with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. He joked with the Prime Minister of getting a second-home in the country.
“I have had the most warm welcome ever – not just with the weather, but with all Sydney people,” William explained.
On Thursday, William went to Melbourne to see firsthand the devastation the 2008 wildfires caused in the area. He met with some families who were made homeless by the devastation and were pleased to be visited by royalty.
“It’s an honour, it’s not every day that royalty comes to walk on your lovely block of land,” said Diane Fox, adding that William’s visit would lift spirits and help the healing process.
AFP/POOL/David Crosling
Later, William went to an official reception which in a way ended his three day visit to Australia. He gave a little speech about his time in the country, and how his mother, the late Princess Diana, often told him about her travels Down Under.
He also spoke about when his father was kissed coming out of the sea by an unknown woman in Perth in 1970s.
“My father had such a great time here at school – and is still misty-eyed about an immortal moment on Bondi (beach), when an Australian beauty planted a smacker on his cheek.”
He added: “It”s good to see this tradition is continuing.”
What William was referring to was the several woman who kissed or tried to kiss him as he greeted the large crowds gathered to see him.
The Prince went on to that Australia was “truly a country for the 21st century”.
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“What has struck me during this visit to the southern hemisphere is what shared heritage actually means. It really is about core values and our way of life,” William added.
“It really is about humour and decency and it is also about courage and an ability to face down adversity.”
After the reception, William then stopped by the Australian Open tennis tournament. He watched as tennis great Roger Frederer beat his opponent, and later met with such players as the Williams sisters. Afterward, the Prince took an overnight flight back to the U.K.
The media has been analyzing this official visit from all angles. Some say it has sparked an interest in the monarchy in both Australia and New Zealand. Others have complained about it being too casual, using Prince William flipping burgers at several BBQs as an example.
Even so, the Prince displayed a lot of charm reminiscent of his mother, and that apparently is what pleased many people who came to see him during his tour.
Britain’s Prince William enjoyed the remainder of his New Zealand trip these last few days, before heading west to Australia on Tuesday as he continued his tour of the Oceania region. He attracted enthusiastic crowds while in the Kiwi nation, met with Maoris, and opened the country’s new Supreme Court building in Wellington.
Upon arriving in New Zealand’s capital to open the building, William was greeted by an eight foot deep crowd – and a group of anti-monarchists. But that didn’t seem to bother the Prince who shook some of their hands during a walkabout.
At the new Supreme Court, he was welcomed by Chiefs of the local Te Atiawa tribe who said hello in the traditional Maori way – a hongi, or by pressing noses together. William was then given a Maori cloak before entering the building.
During his speech to officially open the place, the Prince took the time to mention Haiti by saying, “How much the people of Haiti are in our thoughts and prayers at this terrible time.”
Later in the day, he went to Kapiti Island near Wellington, where he saw a Kiwi, a flightless bird that is New Zealand’s national symbol.
Afterward, Prime Minister John Key hosted a barbeque where the Prince donned an apron as he helped flip the burgers.
On Monday, William did his last engagement in the country by going to a Wellington hospital to visit sick children. When he was told his interaction with the children was reminiscent of his mother, the late Princess Diana, he refused to think he was “anywhere near her level”.
“I just go and meet people and just enjoy their company … I really enjoy it, I get a buzz out of it. Seeing kids smile means a lot to me.”
AP Photo/Dan Himbrechts, Pool
And with that, William headed to neighboring Austrlia, a place he hadn’t been to since he was an infant as his parents toured the country. He was greeted by a group of Aborigines, wearing body paint and holding smoky gum leaves as part of the welcoming ceremony.
“We’re over the moon that he’s come to this part of the city to spend time with us,” said Aboriginal Australian Lewis Kelly who went to Sydney’s poor Redfern area to see Prince William.
“I was surprised when I heard it on the grapevine that he was coming here to see the indigenous people, the real Australians.”
William went on to go to a community center where the Aborigines presented him with a 1937 petition to his great-grandfather King George VI asking for help in finding and returning the head of indigenous warrior Pemulwuy.
“I said Pemulwuy was a mighty Aboriginal warrior. It’s part of our history and a lot of our history is not acknowledged,” elder Marlene Cummins said.
“He was really interested. When he talks to you, he really talks and when he listens, he really listens. That’s what I love about this boy.”
After the meeting, William was given a brief tour of the Sydney skyline.
The British monarchy is struggling with popularity Down Under. At the same time, recent polls found most Aussies want William to become King over his father when Queen Elizabeth II passes away.
To describe Prince William’s first 24 hours in New Zealand as eventful is an understatement. The British royal’s day was full of engagements, ranging from sports to Maori traditions.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
First, the Prince took a tour of a construction site for Eden Park, a national rugby stadium to be opened in 2011. It will also be the location of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. William met with the members of the All Blacks rugby team, plus some young inspiring rugby players. Back in the UK, he is the vice royal patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.
Next on the Prince’s agenda was another sporty engagement. He was given a special sail through Auckland harbor on board a 79-foot ex-America’s Cup yacht, NZL40, with its crew in tow. William got a chance to helm the yacht for a short while. New Zealand won the 1999 – 2000 Cup.
Lastly, the future King got a chance to experience a traditional Maori cookout. At the Governor-General’s residence in Auckland, there was a hangi, or a feast with food cooked using hot stones in the ground.
So far, Prince William has been leaving a good impression on those who met him Sunday. The captain of All Blacks, Richie McCaw, had this to say about the Prince:
“It can’t be easy being in the position he’s in, but he handles himself amazingly well. Underneath all that stuff he has to deal with, he’s just a genuine bloke you can have a yarn with.”
AP Photo/NZPA, Phil Walter
The Prince even took some time to answer reporters’ questions. He told them he hopes to emulate his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in her royal standards when it comes to official visits.
“I want to be able to do something good and keep the standards up that she has led the way with,” he said.
When questioned if he expected to undertake more tours on behalf of the Queen, William didn’t give anything away.
“We’ll wait and see. I wouldn’t get too carried away. I’ve still got a lot of training to do, and I need the training, believe me.”
Rather, the Prince had nothing but praise for the country.
“I just love seeing everyone and seeing more of New Zealand, so it’s great.”
This is actually William’s third visit to New Zealand. His first trip was as a nine-month old when his parents took a long official visit to the country and Australia. He came again in 2005 to represent the Queen at war memorials, and to follow the touring British and Irish Lions rugby team.
One thing that has been noticable during this tour is the lack of crowds. Much like his father and stepmother’s visit to Canada recently, few have turned out to see Prince William. One Australian news crew actually created signs, reading “We Love Will” for the rare person looking to get a glimpse of the royal.
Prince William began his two-day official visit to New Zealand Sunday morning local time. With little fanfare, he was greeted by Prime Minister John Key and Governor-General Anand Satyanand at the Auckland International Airport. New Zealand is the first stop on the Prince’s five day tour of the Oceania area. An Australian visit is set for Tuesday.
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This tour is meant to give the second-in-line to the British throne a chance to get to know the two countries. It also may be an opportunity to reignite interest in the monarchy in a place where calls for a republic are growing ever louder.
On Sunday, Prince William will go to Eden Park rugby stadium in Auckland where he will meet the team All Blacks. He will also hear about plans for next year’s rugby World Cup.
William will also experience a traditional Maori “hangi” meal cooked in a pit in the ground.
The Prince’s visit is largely informal. He himself requested there be no bowing or curtseying, as is wont to happen when there’s a royal present.
The New Zealand and Austrlian visit is Prince William’s first overseas tour representing his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Britain’s Prince William received his RAF wings today, with those closest to him cheering him on. William recently completed a year long course in becoming a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, something that has been a dream of his for while.
AP Photo/Marc Giddings, pool
The Prince and brought his father, Prince Charles, and stepmother Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to the ceremony. Also there was William’s longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton and her family. Cameras caught the couple chatting and Kate rubbing her boyfriend’s back right before the ceremony began.
The award ceremony, taking place at RAF Shawbury at the Defense Helicopter Flying School, lasted 30 minutes. It was William’s father who gave the wings to him.
Next for the Prince will be another training course in Wales beginning later this month. But first, he will travel to Australia and New Zealand for an official tour starting next week. I will keep you posted on that as the tour might demonstrate what sort of future the British monarchy has Down Under.
AP Photo/Marc Giddings, pool
To see a clip of the loving couple together, click here
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