An African orphan, who Prince Harry became friends with during a gap-year stay in Lesotho, was one of the first people to greet the newly wedded couple after their wedding yesterday, May 19.
Mutsu Potsane was only four-years-old when he met Prince Harry for the first time, but they struck up a great relationship, and stayed in touch over the years.
Now, Potsane – whose real first name is Relebohile and is now 18-years-old – was one of ten representatives from Harry’s charity, Sentebale, present at the wedding.
A tweet posted by Sentebale read:
Congratulations to the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex, from everyone at @Sentebale.
We were delighted that some of our Lesotho team were able to join in the very special celebrations in Windsor today! #SentebaleCelebrates #RoyalWedding.
According to the Express, Harry went to Potsane’s home nation to help children stricken by HIV and AIDS. He met Potsane in Mants’ase Children’s Home for orphans near Mohale’s Hoek, outside Lesotho’s capital, Maseru.
After meeting and becoming friends with Potsane, Harry went so far as to gift him a pair of blue wellies.
Although they stayed in touch every now and then, an ITV documentary four years ago saw the pair re-united. Upon seeing his old friend, Harry immediately picked Potsane up for a hug.
Potsane was one of 200 representatives from different charities the Royals run across the globe, who attended the wedding at Windsor Castle.
Sentebale chairman, Johnny Hornby, said in the aftermath of the lavish wedding:
He’s a bit shy now, but he’s doing really well. He’s just finishing school.
Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who attended the wedding, said:
The young Harry who first arrived in Lesotho in 2004 is now a grown man getting married.
I’ve come here with all the wishes of Lesotho, I’m not here on my own behalf I’m here representing the entire nation who are so happy.
Prince Harry and the now Duchess, Meghan Markle, were pronounced husband and wife at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in front of family and friends, including The Queen, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles, as well as co-stars of the show Suits.
The ceremony was officiated by the Dean of Windsor, David Conner, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who performed the newlywed’s vows. After being declared husband and wife, Prince Harry and Meghan shared their first kiss in public, as newlyweds, for the whole world to see.
A statement from Kensington Palace, prior to the wedding, said:
They hope this short journey will provide an opportunity for more people to come together around Windsor and to enjoy the atmosphere of this special day.
Following the service, there will be a reception at St George’s Hall for the couple and the guests from the congregation. Later that evening, the Prince of Wales will give a private evening reception for the couple and their close friends and family.
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