Britain’s Prince Harry has begun a goodwill visit to Asia. Harry met with staff and volunteers from Singapore charities working on AIDS and mental health, issues near his heart after the efforts of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Harry, his brother Prince William and sister-in-law Kate have launched the Heads Together campaign to combat stereotypes surrounding mental health issues.
He joined Jamiyah Singapore for the standard iftar – the breaking of the fast at sunset in the course of the Muslim month of Ramadan – on the organisation’s headquarters on Guillemard Crescent.
Upon arrival, Prince Harry was traditionally welcomed by ten kompang (Malay hand drum) players, a customary way of marking a very important event in Malay culture.
He was also presented with a silat technique led by former world champion, Sheikh Alauddin Yacoob Marican.
As the sun began to set, he joined about 80 young Muslims for iftar. After the fast ended, the prince sat at several tables so he could confer with the guests concerning the celebration.
Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar, President of Jamiyah Singapore said: “Ramadan is a time for reflection, spending time with family and friends, while supporting those who are less fortunate. We are honoured that Prince Harry was able to join us for this Iftar and meet the young people who are part of the Jamiyah Singapore community.”
Earlier within the day, Prince Harry attended an Action for AIDS event where he learned more about HIV and AIDS issues in Singapore.
During the event at Eden Hall on Nassim Road, Prince Harry saw an HIV rapid test and met with Action for AIDS staff, volunteers and repair users to raised understand the challenges faced by the HIV community in Singapore.
The prince will on Monday participate in a charity polo match in aid of Sentebale, his charity that helps children and young people affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana.
Sentebale is a charity founded in 2006 by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support children living with HIV in South Africa.
The Prince will travel to Sydney on Wednesday (7 June) where he’ll open the fourth Invictus Games.
The Invictus Games, established by the Prince, is a global sporting event for wounded, injured and sick soldiers.
Source : Asia One | Asia News Channel
