Britain's Prince Harry began a goodwill visit to Asia. Harry met staff and volunteers of Singaporean AIDS and mental health charities, issues close to his heart following the efforts of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Harry, his brother Prince William and sister-in-law Kate have started Heads Together, a campaign intended to remove the stigma surrounding mental health problems.
He joined Jamiyah Singapore for a tradition iftar session - the breaking of fast at sunset during the Muslim month of Ramadan - at its headquarters at Guillemard Crescent.
On his arrival there, Prince Harry received a traditional welcome from ten kompang (Malay hand drum) players, a customary way to mark a celebratory occasion in Malay culture.
He was also given a silat demonstration, led by former world champion Sheik Alauddin Yacoob Marican.
As the sun started to set, he joined around 80 young Muslims for iftar. After breaking fast, the prince sat at a number of tables so that he could chat with guests about the celebration.
Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar, president of Jamiyah Singapore said, "Ramadan is a time of reflection, for spending time with family and friends while giving support to those who are less fortunate. We are honoured that Prince Harry was able to join us for this iftar and to meet with the young people that are part of the Jamiyah Singapore community."
Earlier in the day, Prince Harry visited an Action for AIDS event, where he learnt more about HIV and AIDS issues in Singapore.
During the event at Eden Hall in Nassim Road, Prince Harry saw a rapid HIV test and met with Action for AIDS’ staff, volunteers and service users to understand more about the challenges facing the HIV-positive community in Singapore.
The prince will on Monday take part in a charity polo match benefiting Sentebale, his charity that supports children and young people affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana.
Sentebale is a charity that Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho established in 2006 to support children living with HIV in Southern Africa.
The prince will head to Sydney on Wednesday (Jun 7), where he will launch the fourth Invictus Games.
The Invictus Games, founded by the prince, is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.
Source : Asia One | Channel News Asia
