Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Prince Harry to bring touch of Africa to Chelsea Flower Show

Share this:

Prince Harry's charity Sentebale will be taking part in this year's Chelsea Flower Show in London and has revealed the name of its garden plot – "Hope in Vulnerability". The uplifting moniker reflects the charity's mission of helping HIV sufferers come to terms with living with their condition.As requested by Harry himself, the garden will feature plants that are both native to the UK and Lesotho, where the charity operates.The Prince has enlisted the help of Matt Keightley, an award-winning landscape designer, who will also attempt to germinate a native Lesotho poppy to display at Chelsea for the first time.

The design for Sentebale's garden at this year's Chelsea Flower Show

Matt has come up with a design that Harry has approved of, which will be a mini model of the new Mamohato children's centre that is set to open in Lesotho later this year. The facility will provide healthcare and education to local youngsters who are struggling with HIV.The "Hope in Vulnerability" garden will consist of a central hut, similar to what you would find at the Mamohato centre, flanked by plants and foliage. Vibrant colour will be a running theme in the display, with ribbons attached to the construction.

Prince Harry set up Sentebale, meaning 'forget me not' in Sesotho, in 2006

"We had a hugely inspiring trip to Lesotho last year which further informed me about the fantastic fundraising and charity work Sentebale does and it has directly influenced my approach to the design of the garden," said designer Matt, 30."Lesotho, known as the forgotten kingdom, will be brought to life through the 'Hope In Vulnerability' garden with a design that evokes the native landscape and celebrates the work of Sentebale," he added.Matt also revealed that Harry, who set up the African charity nine years ago with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, was keen to throw his own ideas into the mix and be kept updated on the garden's progress.

Prince Harry helping construct the new Mamohato children's centre in Lesotho last year

Two years ago Sentebale made its debut at the Chelsea Flower Show with its Forget-Me-Not garden, which was named after the charity that is translated as "Forget Me Not" in Sesotho.Harry, who regularly fundraises for his foundation, recently reflected on Sentebale's decade-long achievements, calling the ride "an emotional rollercoaster".

More Royalty

See more