THE DUKE of Sussex has donated £1.1 million from the proceeds of his upcoming memoirs to a charity he co-founded.

Prince Harry set up Sentebale in Lesotho in 2006 to help vulnerable children in southern Africa affected by extreme poverty, inequality and the HIV/Aids epidemic.

The annual Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup in Aspen, Colorado, which was postponed last year due to Covid, saw Harry take to the field alongside Argentine polo player and Sentebale ambassador Nacho Figueras.

In a statement, Harry said he was thrilled to be supporting Sentebale in person at the charity polo match and that his donation was one of several he planned to make to charitable organisations.

“Our refocused mission at Sentebale is about addressing the most-immediate needs of vulnerable children in southern Africa, helping them access vital health services, receive necessary care, and build skills to be more resilient and self-sufficient in the future,” he said.

“The Sentebale Polo Cup is critical to securing the funds needed to advance this important mission, and I’m thrilled to be able to support Sentebale, both in person and financially through a separate charitable donation to meet this immediate need.

The Argus: The Duke of Sussex The Duke of Sussex

“This is one of several donations I plan to make to charitable organisations and I’m grateful to be able to give back in this way for the children and communities who gravely need it.”

The annual tournament had fewer guests than previous years to adhere to Covid guidelines.

Harry played on the Sentebale Team against the Royal Salute and US Polo Assn teams in a round robin tournament.

A Sentebale spokesman said the match was its single largest fundraising opportunity and last year’s postponement left the charity in need of further support.

“Because last year’s Polo Cup was postponed and this year’s was significantly and rightfully reduced in size and scope, the organisation is in need of further support to continue its mission,” he said.

“To help meet this need, the duke is donating his time as well as honouring his personal commitment to donate a portion of his proceeds from his upcoming memoir by generously committing $1.5 million (£1.1 million) to Sentebale.

“Sentebale is grateful for his personal contribution, which will allow the organisation to continue operating at full scale and continue providing critical services to at-risk youth in southern Africa.”

Harry’s memoirs are due to be released next year.