Prince Harry has used his first public speech to promote a charity for vulnerable children he founded.

The young royal set up Sentebale to help Aids orphans and other disadvantaged youngsters in the southern African kingdom of Lesotho.

The prince spoke at a conference at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for organisations supporting development and change in the country, where the Prince spent 10 weeks as a volunteer in his gap year in 2004.

He said: "It was one of the most satisfying experiences of my life, and it opened my eyes in so many different ways.

"I don't need to tell this audience how amazing Lesotho is or how incredible the people are.

"And as you all know, if you've ever heard a group of Basotho children sing you simply can't turn your back on them."

Harry, 23, launched Sentebale - which means forget-me-not - in memory of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, in 2006 with Lesotho's Prince Seeiso.

He will return to the kingdom later this summer with fellow members of the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals regiment to carry out building and repair work at care homes.

The Prince received a welcome normally reserved for popstars when he arrived at Cathays High School in Cardiff to learn about charity work the pupils have been doing in Lesotho.

The youngsters screamed and cheered and one girl sobbed uncontrollably when the Prince tried to speak to her.

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