Harry takes selfies with fans & thanks UK town for ‘banging’ jerk chicken on similar engagement to brother Wills

Harry takes selfies with fans & thanks UK town for ‘banging’ jerk chicken on similar engagement to brother Wills

Prince Harry's recent visit to Nottingham was marked by warm interactions with the public and a significant commitment to the city's youth. Spotted taking selfies with fans, he exuded a relaxed and approachable demeanor, further solidifying his connection with the community. This visit wasn't just a photo opportunity; it was a reaffirmation of his dedication to addressing critical issues facing young people in the area.

The Duke of Sussex's trip centered around the Community Recording Studio, a vital youth charity located in the St Ann's area of Nottingham. This studio provides a safe and creative space for young individuals, offering opportunities for artistic expression and personal development. Prince Harry's presence underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering positive change within communities.

Prince Harry taking a selfie with a fan.

During his visit, Prince Harry made a noteworthy announcement: a personal donation of £1.1 million, channeled through Children in Need, aimed at supporting local young people affected by violence and knife crime. This substantial contribution reflects his deep concern for the well-being of youth in Nottingham and his commitment to providing resources for intervention and prevention programs.

Despite stepping back from his official role as a working royal and relocating to California, Prince Harry emphasized that his connection to Nottingham remains steadfast. He pledged to continue supporting the city and its residents, highlighting the profound impact Nottingham has had on his own personal growth and understanding of social issues.

Prince Harry greets well-wishers and announces a substantial donation to Children in Need.

“I’ll continue to stand with you,” he stated, reinforcing his unwavering support. "Nottingham has my respect, it always has, my commitment, and a permanent place in my heart." These words resonate with sincerity, underscoring the genuine bond he feels with the city and its people.

Prince Harry reminisced about his numerous visits to Nottingham, acknowledging the "important lessons" he has learned and the inspiration he has drawn from the city. He even humorously mentioned his fondness for Nottingham's jerk chicken, a culinary delight he apparently enjoys on his trips back.

Prince William speaking with staff and young people at a youth organization.

"I've lost count of the number of visits I've made here, and the amount of jerk chicken I've eaten on almost every occasion on the way back," he quipped, adding a touch of levity to the serious nature of his visit.

Reflecting on his long-standing commitment to tackling youth violence, Prince Harry highlighted knife crime as one of the most pressing issues facing the UK. For nearly 15 years, he has been working alongside communities, listening to their stories, and learning from their experiences.

Prince William sitting in a chair during an interview.

"For nearly 15 years I've been working alongside communities to tackle violence impacting young people – particularly knife crime, which remains one of the most urgent issues facing this country," he explained.

He emphasized that Nottingham has been a place where he has heard "harrowing stories, learned important lessons, seen resilience, and felt truly inspired." This powerful statement encapsulates the profound impact the city has had on his perspective and his dedication to addressing social challenges.

Prince William at a youth charity event.

Meanwhile, Prince William was engaged in his own separate engagement in south London. These parallel visits, occurring just a short distance apart, highlighted the brothers' continued commitment to public service, albeit through different avenues.

Prince William's visit took him to The Oasis Village in Tulse Hill, south London, where he learned more about the work of Spiral Skills, a youth organization operating in Lambeth. This organization provides vital support and opportunities for young people, empowering them to develop their skills and reach their full potential.

Prince William speaking with young people at Spiral Skills.

During his visit, Prince William shared a personal anecdote about his children's musical pursuits. He revealed that Prince Louis has a particular interest in drums, emphasizing the importance of music education in fostering creativity and well-being. He emphasized that music is "crucial" for children.

When asked by 16-year-old Django Brooke if he played drums, Prince William responded with a self-deprecating humor: “I’m definitely not a drummer. I’m happy to see you do it, if my youngest was here, he’d have a go, because he’s practising at the moment, but I’d love to hear you do it."

Prince Harry shaking hands with a man at the Community Recording Studio.

After hearing Django perform, Prince William applauded and jokingly remarked, "And that's why you play, and I don't!" This lighthearted exchange showcased his ability to connect with young people on a personal level.

The Prince commended the young musicians participating in a workshop, acknowledging their dedication and hard work. He noted that performing in front of an audience is not easy, praising their rhythm and musical talent.

"It's brilliant you guys have clearly done a lot of practising, well done, that's not easy doing that in front of everyone – that's brilliant," he said.

"You've all got amazing rhythm and it sounds fantastic, I wish I started when I was your age," Prince William added, expressing his admiration for their musical abilities.

He also shared his own experiences with learning musical instruments, admitting that he struggled with reading music. He revealed that he started with piano, trumpet, and drums but eventually found it challenging to memorize every tune.

"I couldn't read music so that was biggest weakness, I started off playing piano, trumpet and the drums and then realised I had to memorise every tune and it just fell away," he confessed.

Prince William emphasized the importance of ensuring that his children learn music, highlighting his love for music and its crucial role in development. This underscores the Royal Family's recognition of the power of arts and culture in shaping young minds.

"I make sure my children learn music because I love music and it's crucial, really important," he concluded. Both Prince Harry and Prince William are clearly committed to using their platforms to support young people and promote positive change within their respective areas of focus.