On Thursday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also announced their "private" plans around the birth of their royal baby
Royal dad-to-be Prince Harry learned about the challenges facing young people when he visited a youth center in London on Thursday.
As wife Meghan Markle stayed behind at their new home of Frogmore Cottage as they prepare to welcome their first child later this month, Harry, 34, watched teens take part in activities and workshops showcasing the new facilities for the charity, OnSide Youth Zones. He talked with members about the serious concerns in young peoples’ lives, such as the rising levels of knife crime in London.
Created by the organization — which is building 21st century youth facilities across the U.K. — the Future Youth Zone provides a safe environment where young people can gain confidence, develop their key skills and build their aspirations.
The royal was on-hand to open the new center, but he used the occasion to join members as they shared their perspectives and experiences of knife crime. The scourge of the issue has been rising in the U.K. with an increase in attacks especially in London. Today the forum, which was set up in 2001 to provide a formal platform for 13- to 19-year-olds to express their views on issues affecting their communities, has a local say and influence on policy makers.
Harry’s fact-finding visit is part of his ongoing work via the Royal Foundation to help find answers to youth violence that young people themselves wish to see.
His office says that Harry “believes that every child should be given the opportunity to fulfill their potential, regardless of their background or situation, and regularly supports projects that enable children and young people to build their skills and confidence.”
Harry saw the various activities for kids at the center, including ping pong and a rock climbing wall.
This is the third time he has visited an OnSide Youth Zone – the last time was with Meghan during their trip to the Wirral, in northwest England in January.
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On Thursday, Meghan and Harry also announced their “private” plans around the birth of their baby. The palace will announce when the Duchess of Sussex is in labor. Meghan and Harry will then likely announce their baby’s arrival on their new Instagram account, @sussexroyal.
Royal fans will get to see the happy couple with their new baby soon after the birth. Within a few days after welcoming their first child, Meghan and Harry will take part in a photo op with their new baby on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very grateful for the goodwill they have received from people throughout the United Kingdom and around the world as they prepare to welcome their baby,” the statement reads.
”Their Royal Highnesses have taken a personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private. The Duke and Duchess look forward to sharing the exciting news with everyone once they have had an opportunity to celebrate privately as a new family.”