It's Harry the builder: The handyman Prince follows in Diana's footsteps in Africa

Yesterday the third in line in throne couldn't have been further from the London party circuit he loves.

But he looked equally at home helping with building work for his African charity Sentebale in Lesotho. Along with 26 comrades from the Household Cavalry, he is in the southern African country for the next three weeks. One third of the 1.8million population is infected with HIV or Aids, and 40 per cent of children are orphans. 

Prince Harry smiles as he and his regiment help rebuild a school for disabled children in Lesotho

'I'm out here because I want to be - it's where I have to be,' Harry said. 'I first came out during my gap year and it was love at first sight. It is a wonderful country in spite of its issues.' Yesterday at the Thuso e Tla Tsoa Kae Community School, the 23-year-old prince and his team worked on building wheelchair ramps, a new septic tank unit and dining hall.

Prince Harry with members of the Household Cavalry Regiment help with the project, which is close to the Prince's heart

'I love physical labour, it's what I do best,' he said. 'I didn't do well at school.' His break was just as physically demanding - a soccer match with the children. For further information see: www.sentebale.org.

It's off to work I go: Harry puts his weight behind the wheels

Prince of giggles: Amusing the locals

Prince Harry said everyone involved in his charity Sentebale has 'been so positive'

Harry is not afraid of getting his hands dirty as he lends a hand to the rebuilding project

Harry shows journalists the work being done on the school

Prince Harry and members of the Household Cavalry take part in a 'Kick 4 Life' football match

Harry and his regimental colleagues help rebuild the centre

The Prince briefs members of the Burnaby Blue expedition

Prince Harry and his regiment help dig a path for the vehicles on the Skeleton Coast, Namibia, during the African expedition