Prince Harry's heartfelt speech to people of St Kitts and Nevis

24 November 2016

Prince Harry has thanked the people of St Kitts and Nevis for committing the Central Forest Reserve to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy.

Prince Harry

The 32-year-old royal made the heartfelt speech on behalf of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, and said how "lucky" he was to visit the Caribbean and meet with locals, especially the young people of the country.

He said: "I feel so lucky to be visiting St Kitts and Nevis on behalf of The Queen. Her Majesty sends her best wishes to you all and is sorry not to be able to come personally.

"On trips like this, I have the great privilege of meeting leaders and dignitaries from many fields. But what is most important to me, is having the chance to meet the young people of the countries I visit.

"There is no better way to judge the future of a country than by spending time with its youth; taking the time to listen to what they have to say; and understanding their vision for the nation they will inherit.

"I am really pleased to have the opportunity to thank the people of St Kitts and Nevis for committing the Central Forest Reserve to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy.

"My grandmother launched the Canopy project last year. All members of the Commonwealth have agreed to donate forested lands to this international environmental network."

The flame-haired hunk says he has made memories that will "stay with him" for a lifetime on his two-week tour of the Caribbean.

He added: "Your contribution is incredibly generous. Not only will it encourage more visitors to this beautiful place, but will also give people around the Commonwealth the opportunity to learn about your forests and the ways you protect them. The forests we see behind us are truly amazing - thank you so much for contributing them to this project in the year of The Queen's 90th birthday - and wow what a present.

"Thank you again for your friendly Caribbean welcome. I am only here for a short time, but can safely say that the beauty and people of St Kitts and Nevis will stay with me for a very long time."