Prince Harry demonstrated how simple it was to get tested for HIV by having a test himself and broadcasting the experience live.
Both the test and the young Prince’s results streamed on Facebook as a live post for the world to see from Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital in London.
Harry used the opportunity to urge everyone to go and have a test whether they think they might have the disease or not.
“So whether you’re a man, woman, gay, straight, black, white, whatever – even ginger – why wouldn’t you come and have a test?” he said, making light of the situation.
Prince Harry got walked through all the instruments required for the simple test.
The 31-year-old royal admitted he was nervous before having the test done.
But it was explained to him by the person taking his test, councillor Robert Palmer, that the test only involved a tiny, quick needle prick.
“Once you’ve got people through the door, that’s the hardest bit out the way,” Harry said.
Prince Harry awaits his results.
Robert emphasised how usually there would only be the tester and the person being tested in the room for privacy, but with the media there to cover Harry’s visit, that wasn’t the case today.
“You can see for yourself the result while you’re in the room,” Robert continued. “And we can respond to that right away.”
The young prince laughed off the offer of a band-aid, saying “It’s fine, I’ll be alright, you’ve covered me in my own blood!”
Harry’s too grown up for a band-aid!
Harry was amazed at how quick the whole process was.
“Some blood tests you have to wait weeks for,” he said.
After a tense wait, Harry was informed he had a HIV non-reactive result, meaning he was free of the disease.
Watch Harry talking about his mother when she visited a HIV hospital. Post continues.
Later on Harry met with some of the lab technicians, who offered the cheeky royal a full sexual health check-up.
“I’m quite tempted!” laughed Harry.
After the visit, Elton John shared a post on social media, praising Princess Diana’s son for furthering his mother’s cause.
Harry met with the other technicians to praise them for their diagnostic work.
Elton John was very close with Princess Diana when she was doing her work with AIDS victims.
“In 1991, Princess Diana moved a mountain by addressing the stigma surrounding people living with HIV/AIDS,” the Candle in the Wind singer wrote.
“She showed the world we could safely wrap our arms around AIDS patients, by shaking hands with a patient without gloves.”
He continued: “Today in London, Prince Harry gave that stigma a knock on the head by showing the world how easy and simple it is to take an HIV test.
“Bravo Prince Harry! Your mother would be so proud of you.”
