Prince Harry takes HIV test live on Facebook in 'groundbreaking moment in the fight against HIV'

Prince Harry took an HIV test live on Facebook today (14 July), proving that he practices what he preaches. He encouraged the people of Britain to get tested for HIV on his visit to King's College Hospital last week, citing: "We have a responsibility to ourselves, to the people we are in a relationship with, the people that we love."

The 31-year-old prince – who is passionate about continuing his late mother Princess Diana's work on raising HIV awareness – aimed to show how quick and easy it is to undergo the test.

The video was posted on The Royal Family's official Facebook page and shows Harry and an unknown health worker looking relaxed at Guys and St Thomas' Hospital in London before the pin prick test revealed his result to be negative.

A caption posted with the video reads: "Prince Harry is live from Guys and St. Thomas' Hospital on The Royal Family's Facebook page now, showing how easy it is to get tested for HIV."

The health worker explained that the test is instant at the beginning of Harry's visit, and it takes approximately one minute for the result to come in. He said: "We call it either a reactive or non-reactive results. If it was reactive it would be sent to the lab to confirm the result."

Admitting he was nervous, the fifth-in-line to the throne said: "Even being the person I am and knowing the type of people I'm around, I'm still nervous. Which is interesting."

But after his finger was pricked and the swab was put into a machine, revealing his test was negative, Harry mustered up the confidence to reiterate the importance of getting checked.

He continued: "It's amazing how quick it is - some people wait months for a blood test result. [...] So whether you're a man, woman, gay, straight, black or white — even ginger — why wouldn't you come an have a test?"

The health care worker went on to explain the subsequent procedure if the prince's result had been positive – claiming he would have been sent for further blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Ian Green, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "Prince Harry's decision to take an HIV test, live on social media, is a groundbreaking moment in the fight against HIV.

"Not only does it show His Royal Highness's genuine and personal commitment to tackling the HIV epidemic, it will amplify a message to millions all over the world: testing for HIV is easy, quick and nothing to be feared.

"We have a real opportunity to end HIV transmissions in the UK, but it starts with each person knowing their HIV status. Too many people are either put off testing by the stigma that still surrounds HIV, or simply do not think HIV is an issue anymore.

"Today, Prince Harry has got people talking about HIV again and has normalised HIV testing to a global audience. In doing so, he could inspire a generation to take control of their sexual health.

"That's why it's so invaluable to have Prince Harry's support as we aim to bust stigma and end the HIV epidemic," he continued.

Harry – the founding member of his charity Sentebale which focuses on supporting HIV positive young people in Lesotho, Africa – hopes to use his royal status to influence and the highlight the issues surrounding the health issue, much like Diana did.

Diana was the first royal to step out of the box and help banish the stigma surrounding HIV. She worked tirelessly both in front of the camera and behind the scenes to support people living with the condition, aiming to change its perception in society. She visited HIV patients in hospital and opening wards, and attended conferences and events along with supporting fundraising initiatives.