How Prince Harry Is Carrying On Princess Diana’s Legacy
One of the most iconic photographs of Princess Diana was of her wearing protective gear over a white oxford, walking through a minefield in Angola. It not only signified her role as a humanitarian—her visit brought global attention to the issue, and is credited with the success of the Ottawa Treaty—but is a tragic reminder of a life cut short: months after the photo was taken in January 1997, the Princess would die in a car crash. Her role in landmine awareness remains a significant part of her legacy.
Decades later, her son continues to champion her cause. Today, Prince Harry gave a speech at London’s Chatham House, urging the clearing of landmines in the African nation.
Harry evoked his mother: "I was told just the other day of the positive transformation in Huambo since my mother walked that minefield all those years ago," he said.
A keen conservationist, Harry also raised environmental issues: "What is less well-known is the impact landmines can have on conservation and wildlife, and therefore the economy,” he said. “"I saw a struggling community in a deserted landscape, unable to make use of the land.”
Harry often references his mother when speaking about the dangers of landmines. In a 2017 speech for International Mine Awareness Day, he said: “Twenty years ago, in the last months of her life, my mother campaigned to draw attention to the horrific and indiscriminate impact of land mines . . . let’s make future generations proud and finish what we started.”
It's not the only one of his mother's causes that Harry is carrying on: the Prince is also active in AIDS awareness, recently speaking at the 2018 International AIDS Conference alongside Sir Elton John. With these efforts in pursuit of the greater good, Prince Harry ensures Princess Diana's legacy is not forgotten.
Originally Appeared on Vogue
