Prince Harry Follows in Mother Diana’s Footsteps with Landmine…

Prince Harry walked in Angola’s active minefield to raise awareness for HALO Trust.
The Duke of Sussex met families in Cuito Cuanavale as part of a community outreach program.
He expressed gratitude for Angola’s commitment to eradicating landmines in the region.
Princess Diana’s advocacy helped to mobilize support for a land mine ban treaty in 1997.
HALO Trust has cleared over 120,000 land mines but over 1,000 minefields remain.

Prince Harry Honors Princess Diana’s Legacy in Angola

In a poignant homage to his late mother, Princess Diana, Prince Harry embarked on a significant walk through an active land minefield in Angola on Wednesday. Donning a flak jacket for protection, Prince Harry’s venture aimed to raise awareness for HALO Trust, a charitable organization dedicated to clearing mines from former conflict zones. His visit to Cuito Cuanavale, a village situated near the world’s largest minefield, marked a pivotal moment as he met with families living under the persistent threat of unexploded ordnance.

Reflecting on Landmine Dangers for Children

In 1997, Princess Diana famously traversed a similar path, drawing global attention to the peril posed by land mines to innocent civilians. That moment is etched in the collective memory, for it was her final year before tragically losing her life in a car accident in Paris. Now, over three decades later, Prince Harry expressed his concerns about the hazards children face, stating, “Children should never have to live in fear of playing outside or walking to school.” His voice amplifies the ongoing dangers that linger due to remnants of Angola’s long civil war.

Gratitude for Government Support in Mine Clearance

The Duke of Sussex commended the Angolan government’s commitment to eradicating landmines, calling it a powerful testament to the success that HALO Trust has achieved in saving lives. He particularly thanked President Lourenço for his leadership in this humanitarian mission, underscoring the need for continued donor support to foster a landmine-free future for Angola. Since the HALO Trust commenced operations in Angola in 1994, they have successfully destroyed over 120,000 land mines. However, a daunting challenge lies ahead; approximately 1,000 minefields remain untouched and continue to pose a threat to the safety of civilians.

Prince Harry’s visit to Angola reveals not just a personal connection to his mother’s legacy but highlights a pressing humanitarian cause that still needs attention. His advocacy shines a light on the persistent dangers of land mines, particularly for children in war-torn areas. With continued efforts and a strong partnership with Angola, there remains hope for a safer, mine-free future for its communities.