Prince Harry Follows in Diana’s Footsteps with Landmine Walk in Angola
- Prince Harry walks through an active landmine field in Angola to raise awareness.
- He traces the steps of his mother, Princess Diana, who did the same in 1997.
- Harry highlights the ongoing threats landmines pose to children in Angola.
- He commends the Angolan government’s commitment to clearing landmines.
- HALO Trust has cleared over 120,000 landmines in Angola since 1994.
Honoring Diana’s Legacy Through Awareness Campaign
Prince Harry has taken a significant step in honoring the legacy of his mother, the late Princess Diana, by walking through an active landmine field in Angola. On Wednesday, he donned a flak jacket and traversed the perilous grounds that are part of the world’s largest minefield. This initiative is part of an awareness campaign for the HALO Trust, an organization dedicated to removing landmines and explosives from former conflict zones, underscoring the ongoing dangers civilians face due to remnants of war.
Prince Harry Advocates for Local Communities’ Safety
During his visit, Prince Harry met families who reside in a village near Cuito Cuanavale and shared his concerns over the dangers posed by these mines, stating that children should never live in fear when playing outside or walking to school. He mentioned how decades after the end of Angola’s civil war, the legacy of said conflict still casts a shadow over daily life, threatening lives on a daily basis. His comments highlighted the necessity for continued efforts in clearing these hazardous remnants and ensuring the safety of local communities.
A Modern Tribute to a Historical Cause
Prince Harry expressed his gratitude to the Angolan government for their strong commitment to eliminating landmines, recognizing their role in HALO’s mission to create safer environments for citizens. He commended President Lourenço for his support and called for ongoing donor assistance in their collective mission for a landmine-free Angola. This follow-up to his previous engagement in Angola in 2019 reflects a persistent dedication to the cause first brought to global attention by his mother, who walked these very fields in 1997 before her tragic passing later that year.
In summary, Prince Harry’s recent walk through a landmine field in Angola serves as a poignant reminder of Princess Diana’s enduring legacy in the fight against landmines. His presence brings renewed attention to the ongoing dangers posed by these devices, highlighting the need for continued international support and local government commitment. As efforts continue to clear Angola of these remnants of war, it remains crucial to understand the impact of such initiatives on the lives of those living in affected regions.
