Prince Harry Retraces Diana’s Steps in Angola Land Mine Field

• Prince Harry walked through an active land mine field in Angola.
• His visit is a tribute to Princess Diana’s similar efforts in 1997.
• The Halo Trust, the charity Harry supports, was also backed by Diana.
• Angola still faces challenges with around 1,000 minefields to clear.
• Since 2008, over 60,000 people have been impacted by land mines.

Prince Harry honors his mother’s legacy in Angola.

On a significant journey of remembrance and advocacy, Prince Harry walked through a land mine field in Angola on Wednesday, donning a flak jacket to enhance safety. This effort aimed to bring attention to the ongoing endeavors of the Halo Trust, a charity dedicated to the crucial work of clearing explosives from areas once ravaged by warfare. This poignant act symbolizes a legacy initiated by his late mother, Princess Diana, who had previously walked the same land in January 1997 during her own campaign to support the land mine ban treaty.

Ongoing need for land mine clearance in Angola.

Accompanying Prince Harry on this mission, the Halo Trust highlighted the dire implications of land mines that litter Angola as remnants of a civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002. The organization noted with grave concern that since 2008, at least 60,000 individuals have been killed or injured due to these treacherous explosives. Since its establishment in the region in 1994, the Halo Trust has successfully located and destroyed over 120,000 land mines and other munitions, but challenges remain, with still 1,000 minefields awaiting clearance.

A powerful reminder of advocacy’s impact.

The emotional weight of this initiative is further underscored by the earlier collaboration between Princess Diana and the Halo Trust, which was instrumental in galvanizing international support for the land mine ban treaty ratified later that same year she visited. Prince Harry’s own trip is a continuation of his efforts to raise awareness, as he had visited Angola for a similar campaign back in 2019. The Duke of Sussex’s actions resonate deeply, reminding many of the profound impact that one person’s advocacy can have on the world, especially in areas still afflicted by the scars of war.

Prince Harry’s walk through the land mine field in Angola serves not only to honor Princess Diana’s enduring legacy but also shines a spotlight on the pressing issue of land mines that continue to affect local communities. Through this action, he continues to rally support for the vital work performed by the Halo Trust. As the efforts to clear Angolan land of hidden dangers continue, they pave the way for safer futures, embodying hope and resilience in a country still healing from the impact of conflict.