Diana raised awareness about landmines during a trip to Angola in 1997 and Harry, pictured in 2019, has continued her work. Reuters
Prince Harry is once again retracing the powerful footsteps of his late mother, Princess Diana, 27 years later. On Tuesday, he landed in Angola to support land mine clearing efforts—mirroring the visit Diana made nearly three decades ago that captured global attention.
Harry’s trip began with a meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço. The visit is organized in partnership with the Halo Trust, and it's the same humanitarian group that worked with Diana in 1997. It highlighted the danger of unexploded land mines left behind from war.
Diana, Princess of Wales, left, uses a remote switch to trigger the detonation of some explosive ordinance dug up by mine sweepers in Huambo, central Angola, Jan. 15, 1997. (AP Photo)
Back then, Princess Diana made headlines for walking through a marked minefield in protective gear, a photo that helped shift international opinion. Just months after her visit, a global treaty banning land mines gained strong momentum—something widely credited to her advocacy.
A Mother’s Legacy, A Son’s Mission
This isn’t Prince Harry’s first time supporting mine-clearing efforts. In 2019, he also toured Angola and visited the same region his mother once walked through. His continued involvement with the Halo Trust shows a deep personal connection to Diana’s mission of saving civilian lives in post-conflict zones.
According to British media, Harry is traveling solo this time. His wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, did not accompany him on the visit.
Meeting with Angola’s Leader
Halo Trust CEO James Cowan confirmed that he and Prince Harry met with President Lourenço to discuss Angola’s progress in clearing land mines. They thanked the president for his ongoing support, as the country nears its target to become mine-free by 2025.
Harry met the country's president on Tuesday to discuss efforts to rid Angola of landmines. Pic: The Halo Trust
Cowan emphasized that demining is not just about removing dangerous devices but also about restoring land to communities and giving people a chance to rebuild after years of conflict.
A Long Road to Safety
Angola endured a devastating 27-year civil war, stretching from 1975 to 2002. Although the conflict officially ended more than two decades ago, the scars remain deeply embedded—especially in the form of unexploded land mines.
The Halo Trust estimates that around 80,000 people have been killed or maimed by land mines in Angola during and after the war. And while progress has been made, the task is far from over. As of late 2024, over 1,000 minefields still remained, spanning an estimated 67 square kilometers.With the 2025 deadline fast approaching, international support is critical to help Angola finish the job.
Harry reunited with Sandra Tigica in 2019, 22 years after his mother first met the young landmine survivor. PA
Walking Toward a Safer Future
Prince Harry’s presence in Angola carries both symbolism and urgency. His mother's minefield walk remains one of the most iconic humanitarian images of the 20th century. Now, nearly 30 years later, her son is helping to carry that legacy forward.
While the world has changed, the mission to make post-war countries safer hasn’t. And through awareness, diplomacy, and action, Harry continues to shine a light on a cause his mother once made her own.
