Unseen Diana Footage Reveals Angola Landmine Row Months Before Death
Never-before-seen footage of Princess Diana has been broadcast for the first time, capturing a controversial trip to Angola just seven months before her untimely death. The rare behind-the-scenes video, released by ITV News, shows the former Princess of Wales in January 1997, as she campaigned for a worldwide ban on landmines.
Controversial Trip and Political Backlash
The trip proved highly contentious, with the Conservative government at the time accusing Diana of aligning with Labour Party policy through her support for the landmine ban. In the footage, Diana is seen sitting down with journalists, including ITV's then Africa Correspondent Steve Scott, despite reluctance from her press team.
When asked about the political furore, Diana firmly stated, "I saw it merely as a distraction as I'm not a political figure, I'm a humanitarian figure. Always have been and always will be." This response highlights her determination to focus on humanitarian efforts amid the brewing controversy.
Personal Insights and Legacy
In a private conversation revealed by Steve Scott, Diana expressed her deep concern for her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, who were 14 and 12 at the time. "She wanted to talk about her boys and about how much she missed them when she goes away," Scott recalled, noting that despite her commitment to the campaign, her priority remained her children.
Tragically, Diana died in a car crash in Paris at age 36, just seven months after the Angola visit. Scott reflected on the loss, saying, "A woman who could have made a big difference was now no longer with us."
Impact and Continuing Efforts
Since Diana's visit, over 100,000 landmines have been removed from Angola, with the city of Huambo now standing where she once walked through a minefield. In 2019, Prince Harry visited the exact spot, and last year, he returned to Angola as a patron of the Halo Trust, engaging with families near Africa's largest minefield.
This footage is featured in ITV News' new Reporting History series, available to stream on ITVX, YouTube, and major podcast platforms, offering a poignant glimpse into Diana's enduring humanitarian legacy.
