In a poignant tribute to his late mother, Prince Harry walked through a former minefield in Angola, echoing Princess Diana's historic visit over two decades ago. The Duke of Sussex, dressed in protective gear, stepped cautiously along a cleared path in Dirico, a region once ravaged by civil war.
The emotional journey saw Harry meeting with landmine survivors and local activists, highlighting the ongoing dangers posed by unexploded ordnance. 'We must finish what Diana started,' he told reporters, visibly moved by the experience.
A Royal Legacy Continues
Princess Diana's 1997 walk through an active minefield brought global attention to the issue, leading to the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel mines. Today, nearly 60 million landmines remain buried worldwide, with Angola being one of the most affected countries.
Harry's visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of his mother's groundbreaking campaign. 'The work here isn't done,' he emphasized, 'but the progress made shows what's possible when we come together.'
Modern Challenges in Mine Clearance
While significant areas have been cleared since Diana's visit, experts warn that:
- New minefields are still being discovered
- Climate change is shifting buried explosives
- Funding for clearance operations has decreased
The Duke pledged continued support through his Archewell Foundation, announcing new partnerships with local demining organizations.
