Prince Harry has made an emotional journey to Angola, walking through a cleared landmine field in a powerful echo of his late mother, Princess Diana's, iconic visit over 25 years ago.
The Duke of Sussex arrived in Dirico, southeastern Angola, to witness the life-saving work of the Halo Trust, the same charity Diana famously supported. Dressed in protective gear, Harry walked confidently across terrain once littered with deadly explosives, now rendered safe thanks to humanitarian efforts.
A Royal Legacy Continues
This poignant moment comes exactly 26 years after Diana's groundbreaking visit to Angola in January 1997, where her walk through a minefield brought global attention to the devastating impact of landmines on civilian populations. Harry's visit serves as both tribute and continuation of his mother's humanitarian mission.
The Halo Trust's Vital Work
The Halo Trust, which has cleared over 100,000 landmines in Angola since 1994, demonstrated their clearance techniques for the royal visitor. Angola remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with an estimated 1,200 known minefields still to clear.
"It's been quite emotional retracing my mother's steps," Harry said during the visit. "To see the progress that's been made, thanks in large part to her advocacy, is incredibly powerful."
From Conflict to Conservation
Remarkably, some of the cleared land has been transformed into a nature reserve, showcasing how former conflict zones can be rehabilitated. Harry met with local conservationists who explained how the area is now home to diverse wildlife, including elephants and lions.
The Duke's visit forms part of his ongoing work with African Parks, a conservation organization he supports as President. This dual focus on humanitarian and environmental causes reflects Harry's commitment to comprehensive solutions for post-conflict regions.
