Previously classified documents have shed light on a clandestine humanitarian mission undertaken by Princess Diana just months before her tragic death in 1997. The papers reveal the Princess of Wales made an unpublicised visit to Angola, where she quietly met with landmine victims and aid workers.
The Secret Journey
According to the newly released records, Diana travelled to Angola in early 1997 without the usual media fanfare that accompanied her public engagements. This low-profile trip allowed her to focus entirely on connecting with those affected by landmines and understanding the challenges faced by humanitarian organisations working in the region.
A Personal Mission
The documents show Diana was deeply committed to the anti-landmine cause, viewing it as more than just another royal patronage. Her private notes reveal emotional encounters with amputees, particularly children, which strengthened her resolve to campaign for an international ban on these weapons.
Cape Town Connection
The papers also confirm Diana extended her African journey to Cape Town, South Africa, where she held discreet meetings with local charities. This visit occurred shortly before her more publicised trip to Paris, where she would tragically perish in a car accident on 31 August 1997.
Lasting Impact
Diana's Angola visit, though little-known at the time, helped lay groundwork for the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel mines, signed by 122 countries later that year. Her ability to combine star power with genuine compassion continues to inspire humanitarian efforts today.
