The Duke of Sussex has dedicated much of his public life to continuing Princess Diana’s humanitarian legacy, particularly her groundbreaking work in Angola’s minefields
During his whirlwind visit to New York City, one of Prince Harry’s key stops was an event supporting The Halo Trust, a humanitarian organization dedicated to creating a mine-free world — a cause close to his heart and championed by his late mother, Princess Diana.
The Halo Trust, which operates in over 30 countries and territories, is renowned for its work clearing landmines and war debris. The organization gained international recognition when Princess Diana famously walked through an active minefield in Huambo, Angola, in 1997, drawing global attention to the need for an international landmine ban. Harry powerfully honored his late mother’s legacy in 2019 when he retraced her iconic steps through the same minefield Angola.
Speaking at The Halo Trust’s event on Sept. 23 in N.Y.C., Harry said: “As you know, The HALO Trust work in Angola meant a great deal to my mother. Carrying on her legacy is a responsibility that I take incredibly seriously.”
Valdemar Fernandes, HALO Angola’s Program Operations Manager, has been with the organization since 1997 and was present during Princess Diana’s memorable walk through the Angolan minefield.
“It was very important,” Fernandes told PEOPLE at the Halo Trust event in N.Y.C. “Before her visit, there was very little awareness for the mine problem around the world. And when she visited Angola in 1997, she managed to bring international attention to the issue.”
Reflecting on her demeanor during that historic walk, he notes, “She was not scared. She appeared happy to be doing it. She knew what it meant.”
As for Prince Harry carrying forward his mother’s legacy, Fernandes remarks, “He is doing very well.”
Having hosted Harry when he retraced Diana’s steps in Angola in 2019, Fernandes recalls, “I could see from his face it was very emotional — it took control of him. It was a great moment.”
During his speech in N.Y.C., Harry called for global dedication to landmine clearance, celebrating Angola’s progress and urging other nations to follow suit. He emphasized the crucial role of collaboration and the impact on local communities. “A world without mines must be a moral imperative for all of us,” he declared.
