Princess Dianahelped changed the global perspective on HIV and AIDS — and now her sonPrince Harryis continuing her important work.
The Duke of Sussex met with a group of expectant mothers receiving information on the disease, visited the neonatal ward and hung out with HIV+ teenagers during his visit.
“If a royal was allowed to go in shake a patient’s hands, somebody at the bus stop or the supermarket could do the same,” John O’Reilly, a nurse who witnessed Diana’s hospital visit,told the BBC. “That really educated people.”
Dominic Lipinski - Pool/Getty
Prince Harry and First Lady Ana Dias Lourenco.Dominic Lipinski - Pool/Getty
Princess Diana in 1987.
“When, that April, she shook the hand of a 32-year-old man with HIV, in front of the cameras, she knew exactly what she was doing,”Prince Harry said in a moving speechas he accepted the Attitude Legacy Award on his mother’s behalf in 2017. “She was using her position as Princess of Wales, the most famous woman in the world, to challenge everyone to educate themselves, to find their compassion, and to reach out to those who need help instead of pushing them away.”
Princess Diana and Prince Harry.PA Wire/PA Images; Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire/PA Images
Prince Harry visits the Princess Diana Tree.Dominic Lipinski/PA Images
“It has been emotional retracing my mother’s steps along this street 22 years on, and to see the transformation that has taken place, from an unsafe and desolate place into a vibrant community of local businesses and colleges,” Harry said in a speech at the site. “This is a wonderful example of how the UK partnership with Angola can address the issue of landmines, bringing prosperity to an area, creating jobs, helping people access education and healthcare, and making communities safer. The work of de-mining is dangerous, expensive and laborious, and I have the utmost admiration and respect for all who do this hazardous work and risk their lives in service of their community.”
Harry’s day began with an honor guard at the Presidential Palace, where the royal had an audience with President of Angola João Lourenço.
“Continuing his visit in Angola, The Duke of Sussex met President João Lourenço this morning tothank him for the incredibly warm welcomein his country,” read a post from the Sussex Royal Instagram account. “The trip to Angola has been very important to The Duke, allowing him to see the impact his mother has had, and also highlight issues that are so important to him, especially continuing her work torid the world of land mines.”
Prince Harry and the President of Angola.Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire/PA Images
Prince Harry, President of Angola Joao Lourenco and First Lady Ana Dias Lourenco.Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire/PA Images
Prince Harry.Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire/PA Images
Next week, he’ll rejoin wifeMeghan Markleand sonArchiein Johannesburg, South Africa.
source: people.com
