Prince Harry follows in Diana’s footsteps: travels to Angola to back landmine clearance, nearly three decades after Diana’s visit But Queen Camilla’s Reaction Leaves Us Stunned!

Prince Harry traveled to Angola earlier this week and met the country’s president to discuss demining efforts, almost three decades after his mother’s memorable visit to the south African nation.

The Duke of Sussex shared his vision of a “mine-free country” in an audience with Angolan President João Lourenço on Tuesday, according to the international NGO, the HALO Trust.

“We thanked him [Harry] for his extraordinary dedication to and investment in the vision of a mine-free country, and he expressed his intention to continue to support our work with a further significant contract for the next three years,” the CEO of the non-profit, James Cowan, said in a statement.

Princess Diana advocated for landmine clearance when she visited the central Angolan city of Huambo 28 years ago.

Images of Diana, then one of the most famous people in the world, walking along a cleared path in an active minefield are credited as helping mobilizing public opinion against the deadly devices.

Foreign and national actors littered fields, villages and towns with landmines and explosives over decades of fighting in Angola, in the bloody fight for independence from Portugal – and the ensuing civil war from 1975 to 2002 – killing and injuring thousands of people.

Princess Diana walked through an active minefield as part of her campaign for a global ban on the deadly weapons.
John Stillwell/PA/AP

Human rights agencies repeatedly called for an international treaty ban on landmines, which eventually came into effect just months before Diana’s death in August, 1997. In September, 2019, Harry retraced his mother’s footsteps along the minefield in Huambo.

Around 88,000 Angolan people were casualties of landmines, according to the HALO Trust. But the searing impact of that brutal legacy is still being felt today.

In 2019, the mother of an eight-year-old landmine survivor recalled her grief over the death of her nephew, Frederico, aged 10, who was killed after the two boys happened upon a landmine while playing football.

The blast so severely wounded her son, Manuel, that the child had his leg amputated. “The war ended a long time ago,” Ermelinda told CNN at the time.

“A lot of people pass by that spot. There are always a lot of people there and they had never found that,” she said. “It had to be on the day when the children were there.”

On July 15, 2025, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, arrived in Angola for a significant solo visit to support the Halo Trust, a landmine clearance charity closely associated with his late mother, Princess Diana. This trip, which echoed Diana’s iconic 1997 visit to Angola, aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing dangers of landmines left from the country’s 27-year civil war (1975–2002) and to reinforce Angola’s commitment to becoming a mine-free nation. The visit was marked by poignant moments, including Harry walking through a minefield, engaging with local communities, and meeting with Angolan President João Lourenço to discuss demining efforts. This article summarizes the key events and significance of Prince Harry’s visit, drawing on recent reports.

A Tribute to Princess Diana’s Legacy

Prince Harry’s visit to Angola was a deliberate nod to his mother’s groundbreaking 1997 trip, during which Princess Diana walked through an active minefield in Huambo to spotlight the devastating impact of landmines. Her advocacy, in partnership with the Halo Trust, helped galvanize global support for the Ottawa Treaty, which banned landmines later that year. Harry, a patron of the Halo Trust since 2019, has consistently championed this cause, having previously visited Angola in 2013 and 2019, the latter alongside his wife, Meghan Markle. On this latest trip, he retraced Diana’s steps, wearing a protective flak jacket and walking through a minefield in Cuito Cuanavale, southern Angola, to highlight the charity’s ongoing work.

The Halo Trust has been active in Angola since 1994, clearing over 120,000 landmines and 100,000 other explosive devices. Despite this progress, over 1,000 minefields remain, covering an estimated 26 square miles, posing a daily threat to communities. Harry’s visit underscored the urgency of continued demining efforts, particularly in areas where children and farmers face constant danger. He stated, “Children should never have to live in fear of playing outside or walking to school. Here in Angola, over three decades later, the remnants of war still threaten lives every day.” This sentiment reflects his commitment to ensuring a safer future for Angolans, echoing Diana’s humanitarian vision.

Key Activities During the Visit

Harry’s visit was packed with meaningful engagements. On July 15, he landed in Luanda and met with President João Lourenço to discuss the Halo Trust’s work and Angola’s role as the charity’s largest single donor in the country. The meeting resulted in a significant announcement: the Angolan government pledged a new three-year commitment to support landmine clearance, building on funding first highlighted during Harry’s 2019 visit. This partnership aims to clear remaining minefields, enabling safe agriculture, wildlife conservation, and tourism development. Harry praised Angola’s leadership, noting, “This commitment is about more than removing deadly devices. It’s about unlocking potential in a country that has so much—enabling children to walk to school safely, allowing farmers to grow crops, attracting sustainable development, and bringing back wildlife tourism.”

On July 16, Harry visited Cuito Cuanavale, home to Africa’s largest minefield, where he walked through a cleared path in a minefield, mirroring Diana’s 1997 walk. He also participated in a children’s safety class, teaching local children in Portuguese phrases like “Stop, go back, and tell your elders” to help them avoid landmine risks. This community outreach, part of the Halo Trust’s efforts, educates residents about identifying and avoiding explosives until experts can clear them. Harry’s interaction with the children was particularly heartfelt, as he drew on his experience as a father to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, emphasizing the importance of protecting young lives.

Later that day, at a British Embassy reception in Luanda, Harry engaged with business leaders to advocate for sustained partnerships in humanitarian work. He highlighted the Halo Trust’s success in saving lives and reducing risks, crediting Angola’s government and donors for their support. The charity’s CEO, James Cowan, praised Harry’s dedication, stating, “We thanked him for his extraordinary dedication to and investment in the vision of a mine-free country.”

Significance and Impact

Harry’s visit was both symbolic and practical. By recreating Diana’s iconic minefield walk, he brought global attention to a persistent humanitarian issue. The Halo Trust estimates that at least 60,000 people have been killed or injured by landmines in Angola since 2008, with 80 deaths reported in the past five years alone. Harry’s presence amplified the charity’s mission, encouraging further donations and support, particularly from the Angolan government. A source noted that such high-profile visits often drive additional funding, as seen with the £46 million pledged in 2019 for conservation and demining efforts.

The visit also highlighted Angola’s progress and challenges. The country, ravaged by civil war until 2002, has made strides in demining but faces the daunting task of clearing remaining minefields to meet its goal of being landmine-free by 2025. Harry’s advocacy emphasized the broader impact of demining, such as enabling safe farming, protecting endangered species, and fostering economic growth through tourism. His engagement with local communities and leaders reinforced the message that demining is not just about safety but about unlocking Angola’s potential.

Meghan Markle’s Absence

Notably, Meghan Markle did not accompany Harry on this trip, with sources citing safety concerns due to the risky nature of walking through minefields. Reports suggest Harry prioritized her safety, a decision likened to his reluctance to bring her to the UK due to security issues. This choice sparked some media speculation, but Harry’s focus remained on the Halo Trust’s mission, and his solo trip allowed him to fully immerse himself in the cause.

Conclusion

Prince Harry’s 2025 visit to Angola was a powerful continuation of Princess Diana’s legacy, blending personal commitment with global advocacy. By walking through a minefield, teaching children safety measures, and securing renewed government support, Harry reinforced the Halo Trust’s mission to create a mine-free Angola. His actions highlighted the enduring impact of landmines and the importance of sustained humanitarian efforts. As Angola works toward its 2025 goal, Harry’s visit serves as a reminder that high-profile advocacy can drive change, ensuring safer lives for future generations.