Prince Harry Is Keeping Princess Diana's Landmine Legacy Alive: 'He Wants to Finish the Job' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince Harry at the Halo Trust event on Sept. 23, 2024 in New York City.Photo:Jenna Jones

Jenna Jones

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 famouslywalked through an active minefieldin 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 heretraced her iconic stepsthrough 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.”

Prince Harry in Angola in 2019; Princess Diana in Angola in 1997.PA Wire/PA Images (2)

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.”

Prince Harry at the Halo Trust event in New York City on Sept. 23, 2024.Jenna Jones

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.”

Valdemar Fernandes, HALO Angola Program Operations Manager.Courtesy of The HALO Trust

Courtesy of The HALO Trust

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.

Prince Harry speaks at the HALO Trust event celebrating Angola’s leadership in landmine clearance on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2024.ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty

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Reflecting on Harry’s moving words, Fernandes tells PEOPLE, “I felt very touched when he gave his speech. He’s taking this seriously, he wants to finish the job, and I think we’ll get there."

source: people.com