Prince Harry retraced his mother Princess Diana‘s footsteps through an Angola minefield in September 2019, twenty-two years after her historic January 1997 visit that drew global attention to landmine dangers. The Duke of Sussex wore protective gear while walking the same path where Diana’s advocacy helped promote the Ottawa Treaty and mobilized international opinion against landmines. The former minefield site has since transformed into a thriving neighborhood featuring homes, businesses, and the Princess Diana School, though over 630 minefields remain across Angola’s eight provinces, threatening more than 40 percent of the rural population as the 2025 Mine Ban Treaty deadline approaches and additional insights reveal the ongoing complexities.
Twenty-two years after Princess Diana‘s groundbreaking visit to Angola’s minefields captured global attention, Prince Harry retraced his mother’s footsteps through the same dangerous terrain in Huambo, now transformed from an active minefield into a thriving community.
Princess Diana’s January 1997 visit to Angola occurred during the country’s emergence from a devastating 20-year civil war that left over 15 million landmines scattered across the landscape. Partnering with the HALO Trust and the Red Cross, Diana walked through an active minefield in Huambo, drawing unprecedented international media coverage to the humanitarian crisis facing Angola’s civilian population.
Her advocacy dramatically raised global awareness of landmine issues, contributing to the promotion of the Ottawa Treaty of 1999, which aimed to eliminate anti-personnel landmines worldwide. Despite facing criticism from political opponents, Diana’s efforts successfully mobilized public opinion, triggered increased funding for demining projects, and prompted multiple nations to commit to signing the Mine Ban Treaty.
Princess Diana’s courageous minefield walk mobilized global opposition to landmines, driving international treaty commitments and transforming humanitarian policy worldwide.
The site where Diana conducted her historic walk has undergone remarkable transformation since 1997. What was once an uncleared, dangerous minefield has become a bustling neighborhood featuring homes, businesses, a carpentry workshop, college, and school. The Princess Diana School was established in the area as part of her lasting humanitarian legacy.
During his September 2019 visit, Prince Harry wore protective gear similar to his mother’s while walking through the now-cleared area. He engaged with local residents and organizations, highlighting the site’s transformation while reinforcing continued calls for landmine clearance efforts. His journey focused renewed global media attention on remaining landmine threats in Angola and worldwide. Both brothers have been shaped by their mother’s death, with William’s personal losses also influencing his approach to charitable work and public service. UK Ambassador to Angola Roger Hart documented the Angolan people’s delight at Diana’s royal visit in official memos later released by the National Archives.
Since Diana’s visit, the HALO Trust has destroyed over 92,000 landmines and cleared 800 minefields in Angola. The organization has also destroyed 162,000 shells, missiles, and bombs throughout the country. While major Angolan cities have been largely cleared, significant challenges remain. Over 630 minefields persist across eight provinces, with estimates exceeding 1,000 countrywide.
More than 40 percent of Angola’s population continues living in mined rural areas, facing daily risks. The 2025 Mine Ban Treaty deadline for complete clearance appears unlikely without substantial new investment in demining operations.
