Prince Harry Assumes Diana's Legacy by Eliminating Landmines in Angola
In the heart of Southern Africa, the Halo Trust continues its mission to clear landmines in Angola, a country that has been plagued by these deadly devices since the end of its fight for independence from Portugal and the subsequent civil war from 1975 to 2002.
The charity, which received the support of Princess Diana during her 1997 visit, has been working in Angola since at least 1994. Since then, they have safely cleared an area equivalent to nearly 7,000 football pitches and have located and destroyed over 120,000 landmines and 100,000 other explosive devices in the country.
Princess Diana's visit was instrumental in raising global awareness about the dangers of landmines. She walked through minefields with the Halo Trust to highlight the human cost of landmine casualties, a symbolic image that became synonymous with the efforts to stop the harm to civilians from these weapons. Her advocacy was influential in mobilizing support for the international landmine ban treaty ratified later that year.
Her son, Prince Harry, has continued this legacy. He visited Angola in 2019 and again in 2025, retracing his mother's steps and supporting the Halo Trust's ongoing clearance efforts. During his 2025 visit, he met with Angolan President Lourenço and helped highlight the importance of sustained international partnerships and renewed government commitment, including a new three-year contract with the Halo Trust.
Regarding the timeline for global landmine clearance, the Halo Trust's work represents a critical part of a broader humanitarian effort. However, clearing all landmines worldwide remains a massive challenge, with thousands of minefields still needing clearance in Angola alone—about 1,000 remain. While the Halo Trust continues to expand operations and test new clearance technologies, a precise date for worldwide clearance is not established.
The United Nations estimates that it will take approximately 1,100 years for all mines in the world to be cleared, even with advanced technology. However, the Halo Trust's chief executive, James Cowan, has stated that they will continue their work until every last mine is cleared in Angola.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is supporting the Halo Trust's charity initiative to neutralize landmines in Angola. During his recent visit, he met with children being taught how to avoid detonating landmines in a village near a minefield. He also met with Angola's President Joao Lourenco, where he welcomed the government's renewed support for the Halo Trust's work.
The Halo Trust's work in Angola is a testament to the power of global cooperation and the enduring impact of Princess Diana's advocacy. As the charity continues to clear landmines and save lives, they are not only honoring her legacy but also paving the way for a safer future for the people of Angola.
Technology plays a crucial role in the Halo Trust's mission to clear landmines in Angola, as they continue to test and implement new clearance technologies to accelerate the process. In politics, the advocacy of Princess Diana and later her son, Prince Harry, has been instrumental in driving support for the international landmine ban treaty and sustained international partnerships for clearance efforts.
