Lindsay Razaq, Westminster Correspondent
It is one of the most iconic and enduring images of the much-photographed late Princess of Wales: walking through an Angolan minefield in 1997, clad in a flak jacket and protective face shield.
A closer look reveals the logo of Scottish mine clearance charity the Halo Trust on her vest.
Sixteen years later, Prince Harry would follow in his mother’s footsteps, pictured in similar guise, as patron for Halo’s 25th anniversary appeal.
The charity’s chief executive has paid tribute to both the “inspirational figure” in the effort to secure the Mine Ban Treaty and her son’s “commitment to his mother’s legacy”.
Major General James Cowan said Diana’s visit to the field being cleared by Halo brought global attention to the landmine issue that continues to this day.
He added: “There has been considerable progress in the eradication of landmines since 1997 – over 30 states have been declared mine free, including Mozambique, which was one of the most mine-affected countries in the world and took 22 years to clear by Halo and other operators.
“But there is much more work to be done. Although the minefield visited by Diana is now a thriving community, Angola could still be a decade away from becoming mine-free.
“To reinvigorate the push for a mine-free world, this year Prince Harry launched Landmine Free 2025, a global campaign seeking international support to meet the Mine Ban Treaty’s target for removing the world’s mines.
“We are extremely grateful for his commitment to his mother’s legacy.”
Earlier this month, International Development Secretary Priti Patel unveiled an £8.1million extension for the current Global Mine Action Programme.
This is delivered by Halo, based near Dumfries, alongside the Mines Advisory Group and Norwegian People’s Aid.
The money is part of a £100million three-year support package, announced by the UK Government on the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s historic visit.
It will help make 15 million square metres of land safe again and enable 15,000 community visits to educate people, especially children, on the dangers of living with mines.
Since being founded in 1988, the Halo Trust has destroyed more than 1.6 million landmines and nearly 12 million pieces of unexploded ordnance.
