Prince Harry is determined to carry on Diana’s legacy, after speaking at two events in New York that were close to his late mother’s heart – and we want to hear your thoughts
The Duke of Sussex has said that carrying on Diana’s legacy is a responsibility that he takes “incredibly seriously” as he spoke at an anti-landmine event in New York yesterday – and we want to know what YOU think.
As part of Harry’s eight-day visit to New York and London, he spoke passionately at the event hosted by the Halo Trust – a landmine clearance charity supported by his late mother. The charity gained attention in 1997 after Diana memorably walked through an active minefield in Angola as she called for an international ban.
Now, the charity claims that “countless thousands of lives” have been saved since the ban came into force following Diana’s visit. Speaking about his mother, Harry said: “Carrying on her legacy is a responsibility that I take incredibly seriously.
“And I think we all know how much she would want us to finish this particular job. We are all here because we are a band of true believers, fighting for a mine free world.”
The prince had previously said in a podcast with Gareth Thomas: “I think once you get to meet people and you see the suffering around the world, you can’t turn, I certainly can’t turn, my back on that. Then add in the fact that my mum’s work was unfinished, I feel obligated to try and continue that as much as possible.”
He added that he could “never fill her shoes” because of “what she did and what she stood for and how vocal she was about this issue.” Five years ago, the prince called for action to clear Angola of landmines, urging leaders not to leave the work “half done”.
Harry also attended the Concordia Summit yesteday, where he spoke about the Diana Award, which was founded 25-years ago. It was launched in recognition of Diana’s belief that young people have the “power to change their community, their country and the world.”
He was joined two former Diana Award winners Christina Williams and Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang, where they talked about the mental health crisis facing young people. The Duke, who wore a gold, square Diana Award badge, said: “I know that my mum would be incredibly proud of you guys, not just you, but all of the winners, and, Tessy – you’ve been in this for a very long time so thank you for that as well.
“But the way that you do it, your activism, your compassion, those two things are so true to how my mom led her life and what she believed in. And the way that you do it is incredible. So thank you.”
As part of his tour of the Big Apple, Harry is set to attend several major events to discuss important causes, many of which are associated with Diana. We want to know if you think Harry is doing a good job of continuing Diana’s legacy. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.
