logo
Prince Harry follows in Diana's footsteps - and returns to Angola to back landmine clearing charity

Prince Harry follows in Diana's footsteps - and returns to Angola to back landmine clearing charity

Sky News6 days ago
The Duke of Sussex has visited Angola to support a landmine clearing charity, repeating a famous trip his mother made in 1997.
Prince Harry met with families in a remote village near Africa's largest minefield as part of The Halo Trust's outreach programme.
Princess Diana visited the country in January 1997, supporting the same charity, seven months before she was killed in a car crash in Paris.
Diana famously wore protective equipment and walked through a cleared path in an active minefield in Huambo, during a break in fighting in the African country's long civil war.
Her attention to the plight of Angola - including civilians injured by landmines - helped secure a treaty banning the munitions.
Wearing similar protective gear, Harry has followed in his mother's footsteps by walking through a minefield in Cuito Cuanavale and raising awareness of HALO, which helps clear landmines from old war zones.
During his visit on Wednesday, the duke also helped educate children to stop them detonating lethal devices left behind from the country's civil war.
"Children should never have to live in fear of playing outside or walking to school," Harry said.
"Here in Angola, over three decades later, the remnants of war still threaten lives every day."
Harry began his trip to the African nation by meeting Angolan President Joao Lourenco on Tuesday, a statement from Halo said.
The pair discussed a new three-year contract between the Angolan government and The Halo Trust, which the charity's chief executive James Cowan described as "an important step forward in our mission to make Angola mine-free".
The duke attended a reception hosted by the British Embassy on Tuesday evening.
During a previous trip in 2019, he said Angola's continued problem with landmines would likely have been solved if his mother had lived.
He also met landmine survivor Sandra Tigica - 22 years after his mother Princess Diana was pictured with the then 13-year-old, who lost a leg.
Halo estimates that around 80,000 Angolans have been killed or injured by landmines during and after the 27-year civil war, although there are no exact figures.
The organisation says just over 1,000 minefields, covering an estimated 26 sq miles (67 sq km) still needed to be cleared at the end of 2024. Angola had set a goal to be landmine-free by 2025.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

I tried Heathrow's £3,177 VIP terminal — how the other half fly
I tried Heathrow's £3,177 VIP terminal — how the other half fly

Metro

time2 hours ago

  • Metro

I tried Heathrow's £3,177 VIP terminal — how the other half fly

You know how airports have lounges – pay as you go, business class, first class and even those that go one tier above? But did you know there's a level even higher, so elite they don't call it a lounge, they call it a suite? That's where I'm writing this from. I'd heard that Heathrow Airport had reopened their Windsor Suite – used by the likes of the Beckhams and Prince Harry – after a major upgrade. Up until 2008, only diplomats and royals could use the service, but it was expanded ahead of the London 2012 Olympics. And, when I was invited to test it out, I thought I'd never live it down if I didn't take my family along with me. The first excitement came when our chauffeur pulled up at an entrance far from the normal drop-off zone and said 'I've got four VIPs' over the intercom. My four-year-old son still refers to himself as a VIP. I then gave my husband – who told me off for not telling him to dress a bit smarter – a quick briefing on what to expect: 'Give them our passports, and don't worry about the bags'. Immigration, bag-drop, check-in and security were going to be done as discreetly as possible; all we had to worry about was what we wanted from Michelin starred chef Jason Atherton's a la carte menu. There are eight suites at the terminal, but our very own waiting area was the Mayfair Lounge, one of the largest private rooms on offer. We had comfortable seating, a dining area, private bathroom, and – our children's favourite feature – a button that summoned staff in seconds. We weren't in the market, but if you're interested in high-end shopping, a private shopper will appear in a flash to guide you through the best Hermes and Louis Vuitton have to offer. Initially, I was worried that the bell would become irritating, but the staff seemed to love having the children around. In fact, they even took them for a 'backstage tour' of the kitchens and security so my husband and I could enjoy a glass of wine in peace. Once I'd polished off my rigatoni and a cheeky chicken burger on the side (well, why not?), representatives from our airline came to greet us and find out if we wanted to be first on the plane, or last. All too swiftly, it was time for our flight. After a rapid scan through the private security scanner, our chauffeur was waiting to take us on the seven-minute trip from terminal 5 to terminal 3. Regular passengers are told to allow 90 minutes for the same journey. More Trending As much as I enjoyed the luxury, service and comfort of the lounge, this was the most exciting bit. Our car was escorted along a city-sized road network, through the secret network of tunnels and along the runway to our waiting plane. We climbed a staircase that took us through a door most people wouldn't have seen as they boarded, and our host passed us over to the cabin crew's capable hands. I doubt we'll be travelling like this again soon, and taking our children to the airport will be a painful experience in the future, but overall I think if I could afford to do it again, I would. Arrival and check-in Regular terminal: Piccadilly Line, sweaty armpits, jostled by other people's bags, carrying your own bags. Queues and self-serve bag drops. First class lounge: You've still got to go through the main airport, you just do it a little quicker. Windsor Suite: Chauffeur driven, private entrance, concierge, bags taken care of. Regular travel: Queuing, rushing, processed cattle. First class lounge: Fast track, but still face potential for queues with other first and business class passengers. Windsor security: Private security with no queues, no rush and no public scrutiny or stress. Regular terminal: Lots of plastic seating, noise and distraction. No privacy and you've got to pay for all your snacks/restaurants. First class lounge: Shared space with other travellers, buffet or a la carte dining, and champagne. Windsor suite: Complete privacy, ample space to lounge around, a TV you can control, full a la carte menu, fine dining and a butler service. Regular travel: Walking forever to get to the gate, more waiting and more queuing. First class: You still have to walk to the gate, but you get priority boarding. Windsor suite: Chauffeur driven from your lounge to your aircraft – you can request being let on first or last. Regular travel: Most travellers. First class: Premium passengers and frequent flyers. Windsor suite: Royals, celebrities, the new Pope and (for one time only) me. Regular terminal: Free. First class lounge: Free with first class ticket. Windsor suite: Packages start at £3,177 (+VAT) for you and three guests. Access is reserved for high-profile travellers or can be booked separately if you're in business or first. MORE: Emirates business class review: I 'turned left' — now I'm ruined for life MORE: What I Own: At 22 and 23, we bought a run-down London four-bed for £910,000 MORE: Plane suddenly drops 500 feet to 'avoid mid-air collision' with British jet fighter

The reverse migration: African Americans relocating to Kenya cite heritage and restoration
The reverse migration: African Americans relocating to Kenya cite heritage and restoration

The Independent

time10 hours ago

  • The Independent

The reverse migration: African Americans relocating to Kenya cite heritage and restoration

Kenneth Harris spent most of his days in Atlanta yearning for a life in a place where his dark skin color is not a source of suspicion, but a mark of a shared heritage. His chance came two years ago when he bought a one-way ticket to Kenya. The 38-year-old retired veteran has found a community in the east African country's capital, where he now runs an Airbnb business. He loves admiring Nairobi 's golden sunset from a rooftop terrace, and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle in a tastefully furnished apartment in an upmarket neighborhood. Harris is part of a growing wave of African Americans who are relocating to Kenya, citing the need to connect with their ancestors — or 'coming home," a phrase often used among the Black community. Like dozens of other African Americans who have moved to Nairobi in recent years, Harris was attracted to Kenya's tropical climate and what he describes as the warmth and friendliness of the people he believes he shares a history and culture with. In search of community and a better life 'I have always had that adventurous spirit, especially when I joined the military and got to go to different countries. So I am taking the opportunity to venture out to new places," he said. 'That is what allowed me to make a home away from home and Kenya is my new home.' Some friends have reaching out to him to explore a 'change from the U.S for their peace of mind,' he said. Several other African Americans who have 'come home' like him have set up thriving businesses in Nairobi that include travel agencies, restaurants and farms. Many African Americans who have sought a better life abroad or are considering it said President Donald Trump's administration — with its crackdown on diversity programs — isn't the main reason they want to move. Rather, most say they had been mulling a move for some time, and the current political environment in the U.S. may be pushing them to act sooner than initially planned. 'I can't say the administration is the reason why the people I know want to part ways from America. Some are planning to move for a better quality of living life,' Harris said. Auston Holleman, an American YouTuber who has lived in various countries for almost a decade, said he settled on Kenya nine months ago because people 'look like me.' 'It is not like going to Europe or going to some Latin American countries where there are not many Black people,' he said. Holleman, who often films his daily life, said he felt that the social fabric in the U.S. was 'broken." In contrast, he said he felt socially accepted in Kenya. He cited an experience when his taxi driver's car stopped, and in five minutes they got help from a random stranger. 'That made me realize I was in the right place,' he said. Growing numbers are interested in leaving the US Other African countries have attracted even larger numbers of African Americans. Ghana, which launched a 'Year of the Return' program to attract the Black diaspora in 2019, said last year it held a ceremony that granted citizenship to 524 people, mostly Black Americans. African American businesses such as Adilah Relocation Services have seen a notable rise in the number of African Americans seeking to move to Kenya. The company's founder, Adilah Mohammad, moved to Kenya four days after her mother's funeral in search of healing. She says the peace and restoration she experienced in Kenya made her stay — and advocate for those searching for the same. Her company helps clients relocate by house hunting, shopping for furniture and ensuring banking and medical services are seamless. 'There are 15 families that have come so far, and we have five more on the calendar that are coming in the next 90 days. We have people that have booked for 2026 with no date, they just know that they are leaving,' she says. Mohammad said many African Americans have been planning their move for decades. 'For me it is a movement. It is people deciding to make a choice for themselves, they are not being forced, shackles are being broken. When they say they are coming home, they are choosing to be free and it is mental freedom and so I am ecstatic,' she says. Experts say African economies are likely to benefit from these moves, especially from those willing to tackle corruption and create a healthy environment for investors. Raphael Obonyo, a public policy expert at U.N-Habitat, says the U.S is losing resources — as well as the popular narrative that America is the land of opportunities and dreams. 'This reverse migration is denting that narrative, so America is most likely to lose including things like brain drain,' he explained. For Mohammad, the sense of belonging has given her peace within. 'I love being here. Returning to Africa is one thing, but finding the place that you feel like you belong is another,' she said. _____________ For more on Africa and development: The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at

Brit tourists' terror as rampaging mum ELEPHANT protecting baby charges at boat & nearly sinks it in croc-infested river
Brit tourists' terror as rampaging mum ELEPHANT protecting baby charges at boat & nearly sinks it in croc-infested river

Scottish Sun

timea day ago

  • Scottish Sun

Brit tourists' terror as rampaging mum ELEPHANT protecting baby charges at boat & nearly sinks it in croc-infested river

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRIT tourists were left horrified after a raging elephant protecting its baby charged their boat and nearly sank it in a crocodile-infested river. Terrified passengers on the river safari tour were left fearing for their lives after the close encounter with the huge beast in Botswana. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Brit tourists were left horrified after a raging elephant protecting its baby charged their boat Credit: Wildfriends African/Facebook 5 The mammal nearly sank the tourist boat in a crocodile-infested river Credit: Wildfriends Africa/Facebook 5 The close encounter occurred after the tour guide appeared to mock the beast Credit: Wildfriends African/Facebook The harrowing ordeal unfolded in the Okavango Delta, when the boat's captain mockingly bantered with the behemoth mammal. As the elephant closed the gap the guide turned around confidently and said: 'When she comes close we are going to zoom forward'. He then appeared to clap his hands while smiling and suggested that the group could let the elephant come close before speeding away. While the mum elephant let out frightening cries, the tour guide said jokingly: "Yes, we can hear you." read more world news SAFARI HORROR Brit tourist and her pal 'killed by rampaging elephant' during walking safari But moments later, he was heard yelling in a panic as the beast got uncomfortably close to their small vessel. The engine reportedly cut out just as the elephant came within reach of the boat of Brit tourists. A loud thud was heard as the elephant violently rammed into the back of the boat - momentarily throwing it into the air. The tourists fell off their benches and dropped their cameras as the front of the boat headed straight after taking the weight of the five-ton female and its two ivory tusks. It nearly capsized before the crew were all seen in complete shock. The elephant was also heard roaring again during its intimidating assault. Safari Tragedy: Millionaire Game Reserve Boss Killed by Elephant in South Africa Luckily, the flimsy craft slammed back down onto the river just seconds later. The river is known to be infested with crocodiles and hippos. The infuriated elephant went on to slam her tusks into the boat three more times. In the frightening footage, one tourist can be heard shouting: "Oh no!" Meanwhile, another fearful holidaymaker says: "Holy s**t." After failing to capsize the boat, the elephant appeared to turn away. One shocked tourist said: 'Was that meant to happen?' And someone replied sternly straight after: "No." It is not known which company took the tourists out but reportedly nobody was injured. The Facebook post on Wildfriends Africa has clocked up 30,000 views since it was taken in June in the Okavango Delta - reportedly one of Prince Harry's favourite places in the world. The charging elephant weighed five tons and stood 11ft tall. Elephants, which are some of world's largest mammals, kill an estimated 500 people every year in Africa. It comes after the owner of one of South Africa's top game reserves was horrifically trampled to death as he tried to move elephants away from tourist lodges. Chief Executive Officer FC Conradie who co-owns the exclusive Gondwana Private Game Reserve, was suddenly charged at by the huge mammal. The 39-year-old millionaire was reportedly mauled by a six-ton African elephant. It is said to have attacked him with its tusks then stamped on him repeatedly. The horror left shocked rangers unable to save him in yesterday's 8am attack. FC Conradie was said by staff to have a "love for elephants and nature" and would often go out to photograph them. His wife of 10 years La-ida, 33, is said to be 'inconsolable' at his passing. 5 Chief Executive Officer FC Conradie who co-owns the exclusive Gondwana Private Game Reserve, was charged at by a huge elephant

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store