ROYAL FAMILY
Prince Harry writes a letter to HIV charity honoring Princess Diana’s legacy
The Duke of Sussex commemorates his mother’s work with HIV patients.
In acknowledgment of the 40th anniversary of the Terrence Higgins Trust, the United Kingdom’s top HIV charity, Prince Harry penned a letter to the organization commemorating his late mother, Princess Diana, and her work with people suffering from HIV.
In the letter, which the trust released on Monday as an entry in the auction catalog at the Terrence Higgins Trust fundraiser, The Auction at Christie’s’, the Duke of Sussex spoke of his mother’s compassion and dedication to the field, and highlighted the organization’s vision to end the occurrence of new transmissions of the disease.
The Princess of Wales’ heart for HIV patients
Princess Diana was known for her work visiting hospital patients who were suffering from HIV, which was a new phenomenon in the 1980s.
“Like many, my mother grew up in a world where HIV was likely a death sentence,” the prince continued. “Yet, in the midst of all that uncertainty, she led with empathy, finding the humanity in all around her and demonstrating the power of connection in the face of fear.
“While my mother did not live to see the success of today’s treatments, I feel immense pride in being able to continue her advocacy with you.”
The late Princess of Wales would shake hands and hug people compassionately, in front of the whole world — as video cameras were always on her. In doing so, Princess Diana significantly reduced the stigma surrounding those who were suffering from the disease.
Prince Harry’s pledge to eradicate HIV
Prince Harry promised to help England in the race in becoming the first country to reach the goal of ending new diagnoses of HIV by 2030 by increasing testing and decreasing stigma — and of course, financial donations to the trust.
“For the past 40 years, Terrence Higgins Trust has been revolutionizing the fight against HIV and AIDS,” the 38-year-old said. “I’ve been involved with Terrence Higgins Trust for a number of years, and the fight to end this epidemic is a big piece of my mum’s legacy.”
“My biggest and heartfelt congratulations on this historic milestone. May the next one we celebrate signal an end to the HIV/AIDS epidemic for all,” the prince proclaimed.
The Terrence Higgins Trust
Established in 1982, the Terrence Higgins Trust, in honor of one of the first people to die from the illness, Terrence Higgins, has grown into the largest charity of its kind in the UK.
The TTT offers services across the United Kingdom while offering education and support to those who are suffering from HIV or AIDS and minimizing transmission in high-risk communities.
The 2023 edition of the trust’s auction book holds artwork from Tracey Emin and Antony Gormley, photography by Rankin, as well as luxury trips and services.
The charity has said that through the annual auction, the organization raises millions each year to help people affected by HIV.