Cover Princess Diana’s philanthropic contributions (Photo: Getty Images)
Princess Diana’s philanthropic contributions (Photo: Getty Images)
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Ahead of the princess’s birthday on July 1, we look back at her philanthropic legacy
The late Princess Diana, also known as the Princess of Wales, is remembered for many things—not only for being a royal style icon but also for her philanthropic and charity work.
Before her passing, the 'People’s Princess' worked with charities, stood up for various causes and volunteered with multiple charities. Over the years, she had become a philanthropic force, using her fame to bring awareness to the vulnerable and poor. Today, more than two decades later, the late princess is still widely respected for standing up for these causes.
In honour of her birthday, on July 1, we look back at her philanthropic legacy and how she spotlighted important issues during her short lifetime.
Read more: Why Princess Diana’s pearl and diamond necklace is about to make history
She wanted to change the perception of AIDS and HIV victims
Above Princess Diana Shaking Hands with one of the residents of Casey House, an Aids Hospice, in Toronto, Canada. (Photo: Getty Images)
Princess Diana Shaking Hands with one of the residents of Casey House, an Aids Hospice, in Toronto, Canada. (Photo: Getty Images)
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The princess was known for challenging the perception of Aids and HIV transmission. She visited a hostel in Sao Paulo for abandoned children who had Aids or were HIV positive in April 1991. There, she was seen embracing Aids victims, challenging the notion that the disease was passed by touch. She was one of the first high-profile people to do so.
In April 1987, Diana also opened UK’s first HIV and Aids ward, in Middlesex Hospital, London. The unit focused on caring for those infected with the disease. She was also seen shaking hands with HIV-positive patients without gloves—an image that made front-page news around the world. During her bedside visits, she also showed the world that patients with the disease needed compassion and love, and were not to be feared.
She wanted to quash unfound stigma surrounding leprosy
Above Princess Diana shaking hands with a leprosy patient (Photo: Getty Images)
Princess Diana shaking hands with a leprosy patient (Photo: Getty Images)
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Before her separation with then Prince Charles III, in November 1989, Diana was seen holding the hand of a leprosy patient at the Sitanala Leprosy Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia, without wearing any gloves. Similar to her Aids and HIV efforts, Diana wanted to send a message to the world to quash the unfound stigma surrounding the disease.
As patron of The Leprosy Mission, she was seen travelling to various countries with a high leprosy rate, including India, Nepal and Zimbabwe. She spent time with patients, dispelling the myth that Leprosy could be passed on by touch.
She was a patron of Centrepoint, helping young and homeless people
Above Princess Diana at the Nemazura feeding centre (Photo: Getty Images)
Princess Diana at the Nemazura feeding centre (Photo: Getty Images)
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As a patron of Centrepoint, a charity helping the young and homeless, the princess was regularly involved with the charity, helping youths find shelter, food and a job. She would also take her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, along with her during her trips to the charity shelters. Today, Prince William still carries Diana’s legacy, supporting the organisation through volunteering efforts.
In case you missed it: Princess Diana statue: Prince William and Prince Harry reunite to pay tribute
She was an anti-landmine activist
Above Princess Diana walks through a landmine in Angola (Photo: Getty Images)
Princess Diana walks through a landmine in Angola (Photo: Getty Images)
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Princess Diana was a strong advocate for banning landmines worldwide. To raise awareness for the cause, she visited danger zones in a minefield in Angola and walked through it while in body armour. Her commitment to mine clearance work quickly captured the public’s attention and the support for the cause continues, decades after she started the campaign.
She reached out to children in need
Above Princess Diana at The National Children's Hospital In Tokyo, Japan. (Photo: Getty Images)
Princess Diana at The National Children's Hospital In Tokyo, Japan. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Diana was a patron of The Royal Marsden Hospital and Great Ormand Street Hospital for Children. The former is known for treating childhood cancers. She was frequently seen interacting with kids too. In 1993, she opened the Wolfson Children’s Cancer Unit and also raised more than £1 million for cancer research.
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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
