Prince Harry Honors Mom Princess Diana’s Legacy in Letter to HIV Charity

“I feel immense pride in being able to continue her advocacy with you,” the former Duke of Sussex wrote of his mother’s HIV work.

March 9, 2023 • By Laura Schmidt

Prince Harry wrote a letter reflecting on Princess Diana’s impactful legacy in the HIV community. The letter was included in the catalog for The Auction, the annual fundraising event that benefits the Terrence Higgins Trust, the United Kingdom’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, which is celebrating its 40^th anniversary. The Auction was held at Christie’s on March 6.

“For the past 40 years, Terrence Higgins Trust has been revolutionising the fight against HIV and AIDS. What began as honouring the loss of a loved one has evolved into the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity that provides essential education, funding and services to thousands living with HIV,” the former Duke of Sussex, 38, said in the letter, which was shared on Twitter.

The Terrence Higgins Trust was established in 1982 and named in honor of one of the first people in the United Kingdom to die of an AIDS-related illness, Terrence “Terry” Higgins. Since then, the charity has become the largest nonprofit offering HIV and sexual health services throughout the nation. The charity also works to empower people living with HIV and fight discrimination in the communities most at risk of contracting the virus.

“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. Like many, my mother grew up in a world where HIV was likely a death sentence,” Harry wrote. “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.”

Auctioned items included a neon sculpture by Tracey Emin, photography by Rankin, luxury experiences and more. The annual event raises millions each year, according to the charity.

Prince Harry has passionately continued Princess Diana’s efforts to fight HIV and AIDS stigma by supporting nonprofits, providing access to HIV tests, establishing the charity Sentebale to support children in Lesotho affected by HIV and AIDS and more.

For POZ articles about Harry and Diana’s HIV advocacy, see “Watch Princess Diana’s AIDS Advocacy Continue to Inspire,” which was posted last August and marked 25 years since Diana’s shocking death, and “Prince Harry Sings at ‘Hamilton’ to Raise HIV Funds [VIDEO].” Click #Royals for more related content.