DECEMBER 24 - DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALESDiana, Princess of Wales understood the power of her role in t

DECEMBER 24 - DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES

Diana, Princess of Wales understood the power of her role in the public’s eye, and used that understanding to change attitudes to important issues of the day.

She is remembered for her devotion to all the causes she supported, but particularly for her championing of unpopular causes - such as those suffering from HIV/AIDS, those afflicted by leprosy and those whose lives had been devastated by landmines.

She was not afraid to speak out and show her support of those marginalized by society by becoming actively involved in highlighting their plight.

The image of the Princess standing in a minefield in Angola in January 1997 put the issue of landmines in the headlines the world over.

It is still an inspiring image today. When she spoke out with simple but practical words about HIV or was photographed holding the hand of someone with AIDS, she helped reduce stigma and the world took notice.

Text for today’s post was taken from the website for the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.