Princess Diana was not just a style icon, she dedicated herself to charitable causes

Princess Diana was known for her impeccable sense of style and was admired for her beauty across the globe. However, those were not the only things she was about. The Princess of Wales spoke extensively on several issues and used her influence to raise awareness about them. She dedicated herself to a range of charitable causes. She died in a car crash on August 31, 1997.

Here are a few of the charitable causes that Princess Diana advocated for.

National AIDS Trust

Diana was always vocal about the issues related to AIDS and was a patron of the National AIDS Trust, which promotes awareness about the infection and helps curb the spread of HIV. In 1987, when Diana was invited to inaugurate the United Kingdom’s first AIDS ward at Middlesex hospital, she shook hands with the patients without wearing her gloves. This was a symbolic gesture which suggested that the disease doesn’t spread through touch, thus breaking the stigma associated with the disease. 

The Royal Marsden Hospital

The first hospital to dedicate itself to cancer patients and research, The Royal Marsden Hospital made Diana the president of the organisation in 1989. She visited the patients regularly and supported the research work. 

The Leprosy Mission

Diana did her best to spread awareness against the stigma associated with leprosy, by touching affected people against the stugma that the disease spreads through touch. She was a part of The Leprosy Mission England and Wales since 1990, until her death. 

Campaign to ban landmines

In January 1997, Diana spoke for people who got wounded due to landmine explosions, after her visit to Angola. During a trip to a recently cleared minefield with the HALO Trust, Diana even risked her life to bring to light the damages caused due to the devices. Following this trip the  the International Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty  or the Ottawa Convention was signed.