Diana, the Princess of Wales, is renowned as a living legend who dedicated her wealth, time, and resources to uplift oppressed children. In 1983, Diana confided in Brian Peckford, the premier of Newfoundland, expressing the difficulties she faced in coping with the pressures of being Princess of Wales, but also her determination to overcome them. As per the traditional model of royal patronage in the 20th century, she was expected to make regular public appearances at hospitals, schools, and various institutions. However, Diana went above and beyond by becoming increasingly involved with numerous charities from the mid-1980s onwards. Her commitment was evident through her participation in 191 official engagements in 1988 and 397 in 1991. Diana's philanthropic interests extended beyond the realm of traditional royal involvement, as she developed a deep concern for serious illnesses and health-related matters such as AIDS and leprosy. Stephen Lee, director of the UK Institute of Charity Fundraising Managers, acknowledged her immense impact as a philanthropist, stating that her overall influence on charity was perhaps the most significant of any individual in the 20th century.
Diana's dedication to charitable causes extended to various sectors of society. She served as the patroness of organizations and charities focused on assisting the homeless, youth, drug addicts, and the elderly. From 1989, she held the position of president at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. Additionally, Diana served as the patron of the Natural History Museum and held the prestigious titles of president at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. From 1984 to 1996, she served as the president of Barnardo's, a charity established by Dr. Thomas John Barnardo in 1866 to provide care for vulnerable children and young people. In 1988, Diana became the patron of the British Red Cross and extended her support to its affiliated organizations in countries like Australia and Canada. She dedicated significant time each week to visiting Royal Brompton Hospital, where she offered comfort to seriously ill and terminally ill patients. From 1991 to 1996, she served as a patron of Headway, an association focused on brain injury. In 1992, Diana became the first patron of Chester.
Diana initiated her involvement with individuals affected by HIV/AIDS during the 1980s. She displayed no reluctance in engaging in physical contact with AIDS patients, becoming the first member of the British royal family to do so. In an effort to combat the stigma surrounding the condition, Diana held hands with an AIDS patient in 1987, emphasizing that HIV does not render individuals dangerous to interact with. She advocated for compassion and support, stating that one can shake their hands, offer a hug, and even share their living spaces, workplaces, and recreational areas. Unfortunately, Diana's charitable endeavors in this field did not receive full support from the Queen, who suggested she engage in more pleasant activities. Undeterred, Diana opened the Landmark Aids Centre in South London in July 1989 and Grandma's House, a residence for young AIDS patients in Washington, DC, in October 1990. She also served as a patron of the National AIDS Trust and regularly visited the London Lighthouse, a facility providing residential care for HIV patients. During a visit to the AIDS ward of the Middlesex Hospital in 1991, Diana embraced a patient, highlighting her commitment to the cause. As the patron of Turning Point, a health and social care organization, Diana visited its HIV/AIDS project in London in 1992. Furthermore, she took the initiative to establish and lead fundraising campaigns for AIDS research.
Information: Wikipedia
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