UK: The day I met Princess Diana when she visited a London HIV center

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Diana, the Princess of Wales.

Diana is remembered for many things, including her charity work.

The late Princess was a believer in raising awareness around HIV and AIDS. She was one of the most high-profile public figures to visit AIDS wards and hospices.

This was at a time when there was great fear and panic around the virus. People with HIV were often shunned by friends and family members.

In 1987, Diana was present at the opening of one of London’s first purpose-built HIV/AIDS ward at London’s Middlesex hospital, and images of her shaking the hand of a man with AIDS were relayed around the world.

Among the HIV centers she visited was the London Lighthouse in Ladbroke Grove, West London. Two volunteers who were present during one of her visits recall the occasion and the impact the visits had. Read more via Gay Star News