Remembering Princess Diana and Her Legacy of Compassion

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Princess Diana on one of her earliest visits to Mildmay's Family Centre

Today, on what would have been Princess Diana’s birthday, we remember her extraordinary compassion and the profound impact she had on Mildmay and on the global response to HIV and AIDS.

In the 1980s and 90s, when fear, stigma and misunderstanding surrounded HIV, Princess Diana became a powerful and public advocate for those living with the virus. At a time when people with HIV were often isolated or marginalised, she chose to respond with empathy and courage - and she did so not from a distance, but face to face.

Over the course of seventeen visits to Mildmay - three official and fourteen unofficial, Diana brought warmth, visibility, and dignity to our patients. She sat at bedsides, held hands, and listened without judgement and without fear. These simple but radical acts helped change public attitudes and challenged the stigma surrounding HIV at a critical moment in the epidemic.

Many who worked at Mildmay - and those cared for here - still speak with deep affection and respect for Diana. Her presence at Mildmay wasn’t just symbolic, it was personal, heartfelt, and consistent. She returned again and again, not for publicity, but because she cared.

Diana’s legacy remains woven into the fabric of Mildmay. Her example continues to inspire our commitment to compassionate, person-centred care, especially for those living with complex HIV-related health conditions.

As we mark our 40th anniversary this year, we remember with gratitude all those who have walked alongside us on this journey. Princess Diana’s support helped shape Mildmay’s story, and her legacy continues to guide our mission: to treat everyone with dignity, love, and respect.