Prince Harry meets with Luton LGBT Links chief

Prince Harry has followed in the footsteps of his mother visiting a HIV charity 26 years after Diana, Princess of Wales helped to raise awareness of the illness there.
Prince Harry during the visitPrince Harry during the visit
Prince Harry during the visit

At his visit to Leicester Aids Support Service (LASS) this week, the Prince was shown a signed photograph of his late mother from her visit to charity in November 1991, and a wall of tributes she had launched honouring those who died from the illness.

Lee Howe, manager of Embrace Life Luton and LGBT Links, attended the meeting at LASS and got the opportunity to speak to Prince Harry about his experience helping national charities.

Lee commented: “It was such an amazing opportunity to meet Prince Harry and to talk to him about spreading further awareness about the great work that LASS and Embrace Life Luton both provide.

The Prince meets with charity bossesThe Prince meets with charity bosses
The Prince meets with charity bosses

“Embrace Life Luton is a small charity based in the heart of Luton offering advice, support and information to anyone living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

“We seek to not only transform the diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening condition, but to reduce the isolation and stigma experienced by people living with HIV.

“When I introduced myself to Prince Harry it was a nerve wracking experience, but his passion and knowledge on the charities mission was wonderful.”

The Prince spoke frankly about HIV and the need for further education.

The Prince meets with charity bossesThe Prince meets with charity bosses
The Prince meets with charity bosses

He told campaigners: “It cannot be acceptable that the first time young people know what HIV is is when they catch it.”

Hearing about the importance of testing, he said: “Even if you are nowhere near an at-risk group you should get tested, to show everyone it’s OK.”

After lunch, Prince Harry unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit to LASS and the centre’s 30th birthday, before being entertained by a short burst of African drumming as he left the site.

For further information about Embrace Life Luton please contact Lee Howe on 01582 454 207 or email [email protected]

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