The World AIDS Day is celebrated Prince Harry is celebrating progress from the past and issuing a call for the future—with his late mother top of mind. 

To commemorate this occasion, the Duke of Sussex wrote a letter in which he addressed his mother. Princess Dianaa tireless advocate for the fight against HIV/AIDS. We remember the 40 years of life that have shaped many people’s lives on this World AIDS Day. He wrote that we pay tribute to those who lost their lives and reiterate our support for a scientific community working tirelessly against the disease. My mother would be grateful to you for all that you have done and stand for. This gratitude is shared among us all, so please thank you.

Harry frequently refers to his HIV/AIDS advocacy work as a tribute to Princess Diana, who supported HIV/AIDS patients despite all public fear. She memorably shook hands and hugged patients without gloves on at a time when some wrongly believed the illness could be transmitted through simple physical contact. 

Harry, now 37 years old, saw the similarities between the AIDS epidemic and the coronavirus pandemic more than 30 years later. It is remarkable to see that some of the most prominent AIDS activists around the globe are calling for COVID-19 vaccine equity, he said. “Global vaccine equity is an incredible failure and vaccinating the whole world is a moral test. The AIDS crisis is similar in that it shows how the quality of life can be affected by where one was born or lives.