Prince Harry is following in his mother’s footsteps in removing the stigma surrounding HIV.
Princess Diana reached out to people with HIV in the 1980, being photographed shaking hands with an HIV-positive man and hugging children with AIDS.
The red-headed royal took the opportunity to break down the barrier by taking an HIV test while visiting London’s Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital.
A video of the test, which included a health worker walking him through the procedure, was streamed live on the British royal family’s Facebook page.
“It is amazing how quick it is,” Prince Harry said. “So whether you’re a man, woman, gay, straight, black or white — even ginger — why wouldn’t you come and have a test?”
Ian Green, chief executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Prince Harry’s decision to take an HIV test, live on social media, is a ground-breaking moment in the fight against HIV.
“Not only does it show His Royal Highness’s genuine and personal commitment to tackling the HIV epidemic, it will amplify a message to millions all over the world: testing for HIV is easy, quick and nothing to be feared,” he said.
“Today, Prince Harry has got people talking about HIV again and has normalised HIV testing to a global audience. In doing so, he could inspire a generation to take control of their sexual health.”
Prince Harry, whose results came back negative, is also planning to attend the 21st International AIDS Conference next week.
[…] Harry underwent an HIV test in July that was broadcast live on the royal family’s Facebook page to show people just how simple it is to get tested. […]