Humanitarian work
Humanitarian work played an important part in the Princess' life, both at home and abroad. Her interests were reflected in the organisations of which she was Patron or President. These included the Great Ormond Street for Sick Children in London and the Royal Marsden Hospital, which specialises in the treatment of cancer. Her patronages also included Centrepoint, an organisation working with the homeless, The National Aids Trust and The Leprosy Mission. The Princess' love of the arts was underlined by her involvement as Patron of the English National Ballet. During her lifetime she was at some time patron of an additional 100 charities.
She made many visits to North America, visiting hospices, schools, charities and fundraising galas, and touching the lives of many wherever she went. Other major overseas visits included Angola, Australia, Bosnia, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and many European countries.
The Princess spoke out on a wide range of issues and used her high profile to raise awareness as well as funds for charitable causes. She is rightly recognised and respected today as a true humanitarian.
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