Prince of Wales Unveils Gunnersbury Park Humanitarian Memorial

William praises aid workers who are dying in record numbers

October 1, 2025

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has officially launched the world’s first memorial dedicated to humanitarian aid workers, a tribute to those who have lost their lives while working to assist people in crisis. The Humanitarian Memorial, designed by British artist Michael Landy CBE RA, was unveiled this Wednesday (1 October) at Gunnersbury Park .

The memorial honours aid workers of all nationalities who have died in service. It serves not only as a tribute to their sacrifices but also as a celebration of humanitarianism and those who continue to risk their lives in the service of others.

At the event, attended by bereaved families, humanitarian workers, and sector representatives, The Prince of Wales spoke about the importance of the memorial. He highlighted the increased danger faced by aid workers, referencing the record number of fatalities in 2024—383 aid workers killed across 27 countries, the highest toll recorded since the tracking of such incidents began. A staggering 97% of those killed were national aid workers.

“Humanitarian workers carry hope where there is despair,” said Tom Fletcher CMG, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, who also spoke at the launch. “But for too many, this is not just a job—it is the ultimate sacrifice. We must protect humanitarians and end impunity for attacks against them.”

Sayyeda Salam, Executive Director for Concern Worldwide UK, shared a personal account, mourning the loss of Abdallah Shuko, a humanitarian worker who died earlier this year while delivering essential aid in Sudan. “Humanitarians are often the thin line between survival and despair,” Salam said, calling for more support for those working in such perilous conditions.

The memorial, which features a seven-metre diameter circle of British steel painted green, is designed to provide a space for reflection. It includes 15 human-scale figures, each representing a story of either a giver or a recipient of humanitarian aid. These stories, sourced from organizsations like Oxfam, Save the Children, and Care International, reflect the profound human impact of humanitarian work.

Prince William meets humanitarians and their relatives. Picture: Andy Aitchison

Landy, whose design was selected by the Contemporary Art Society Consultancy, explained, “The stories within this memorial bear witness to the best and worst of humanity. I hope it will inspire a new generation of humanitarian workers and offer comfort to those who have lost loved ones in the field.”

The Humanitarian Memorial is not intended as a traditional monument to the dead, but as a celebration of the lives of those who dedicated themselves to helping others. The memorial embodies the four core humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence—values that distinguish humanitarian work from other forms of intervention.

Sir John Holmes, Chair of the Humanitarian Memorial Committee, remarked, “Humanitarians embody the very best of humanity. This memorial is a testament to their sacrifices, and it is vital that they are honoured, not targeted.”

Gunnersbury Park, chosen as the site for the memorial, holds a diverse local community, many of whom have personal ties to regions affected by conflict and disaster. The open-air memorial will be part of the Gunnersbury Park Museum’s ongoing educational efforts, with plans to integrate resources on humanitarianism into their public outreach programs.

The memorial has been realised through the efforts of the Humanitarian Memorial Committee, which worked closely with organisations like the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and ODI Global. Funding for the project was supported by various entities and individuals committed to recognizing the importance of humanitarian work.

As the memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by aid workers, it also serves as a call for greater protection and support for those who continue to work in some of the world’s most dangerous environments. The event concluded with The Prince of Wales meeting with humanitarian workers and bereaved families, learning about their experiences and challenges.