Over the summer, Naomi Watts has recreated Princess Diana’s romantic life and tragic death for the forthcoming film about the tragic royal.
But now the Kent-born actress has turned to one of the Princess’s most brave moments – walking through an Angolan minefield.
Wearing a ballistic helmet and flak jacket, the blonde star retraced Diana’s steps, before posing for a photocall with a young landmine victim – just like Diana had done 15 years ago.
History repeating: Naomi Watts re-enacts Princess Diana’s meeting with landmine victim at an Angolan children’s hospital
Touching: Princess Diana with landmine victim Sandra Tigica in Angola in January 1997
Diana famously drew international attention to the danger of landmines when she visited Angola in January 1997 – seven months before her death in Paris.
Her photocalls in Angola are believed to have influenced the Ottawa Treaty, an international ban on anti-personnel landmines, which was drafted just a few weeks after her death and signed in December 1997.
As she filmed scenes in Africa, Naomi looked the spitting image of Diana in her capris, camel loafers and blue Red Cross blouse.
Danger: Naomi recreates Diana’s bravery as she walks through an Angolan minefield
Changing the world: Naomi (left) dressed in a ballistic helmet and flak jacket, just like Diana had done 15 years earlier (right)
After filming scenes walking through a minefield, Naomi then recreated Diana’s visit to a children’s hospital, where she had met amputee Sandra Tigica.
The upcoming film focuses on the last two years of Diana’s life before her death and on her relationship with Dr Khan, who is being portrayed by Lost star Naveen Andrews, and her last romance with Dodi Al Fayed.
Dr Khan confirmed in his testimonial at the inquest into her death that they ended their nearly two year romance in June 1997.
Queen of hearts: Naomi cosies up to the young girl for the scene
Dusty conditions: Naomi retreated into a van to get her make-up done in between takes
The following month, she began seeing Dodi and accepted his invitation to join him on holiday in the South of France.
The movie from German director Oliver Hirschbiegel was originally called Caught In Flight, before being changed to simply Diana.
In July, Watts and the cast recreated the last few hours of the Princess’s life as Trieste, North East Italy, doubled for Paris.
Looking the part: Naomi was kitted out in the protective gear just like Diana
Checking everything’s right: Naomi was joined by an actor playing a Red Cross official and director Oliver Herspiegel (far right)
Watts has said she is ‘terrified’ of playing such an icon on film.
The Oscar-nominated actress has said of her controversial new role: ‘She is a part of our history, an incredible woman and fascinating but a tragic ending.
‘The film-makers came to me and it’s a good script and it’s very scary and I kind of wanted to say “no” but I couldn’t.’
Miss Watts moved to London’s Kensington to prepare for the role and was said to have visited Diana’s favourite places -such as The Harbour Club and Beauchamp Place – as part of the preparations to get into character.
Retracing her steps: Naomi follows the little girl to the bench for their scene
Playback: Oliver and Naomi discuss the scene as the actress’s young co-star looks on
Media attention: Diana’s visit to the region ended up creating a lot of good publicity for the Red Cross campaign
News
Prince William needs ‘handling with kid gloves’ during his clashes with King Charles: Royal insider
Tensions arise between King Charles and Prince William despite Kate Middleton’s attempts to help. When the Prince of Wales gets angry, he often raises his voice. Prince William needs ‘handling with kid gloves’ during his clashes with King Charles: Royal…
The risky hobby of Prince William that the royal family does not like
King Charles III is very displeased with the attitude of the Prince of Wales Prince William reappears after the controversy surrounding the latest images of Kate Middleton Prince William is going through a tough time. A few months ago, it…
Kate Middleton nearly refused Princess of Wales title to avoid Princess Diana comparisons: report
9 Kate Middleton reportedly once considered “refusing” the title of Princess of Wales.SplashNews.com Kate Middleton once debated refusing the Princess of Wales title to avoid “stressful” comparisons to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. In Robert Jobson’s new book, “Catherine, The Princess…
Prince William cuts Queen Camilla’s sister from royal payroll after two decades
Prince William has cut Queen Camilla’s sister from the royal payroll after two decades of service, according to The Telegraph. Annabel Elliot, 75, has been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past 20 years for her services as an…
Prince William ‘clashed’ with King Charles, late Queen Elizabeth over flying family in helicopter: report
Prince William’s annual salary revealed after receiving title changePrince William’s annual salary revealed after receiving title change Prince William reportedly “clashed” with King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II over flying his family around the UK in a helicopter. The…
Princes William and Harry’s uncle Lord Robert Fellowes dead at 82
7 Lord Robert Fellowes, pictured above in 2013, died Monday.Getty Images Prince William and Prince Harry’s uncle Lord Robert Fellowes died Monday. He was 82. The cause of death is “undisclosed,” according to his obituary published in the London Times Wednesday. Fellowes became…
End of content
No more pages to load