Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, has written an opening message for our auction catalogue to mark 40 years of Terrence Higgins Trust and pay tribute to his mother’s incredible legacy.

The message appears in the catalogue for our flagship fundraising event The Auction, which takes place at Christie’s auction house in London on Monday 6 March 2023. The annual event has raised millions to support people affected by HIV and poor sexual health.

Auction lots this year include pieces from artists Tracey Emin and Antony Gormley, photographer Rankin and a range of money can’t buy celebrity experiences and holidays.

Terry Higgins was one of the very first people to die of an AIDS-related illness in the UK in July 1982, and his partner and their friend started our charity in his name to share information and save lives. We are currently in the midst of a year of celebrations to remember Terry and mark his incredible legacy.

For the past 40 years, Terrence Higgins Trust has been revolutionising the fight against HIV and AIDS. What began as honouring the loss of a loved one has evolved into the UK's leading HIV and sexual health charity that provides essential education, funding and services to thousands living with HIV.

I've been involved with Terrence Higgins Trust for a number of years, and the fight to end this epidemic is a big piece of my mum's legacy. Like many, my mother grew up in a world where HIV was likely a death sentence. Yet, in the midst of all that uncertainty, she led with empathy, finding the humanity in all around her and demonstrating the power of connection in the face of fear. While my mother did not live to see the success of today's treatments, I feel immense pride in being able to continue her advocacy with you.

As Terrence Higgins Trust has evolved over the years, their goal has remained the same: end new transmissions. Terrence Higgins Trust has pledged to make England the first country to end new HIV cases by 2030, but they need all of us to do our part by encouraging testing so we all know our status, eradicating stigma that thrives on silence, and donating the resources Terrence Higgins Trust needs to keep up their efforts at pace.

Though the last 40 years have shown significant progress, we cannot slow down now, we must finish the job.

My biggest and heartfelt congratulations on this historic milestone. May the next one we celebrate signal an end to the HIV/AIDS epidemic for all. 

Thank you!

To find out more about auction lots or to attend the event, visit our The Auction webpage.