RUSSIA: BRITAIN’S PRINCESS DIANA VISIT

(16 Jun 1995) Natural Sound Britain’s Princess Diana devoted Friday, the second day of her visit to Russia, almost entirely to helping disadvantaged and sick children. She visited a run-down hospital in Moscow where staff are trying desperately to care for more than one-thousand sick children. Whilst there, the Princess also met some children from one of Moscow’s orphanages - Children’s Home Eighteen. The Princess of Wales witnessed the legacy of Communist Russia Friday. She visited one of Moscow’s hospitals - still in need of modernisation - where staff are trying desperately to care for more than one-thousand sick children. It was applause all around as staff and patients welcomed the princess, who is the hospital’s patron. Conditions at the Tushinskaya Children’s Hospital have improved - thanks to British aid and know-how. But hospital staff hope the princess’s visit will not only raise morale but bring in more badly-needed cash. Diana chatted for awhile with the young patients - many of whom had harrowing stories to tell. Whilst at the hospital, she also met children from one of Moscow’s orphanage - Children’s Home Eighteen. As opposed to this hospital - the children’s home doesn’t get much help from the cash- poor Russian government. Set on the outskirts of Moscow, the home was built in the 1940s and is bad need of repair. The 60 children currently here have not had happy lives so far. Many were abandoned by their parents when they were born with various defects - others are here because their parents couldn’t look after them properly. All are in need of love, attention and a good home - at least some of which they’re sure to get from Diana. After her visit to the hospital, the princess was whisked away to the Kremlin where she was given a tour - and met more press. Last night the princess, a ballet fan, was guest of honour at a special performance by the world-famous Bolshoi Ballet. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: