Princess Diana flew to Angola on Sunday for a four-day mission that marks her restored role as a representative of the Red Cross.

Diana had resigned as patron of nearly 100 charities last year when she and Prince Charles were divorced. She had hoped to become a roving goodwill ambassador for Great Britain, but Queen Elizabeth refused.

The Red Cross trip signals that the 35-year-old princess may be resuming her charitable role through individual agencies.

There also may be a defrosting in the princess’s relationship with her ex-husband, whose popularity had sagged after their divorce.

Royal advisers are looking for ways to bolster Charles’ image, and London’s Sunday Times reported that he and Diana are to resume closer ties for the sake of the monarchy and their sons, Prince William, 14, and Prince Harry, 12.