The Princess of Wales has issued a moving message of support to those suffering from addiction.

Emphasising the importance of ‘simple acts of kindness’ and understanding, Catherine said it was important not to ‘judge or criticise’ those affected but to understand they are suffering from a ‘serious mental health condition’.

The Princess, who announced in September that she would make a slow and measured return to royal duties after completing a course of preventative chemotherapy following major abdominal surgery in January, issued a message in her role as Patron of the Forward Trust to support Addiction Awareness Week, which begins tomorrow.

She writes: ‘It has been heartening to see that progress is still being made to end the stigma surrounding those battling addiction. For too long, many have suffered in silence, harbouring feelings of shame and guilt about their condition, despite their vulnerability.

‘Everyone suffering from addiction is another human being, with a story of their own, which many of us don’t understand or see.

‘It is not our place to judge or criticise, we must take the time to sit by someone’s side, learning the values of love and empathy.

‘Being a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, these simple acts of kindness are crucial in breaking down the misunderstandings that so many face. ‘

The princess insisted that addiction was ‘not a choice’ and that no-one was immune from its grip.

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The Princess of Wales, 42, has delivered a powerful new message about addiction and recovery for Taking Action on Addiction

In a message that the Prince and Princess of Wales have reshared on X, mother-of-three Kate encourages people to show empathy towards those battling addiction

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The Princess of Wales has issued a moving message of support to those suffering from addiction. Kate is pictured in October meeting the families of those who were victims of the Southport attacks

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Kate is pictured talking to families of recovered addicts at the launch of the Forward Trust’s Taking Action on Addiction in 2021

She added: ‘Addiction is not a choice. It is a serious mental health condition that could affect any one of us. By acting with humility and compassion we can all make a difference and support those who are suffering.

‘Many charities up and down the country are guiding individuals and families through the toughest of times. But they cannot do it alone.

‘It is up to each and every one of us to change the way we think about and consider the many people coping with addiction. Because recovery is possible.’

The princess will be seen next week as she takes part in her most significant public engagement since she effectively withdrew from public duties to focus on her health at the start of the year.

She and Prince William will represent the King at the State Visit of the Amir of Qatar, greeting the ruler and his wife at their London residence and escorting them to Horse Guards for an official ceremonial welcome.

She is also working on last minute arrangements for next Friday’s ‘Together At Christmas’ annual carol service at Westminster Abbey.

Royal aides said today’s message around the importance of empathy will also be a theme of the service.

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The princess insisted that addiction was ‘not a choice’ and that no-one was immune from its grip. Pictured visiting Brynawel Rehabilitation in 2023

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Kate pictured during the first annual gala dinner in recognition of Addiction Awareness Week in 2019

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The princess said: ‘It is up to each and every one of us to change the way we think about and consider the many people coping with addiction. Because recovery is possible.’ Pictured in 2019 attending a gala in recognition of Addiction Awareness Week

Working with those suffering from addiction has long been an issue high up on the Princess’s agenda.

Addiction Awareness Week is something she has advocated strongly in the past. She has been at the forefront of Addiction Awareness Week for several years running, offering her support and heartfelt words to those battling addiction.

Since the very beginning of her royal tenure, Catherine has been passionate about the issue. One of the first charities of which she became a patron of was Action on Addiction.

The princess has also  been a patron of the Forward Trust since 2021, which offers support via an online chat service for people struggling with addiction, as well as other social issues including homelessness, unemployment and criminal offences.

According the charity, 45 per of British adults aged 18 to 75 – around 22 million people – have either experienced addiction or dependency on alcohol, drugs, medication, gambling or sex themselves or are close to someone who has.

Last year, Catherine visited a prison in Surrey ahead of the annual month to raise awareness about addiction. The princess shadowed a family during a normal visit, where she served usual protocol and was checked my sniffer dogs.

There, she heard of the work the Forward Trust were doing to rehabilitate prisoners including a Stepping Stones programme to help those maintain abstinence from alcohol and drugs.

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The Princess of Wales during a visit to Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre near the town of Pontyclun, Mid Glamorgan, to hear about the work they do to support those struggling with the effects of drug and alcohol addiction in Feb 2023

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At the event three years ago, Catherine spoke to TV presenters Ant and Dec, with the former opening up about his previous experience battling addiction to painkillers

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The Duchess of Cambridge talking to families of recovered addicts at the launch of the Forward Trust’s Taking Action on Addiction campaign at BAFTA, London. Picture date: Tuesday October 19, 2021

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In 2021, Kate and William visited homeless charity The Passage, speaking to frontline workers about challenges including drug addiction and mental health issues

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The Princess of Wales pats a dog during a visit to Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre in February 2023

The theme for last year’s Addiction Awareness Week was ‘Everyone Knows Someone’, recognising the widespread impact it has on everyone.

At the time, the princess said: ‘This year, we are reflecting on how ‘Everyone Knows Someone’ affected by addiction.

‘I hope, by talking more openly, we can consider the people in our own lives and communities who have been impacted.

‘Addiction affects people in so many ways beyond that one person who is experiencing it themselves – be they parents, children, siblings, friends or neighbours.

‘By understanding their experiences, and starting from a position of compassion and empathy, we can help to break the cycle.

‘Addiction is not a choice. It is a serious mental health condition. And with the right support delivered by wonderful charities like The Forward Trust, recovery is possible,’ she concluded.

In 2021, Catherine also supported the charity’s Taking Action on Addiction Awareness week. At an event held by Forward Trust, the then Duchess of Cambridge delivered a passionate speech on the devastating impact of addiction, while emphasising the importance of battling misinformation.

At the event three years ago, Catherine spoke to TV presenters Ant and Dec, with the former opening up about his previous experience battling addiction to painkillers.

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The Princess of Wales, 42, continued her return to public duties as she attended Remembrance events earlier this month

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The Princess of Wales will host her annual Christmas carol concert this year, Kensington Palace has announced. Pictured at the 2022 service

This year the campaign is focusing on the fact that addiction affects everyone, but recovery is possible.

Running from November 20 to December 7, and now in its fourth year, the campaign will provide an intense focus on addiction and recovery and its impact on people in the media.

It comes after the Princess of Wales paid tribute to aspiring photographer Liz Hatton, who passed away yesterday morning at the age of 17.

Liz, from Harrogate, Yorkshire, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning, her mother Vicky Robayna, announced on X/Twitter last night, after a battle with desmoplastic small round cell tumour, a rare and extremely aggressive form of cancer.

Posting a heartfelt message on the same social media platform, as well as their Instagram story, the royal couple wrote: ‘We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away. It was an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz’s parents Vicky and Aaron and her brother Mateo at this unimaginably difficult time.’ The parents-of-three signed off the message with their initials, ‘W & C’, indicating they had written the tribute personally.

Tragically, Liz passed away days before she was due to celebrate an early Christmas with her family.

Speaking to the Mail last night, Vicky said: ‘Our lovely Liz died in the early hours of this morning. She remained determined to her last. Even yesterday she was telling me that I had better get nurses sorted so she could do more things.

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Liz Hatton made headlines after she was invited to Windsor Castle to photograph an investiture, where she found herself meeting the Prince and Princess of Wales

The Prince and Princess of Wales posted on X/Twitter to share their sadness at the death of Liz Hatton, who passed away in the early ours of Wednesday morning

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Liz Hatton, the talented teen photographer who moved the royals with her candid cancer journey, has passed away aged

‘She went out in a blaze of glory with almost everyone she cared out seeing her for the last time at her exhibition last week.’

Kate, an amateur photographer herself, first met Liz at Windsor Castle at the beginning of October, when the 17-year-old was invited by the Prince and Princess of Wales to take photos of Prince William carrying out investitures that day – giving her the chance to capture famous faces including Mark Cavendish.

Earlier this month, the Princess of Wales attended events for remembrance as she continues her slow and measured return to royal duties following her treatment for chemotherapy.

She has also been confirmed to be hosting her annual Together At Christmas carol concert on Christmas Eve on ITV.