What you need to know
Duchess Kate is speaking out to demand sympathy and understanding for those suffering from addiction.
The Princess of Wales, 43, is calling on people to reach out and support those suffering from all forms of addiction and to “reframe the issue with kindness and understanding”.
Duchess Kate’s special message on Monday, November 24, was part of Addiction Awareness Week, run by the charity Forward Trust. Since her early days in public life after marrying Prince William in 2011, Duchess Kate has championed the cause of supporting addicts and their families and breaking down the stigma of not talking about the issue.
“It’s humbling to see so much progress being made to better understand addiction and address the stigma surrounding it, but there’s still so much work to do,” Kate said. “Addiction is not a choice or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that should be addressed with empathy and support. But in 2025, people’s experiences of addiction are still shaped by fear, shame and judgment. This needs to change.”
“Due to the stigma surrounding those facing addiction, addiction thrives behind closed doors, affecting families and communities, and ultimately destroying lives. Many of us know someone who struggles with addiction,” she continued. “Now is the time to show our compassion and love by helping them and their friends and families seek support from organizations like The Forward Trust.”
“Recovery is difficult, but with the right treatment, it’s possible. And it starts with conversations, listening and showing care,” she continued. “By talking openly about this, together we can lift addiction and the harm it causes from the shadows. We help individuals and families dealing with addiction understand that they are not alone.”
Duchess Kate is the Royal Patron of the Forward Trust, which in new research published this week found that 53% of British adults have experienced or known someone who has been addicted to drugs, alcohol, medication or gambling, and one in 10 have experienced addiction themselves.
Half of those who had personal experience with addiction or dependence said they were reluctant to discuss it with their employer. Meanwhile, a third find it difficult to talk to close family, friends or their doctor about their situation. It will be difficult to tell your partner the quarter as well.
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Former England national football captain Tony Adams has added his voice to the campaign in a film that talks about how open conversation has the power to help people in need. The 59-year-old spent 11 years struggling with addiction. “If you’re struggling with addiction or mental health issues, reach out and get the help you deserve. The biggest thing I ever did was say, ‘I can’t do this,'” Adams says in the film.
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Kate, who attended last week’s Royal Variety Performance with William, 43, and also hosted a symposium about her early days, has been championing a more open attitude towards people suffering from mental health crises and addictions for more than a decade.
The Princess of Wales, who announced in January that she was in remission from cancer, continues her busy year-end schedule, including a state visit to Windsor next month as part of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s state visit and a hymn festival at Westminster Abbey on December 5, where she will celebrate the new year with many of the causes she champions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
