As Patron of The Forward Trust, The Princess of Wales has issued a message of support in marking Addiction Awareness Week to those suffering from addiction, as she continues to slowly return to Royal duties following a course of preventative chemotherapy following major abdominal surgery in January.
The message comes ahead of Addiction Awareness Week, which begins tomorrow and runs until the 7th December.
The Princess of Wales has issued a letter to mark Action on Addiction week. (The Forward Trust)
Beginning her letter for Addiction Awareness Week, The Princess of Walesnoted how 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’, the Princess added.
Catherine stressed how everyone who suffers from addiction are just human beings, who have a story of their own to tell, but many of society don’t understand or see their story.
To those not battling addiction, The Princess has said it is ‘not our place to judge or criticise’ but we must take the time to listen to someone’s story who has been battling addiction and be by their side.
Her Royal Highness writes how we must learn the values of love and empathy, as well as be ‘a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen’. By carrying out these simple acts of kindness, we are breaking down the misunderstandings that is faced by those battling addiction.
‘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’.
The Princess concludes her message for Addiction Awareness Week by highlighting the many charities who are ‘guiding individuals and families through the toughest of times’ but highlights the fact it is not just those working in the sector who can offer help – everyone can help.
‘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 of Wales regularly conducts engagements to meet those battling addiction. (The Forward Trust).
Catherine regularly marks the annual event by issuing messages or conducting engagements. In 2021, The Princess gave the keynote speech at event launch in a bid to tackle addiction, as Patron of The Forward Trust. The Royal was there to highlight the campaign, which aims to drive awareness and call for addiction to be treated as a serious mental health condition. It also highlights the need for more openness when talking about addiction, so that it can become easier for people to ask for help.
During the first Shaping Us Symposium at the Design Museum last year, Catherine reflected on her own experiences of meeting those who have ‘reached crisis point’, whether that is is ‘in prison rehabilitation programmes, addiction recovery centres, or those affected by homelessness’. She said the ‘biggest difference in preventing similar pathways for future generations’ is by ensuring a sense of ‘ safety, belonging and love in early childhood’ all of which should be ‘human nature’ in striving for these things.
The Princess of Wales is Patron of The Forward Trust. (The Forward Trust)
Catherine’s message comes days before she is set to join other members of the Royal Family in one of her most high-profile appearances since since the end of her chemotherapy treatment. The Princess will play a role in the Emir of Qatar’s state visit to the UK next week. However, The Princess will not be attending the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.
Her Royal Highness is also set to host her annual Christmas Carol Concert on 6th December. It comes after the video message released in September from the Princess where she spoke of how she was ‘looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months’.
