The Princess of Wales has written a powerful letter urging people to show “compassion” to those struggling with addiction because it is “not a choice, or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition”.
Catherine said those who are dependent on drugs, alcohol or gambling often experience “fear, shame and judgement” by members of the community.
In a letter to mark Addiction Awareness Week (November 23-30), the princess encouraged people to have open conversations and bring the issue “out of the shadows”.
The Princess of Wales at the Taking Action on Addiction launch in October, 2021. (Getty)
The note was signed ‘Catherine’ and included the Princess of Wales’ royal cypher.
The 43-year-old is patron of The Forward Trust’s Taking Action on Addiction campaign.
She said those who are addicted should be met with “empathy and support”.
The charity supports recovering addicts and in October, it commissioned a study in the UK which found that a majority of adults have experienced or know someone who has lived with forms of addiction.
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The Princess of Wales became patron of The Forward Trust in 2021. (Twitter/DukeandDuchessofCambridge)
The campaign was first launched by the princess in 2021 with the aim of breaking the stigma surrounding addiction, which can be a barrier to accessing support.
Catherine said her work with the charity had “been humbling… but there remains much more to do”.
She said in her message: “Addiction is not a choice, or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that should be met with empathy and support. But still, even now in 2025, people’s experience of addiction is shaped by fear, shame and judgement. This needs to change.
“The stigma surrounding those who face addiction allows it to thrive behind closed doors, impacting families and communities, and ultimately ruining lives.
“Many of us will know someone who is struggling with an addiction. Now is the moment to show our compassion and love to help them, or their friends and family, to reach out to organisations like The Forward Trust for support.
“Recovery is hard, but with the right treatment it is possible. And this begins with a conversation, a listening ear and showing we care.
The Princess of Wales has called for the end to ‘stigma’ around addiction. (Getty)
“So please join the conversation. By talking about it in the open, together we can bring addiction and the harm it causes out of the shadows.
“We can reframe this issue with kindness and understanding, and we can help individuals and families coping with addiction know they are not alone.”
Former England and Arsenal football captain Tony Adams, who is chairman of trustees at the Forward Trust and a recovered alcoholic, said a conversation with his mother-in-law started his journey to seeking help.
He said: “If you are struggling with an addiction or a mental health issue, then please reach out and get the appropriate help.
“The greatest thing I ever did was to say, ‘I can’t do this.'”
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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