The Princess of Wales calls for an end to the ‘fear, shame and judgment’ around addiction in heartfelt statement

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has issued a powerful statement calling for and end to the ‘stigma’ surrounding addiction

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The Princess of Wales has made an impassioned plea for ‘compassion and love’ in the fight against addiction, imploring the public to end the ‘stigma’ surrounding the experiences of those who are dependent on drugs, alcohol, or gambling, which Catherine said are ‘shaped by fear, shame and judgement.’ A patron of the Forward Trust, which supports recovering addicts, the Princess called for more open conversations regarding the issue, in order to bring addiction ‘out of the shadows’.

In a moving statement to mark Addiction Awareness Week, the Princess wrote: ‘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 judgment. 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.