Kate Middleton shared a heartfelt message as she slowly returns to the public eye after completing her cancer treatment.
The Princess of Wales released a statement ahead of Addiction Awareness Week as she emphasized the silent struggle many face with addiction. Kate called for compassion and “simple acts of kindness” towards those affected.
As a patron of The Forward Trust, which runs the Taking Action on Addiction campaign, she highlighted that addiction is a “serious mental health condition” and reminded everyone that “recovery is possible.”
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Her message read, “As Patron of the Forward Trust, I am delighted to once again support Addiction Awareness Week. 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, harboring feelings of shame and guilt about their condition, despite their vulnerability.”
She continued, “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 criticize, 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.”
Kate pointed out how addiction “is not a choice.” She added, “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.”
Kate’s comments come just days before her much-anticipated high-profile appearance at the Emir of Qatar’s upcoming state visit to the UK, joining royal family members such as Prince William, King Charles and Queen Camilla for the grand occasion.
Despite participating in the visit, it has been confirmed that Princess Kate will not be attending the grand state banquet hosted by the King at Buckingham Palace in the evening. She has only made a few public appearances so far in 2024 after undergoing major abdominal surgery in January and then being diagnosed with cancer.
However, she will join her husband William in welcoming Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his first wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, at Kensington Palace on Tuesday (December 3). The princess has been gradually returning to royal duties since revealing her diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
She is also scheduled to host her annual Christmas Carol Concert next Friday (December 6). In a video released by Kate in September, she announced that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment and expressed her eagerness to “be back at work and undertake a few more public engagements in the coming months.”
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