Princess Kate issues powerful statement on addiction | Royal | News
The Princess of Wales called on people to “join the conversation” about addiction and reframe the issue with kindness, care and compassion. “Addiction is not a choice or a personal failing,” says Catherine, who continues her work while trying to combat the stigma surrounding addiction, emphasizing that it is a serious mental health condition.
Instead, the mother of three calls for the issue to be reframed “with kindness and understanding” so that those struggling with addiction “know they are not alone.” Catherine, 43, issued a powerful message in her role as Patron of the Forward Trust to support Addiction Awareness Week, which started yesterday.
He writes: “Addiction is not a choice or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that must be met with empathy and support.
“But still, even in 2025, people’s experience of addiction is shaped by fear, shame and judgment. This needs to change.
“The stigma surrounding those facing addiction causes addiction to thrive behind closed doors, impacting families and communities, and ultimately devastating lives.”
The Princess says it is “humbling” to see the significant progress being made to better understand addiction, but “there is still more to do”.
Catherine urges people to reach out to those struggling with addiction in an effort to remove the stigma around the subject.
“Now is the time to show our compassion and love by helping them or their friends and family reach out to organizations like The Forward Trust for support,” she says. “Healing is difficult, but possible with the right treatment. And it starts with a conversation, a listening ear, and showing that we care.”
“So please join the conversation. By talking about this openly, together we can bring addiction and the harm it causes out of the shadows.
“We can reframe this issue with kindness and understanding and help individuals and families struggling with addiction know they are not alone.”
Catherine has been throwing her weight behind Addiction Awareness Week for several years as she seeks to offer her support and warm words to those struggling with addiction. She is committed to removing stigma and ensuring people get the help they need by encouraging open conversations on the issue.
The Princess’ message comes after The Forward Trust published a new survey revealing that more than half (53%) of all adults in the UK live with or know someone who has an addiction or dependency on drugs, alcohol, medication or gambling, with one in ten experiencing addiction themselves.
The research, conducted by IPSOS in October 2025 and published today, reveals the prevalence of addiction among families, workplaces and communities.
This also shows how difficult it is for people to talk about addiction, even to their partners or close family members.
A third (35%) said they would find it difficult to talk to a close family member, while 30% said it would be difficult to talk to a friend, GP (28%) or partner (27%) about their condition. The survey found that the most difficult conversation would be with their employer (53%).
Addiction Awareness Week 2025 aims to get the ‘Nation Talking About Addiction’ and has launched a new film series called The Conversation That Changed Everything.
Early footage reveals that a conversation with his mother-in-law Barbara was the catalyst for former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams MBE, who spent 11 years with addiction, to get help.
“If you are struggling with an addiction or mental health issue, please reach out and get the appropriate help. The best thing I ever did was say, ‘I can’t do this,'” she urges.
