Kate Middleton.Photo: Kensington Palace
Kate Middletonkeeps reminders of her loved ones close.
The Princess of Wales, 40, released anew videoon Sunday to kick off Addiction Awareness Week, which takes place from Sunday October 30 to Sunday November 7, as patron of The Forward Trust.
In the background of the video, three family photos were arranged on a table behind her along with some fresh flowers and a lamp. As seen in the clip, Princess Kate displayed framed pictures featuring her husbandPrince William, also 40, and their three children,Prince George, 9,Princess Charlotte, 7, andPrince Louis, 4.
The first shot came fromPrince Williamand Kate’sroyal visit to Pakistanin October 2019. In the candid photo, they smile at each other while sporting traditional feathered headwear during a stop in the Kalash village.
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Samir Hussein/WireImage
A keen photographer in her free time, Princess Kate is known to take her children’sbirthday photosamong other family moments. The royal earned a degree in art history at the University of St. Andrews (where she met Prince William!) and inherited arelated patronage— the Royal Photographic Society — from her late grandmother-in-lawQueen Elizabetha few years ago.
The Prince and Princess of Wales/Instagram
It’s an annual tradition for the royal family to share their holiday card with the public.
Matt Porteous / The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge/Kensington Palace via Getty
The photos displayed in Princess Kate’s latest video brought a personal touch to her video message, shared to support her patronage of The Forward Trust for the “Taking Action on Addiction” campaign.
“Addiction is a serious mental health condition that can happen to anyone, no matter what age, gender, race or nationality,” the Princess of Wales began. “As Patron of The Forward Trust, I have met many people who have suffered from the effects of addiction.”
“Attitudes to addiction are changing. But we are not there yet, and we need to be,” she continued. “Still the shame of addiction is stopping people and families asking for help and people are still tragically losing their lives. We as a society need to recognize that the only way to help those suffering is to try and understand what has led them to addiction, to empathize with them and to be compassionate to their struggles.”
Speaking directly to those suffering from addiction, Princess Kate said, “Please know that addiction is not a choice. No one chooses to become an addict. I want you to know that this is also a serious health condition. Please do not let shame hold you back from getting the help you so desperately need.”
“The charities leading the Taking Action on Addiction Campaign, along with others, are working across the country delivering life-changing work to help people recover and move forward. They are here for you. So please ask for help,” she continued. “I know this was not a choice. Recovery is possible.”
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Kate wasannounced as patron of The Forward Trustin June 2021, one month after the organization merged withAction on Addiction.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Princess for her invaluable support in ensuring that more of the people and families access the help they need,” the charity says on itswebsite.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
source: people.com
