The Princess of Wales released a moving statement on Friday (29 November) to mark Addiction Awareness Week.

The Princess is patron of addiction charity the Forward Trust and, to mark the awareness week, Kate penned a message of support and hope to all those who are and have been affected by addiction.

The Princess began by praising how far conversations have come.

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"It has been heartening to see that progress is still being made to end the stigma surrounding those battling addiction," Kate wrote in her official statement, shared by Taking Action on Addiction. "For too long, many have suffered in silence, harbouring feelings of shame and guilt about their condition, despite their vulnerability."

Kate went onto encourage kindess and empathy, saying that it is not "our place to judge or criticise, 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."

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She reminded the public that "everyone suffering from addiction is another human being, with a story of their own, which many of us don’t understand or see," adding that, "Addiction is not a choice. It is a serious mental health condition that could affect any one of us."

The Princess finished her message by praising the "many charities up and down the country are guiding individuals and families through the toughest of times," but stressed that, "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.”

If you need support around addition, visit Talk to Frank to find help advice and support available near you.