After finishing her cancer treatment on September 9th, Kate Middleton is cautiously resuming her official duties. The ultimate test for her will come at her traditional Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey, which she has organized for the past four years. Meanwhile, she has been seen on rare occasions, such as during the Commonwealth Remembrance Day celebrations in early November.
In the slow resumption of her duties, the Princess of Wales has wanted to be present at the Awareness Week on Addictions starting tomorrow and running until December 7 in the United Kingdom. As a royal patron of The Forward Trust, she has preempted the scheduled events by sending a message of support to those affected.
“It has been encouraging to see that progress is still being made to end the stigma surrounding those battling addiction,” begins the wife of Prince William. “For too long, many have suffered in silence, harboring feelings of shame and guilt about their condition, despite their vulnerability,” she continues.
“Every person who suffers from an addiction is another human being, with their own story, that many of us do not understand or see.” And it warns: “It is not up to us to judge or criticize, we must take the time to sit next to someone and learn the values of love and empathy.”
And encourages “being a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear, these simple acts of kindness are crucial to ending the misunderstandings that so many people face,” a phrase that the Princes of Wales have chosen to highlight on their own social media.
Middleton is also resolute in her message to help remove the stigma that this group faces. “Addiction is not a choice. It is a serious mental illness that can affect any of us. If we act with humility and compassion, we can all make a difference and help those who are suffering,” she states in her writing.
“Many charities across the country are helping individuals and families overcome their toughest times, but they can't do it alone. It is up to each and every one of us to change the way we think and perceive the many individuals facing addiction.” And it concludes with that hopeful anthem that characterizes it so much: “Recovery is possible.”