Kate Middleton issues poignant statement on 'suffering in silence' as she returns to duty

The Princess of Wales is due to make several public appearances next week as she makes her gradual return to work following her cancer treatment - and ahead of that she has released a message supporting a cause close to her heart

The Princess of Wales has released a poignant personal statement ahead of several high-profile public appearances.

Kate, 42, who is gradually returning to work following her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, has released a message to mark the start of Addiction Awareness Week, saying many have "suffered in silence" and urging people to offer "simple acts of kindness" to those affected by addiction. The princess is a patron of The Forward Trust, which runs the Taking Action on Addiction campaign. And in her message today, she explains how addiction is a "serious mental health condition" but offers light by saying "recovery is possible".

She says: "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, harbouring feelings of shame and guilt about their condition, despite their vulnerability.

"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 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.

"Addiction is not a choice. 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 message comes just days before she is set to make one of her most high-profile appearances since the end of her chemotherapy treatment. It has been confirmed that Kate will play a role in the Emir of Qatar's state visit to the UK next week joining Prince William as well as King Charles and Queen Camilla for the big event.

State visits to the UK nearly always feature a huge white tie banquet, where royal ladies get to wear a dazzling tiara. The last time Kate was seen in a glittering headpiece was last year when she took part in the 2023 Diplomatic Corps Reception at Buckingham Palace. But it seems royal fans will have to wait a little longer to see the princess wear a tiara again.

That's because despite taking part in the visit, it has been confirmed she will not attend the grand state banquet hosted by the King at Buckingham Palace in the evening, Kensington Palace said. The princess, 42, has made just a handful of public appearances so far in 2024 after she underwent major abdominal surgery in January and then was diagnosed with cancer.

However, she will join her husband William in greeting Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, at Kensington Palace on Tuesday (December 3).

Kate has been making a gradual return to royal duties since revealing her diagnosis and subsequent treatment. She is also set to host her annual Christmas Carol Concert next Friday (December 6).

In a video the princess released in September, she revealed she had finished her chemotherapy treatment, and spoke of how she was "looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months". But she added her focus was "doing what I can to stay cancer-free".