Catherine’s campaign of kindness
The Princess of Wales speaks out for Addiction Awareness Week
She’s someone who knows all about being the target of unkindness on social media and the Princess of Wales has headed up a campaign for The Forward Trust, to mark Addiction Awareness Week, which runs until Dec 7.
As part of the Taking Action on Addiction national campaign, the princess posted a video calling for the need to show kindness and be “a shoulder to cry on”, for those with addiction struggles.
“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,” she says.
“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.”
In a sign she is feeling stronger, Catherine is also taking part in the State Visit of the Amir of Qatar, alongside Prince William and the King and Queen, on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. This will be her most formal public duty since her cancer treatment and that, along with her Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on Friday, is hopefully a sign she is on her way to feeling – almost – normal. We wish her all the best.
William joins the Welsh Guards
Meanwhile, Prince William looked every inch the action man this week, when he went on drills with the Welsh Guards in Salisbury, as colonel of the regiment. The Battalion has been undertaking ceremonial events for the past two years and has now transitioned back to its operational duties.
“Their specialist platoons were undergoing training today, demonstrating live-firing exercises and drones that enhance their capabilities,” Kensington Palace posted on Instagram, alongside footage of a camouflage-clad William getting stuck in.
Goodbye to a true heroine
There was sad news on Wednesday, when 17-year-old Liz Hatton passed away at home in Harrogate. The wonderfully-brave budding photographer had stolen the world’s heart – and those of the Prince and Princess of Wales – with her bucket-list wish to capture as many experiences as she could, on camera. In October, the teenager, who had a rare and aggressive cancer, was invited to photograph an investiture at Windsor Castle and meet William and Catherine, who was snapped hugging her.
The Prince and Princess of Wales posted on X, “We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away. It was an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz’s parents Vicky and Aaron and her brother Mateo at this unimaginably difficult time. W&C”
Have you listed to our podcast yet?
Have you caught our podcast Secrets of the Royals yet? One of the most popular episodes is about the sad and incredible lives of Prince Philip’s female relatives. Maria researched so many stories in this episode, we had to leave quite a lot out and may revisit some of them in later series. Give it a listen or watch, here on Substack, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
Sneak peek of our Christmas gift list
We can’t believe how fast this year has gone. Next week is our annual The Royal Christmas List gift guide, when we’ll bring you the best gifts for all the family. And after that, we’ll take a short break for the festive season, returning in the New Year. To whet your appetite, here’s a preview of what made the cut this year, including this super-cute Corgi hand puppet, £19.96, royalcollectionshop.co.uk.