Princess of Wales Shares Powerful Message on Addiction Awareness Amid Challenging Year
In breaking news, the Princess of Wales has delivered a heartfelt message about addiction awareness as she prepares for a busy upcoming schedule. Next week, she is set to make an appearance at the State visit from the Emir of Qatar. As the New Year approaches, it is expected that she will gradually increase her public engagements, which may include some office-based activities tied to her early-year work.
One of the Princess's key upcoming events is her annual "Together at Christmas" Carol Service, scheduled for next week. The service, which will take place at Westminster Abbey, is expected to draw a crowd of 1,600 attendees for a festive celebration. Despite the holiday cheer, Princess Catherine recently received heartbreaking news about Liz Hatton, a young woman who had touched her heart. Liz, an inspirational girl who met the Princess at Buckingham Palace, tragically passed away at the age of 17 after a courageous battle with cancer. Liz's passing has left Princess Catherine and her family deeply saddened.
The Prince and Princess of Wales had the honor of meeting Liz and her family at Windsor Castle on October 2, where they helped the young photographer fulfill a bucket list dream. A touching photograph of the Princess embracing Liz went viral after their meeting. In a joint statement, the royal couple expressed their sorrow, saying, "We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away. It was an honor to have met such a brave and humble young woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz's parents, Vicki and Aeron, and her brother, Mato, at this unimaginably difficult time."
In her message for Addiction Awareness Week, the Princess also spoke out about the progress being made in addressing the stigma surrounding addiction. She encouraged the public to show kindness and empathy, emphasizing that such gestures can help break down the barriers of prejudice that exist around this issue.
Looking ahead to Christmas, it seems that the royal family will be enjoying a festive season focused on family, just like households across the nation. As well as inviting community members who have made positive contributions, Princess Catherine will also welcome some of her nearest and dearest family members to the carol service. Among the guests will be the King’s second cousin, Lord Frederick Wier, and his wife, Lady Frederick Wier. In a recent conversation, Sophie Wier hinted at a family gathering following the service, sharing her excitement for the beautiful music, readings, and carols that will be part of the event.
It’s well known that Sophie and Frederick, while not working royals like Prince William, have remained involved in charity work, with Sophie supporting several organizations as a royal patron or ambassador. The Christmas event at Westminster Abbey will celebrate the best of what is being done at the community level throughout the UK, with a different theme featured each year.
Christmas will also provide the royal family with an opportunity to come together, shut out the pressures of public life, and focus on what truly matters. Echoing Queen Elizabeth II’s famous 1992 "Annus Horribilis" speech, the royal family is undoubtedly ready to embrace the holiday season and leave behind a difficult year. According to royal biographer Robert Hardman, it has been a challenging time for the Cambridges, especially with health concerns dominating the news agenda and many royal engagements being canceled.
One of the most notable moments of the year was Princess Catherine's public announcement of her health issue. In a move that broke with royal protocol, Catherine recorded a video message, filmed by the same BBC Studios team responsible for the coronation and the late Queen’s funeral. The formal transcript of her message was issued not under the usual "H.R.H. The Princess of Wales" but simply as "Catherine, The Princess of Wales," a small but significant detail in the royal institution’s traditionally rigid procedures.
As she continues her journey of healing, Princess Catherine’s resilience remains strong. The support of her family, especially Prince William, has been a crucial pillar of strength for her. The couple’s decision to retreat to their Norfolk home reflects their commitment to prioritizing family and health. While public engagements may be paused for now, the Princess’s dedication to her royal duties remains undiminished.
