United Kingdom, Nov. 24 -- Catherine, Princess of Wales has insisted addiction is "not a choice".

The 43-year-old royal - who is patron of the Forward Trust, which supports recovering addicts - has called for the "fear, shame and judgement" around the issue to end and urged society to show "compassion" to those dependent on alcohol, drugs or gambling because it is a "complex mental health condition".

In a message to mark Addiction Awareness Week, Catherine said: "Addiction is not a choice, or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that should be met with empathy and support. But still, even now in 2025, people's experience of addiction is shaped by fear, shame and judgement. This needs to change.

"The stigma surround...