United Kingdom, Feb. 2 -- Catherine, Princess of Wales, has called on the public to "build a more loving, empathetic, and compassionate society together".

The 43-year-old royal - who is returning to her public duties after taking time out for cancer treatment last year - shared her thoughts in a new foreword to The Shaping Us Framework, which is raising awareness of the importance of emotional and social skills to future mental and physical well-being.

She wrote: "At times, it can feel like the world is filled with mistrust and misunderstanding, leaving many people feeling isolated and vulnerable during difficult times.

"The impact of this - poor mental health, addiction and abuse - can be devastating, for individuals and for society....