The Duchess of Cambridge has praised "passionate" charity workers and volunteers who have dedicated their time to supporting people affected by addiction as she takes on a new royal role.
Kate has been made patron of The Forward Trust, which helps people break cycles of addiction and crime to turn their life around.
Last month The Forward Trust merged with Action on Addiction, which Kate has been a patron of since 2012, one of her first royal gigs after marrying Prince William and joining the royal family.
Action on Addiction has a network of community support groups and resources around the country which aim to give the best addiction recovery care they possibly can.
The charities merged in order to cope with increased demand due to lockdowns putting pressure on services.
Now merged, the charities are aiming to support even more families affected by addiction.
After the announcement, Kate released a heartfelt statement showing her commitment to helping people overcome addiction, and supporting their families.
She said: "I am delighted that The Forward Trust and Action on Addiction have taken this bold step to join forces and help more people, families and children to overcome addiction.
"I have had the privilege of being patron of Action on Addiction for nine years and have seen the work of The Forward Trust ad HMP Send on several occasions."
The Duchess added: "I am continually struck by the passion, expertise and commitment of the staff and volunteers, and indeed it was the conversations I had with individuals and families affected by addiction that have been a major driving force in my ongoing work on early childhood."
Kate explained she wanted to focus on the link between early childhood trauma and addiction issues later in life to create a "happier, healthier, more nurturing society."
David Bernstein, Chairman of The Forward Trust, said: "We are deeply honoured that The Duchess of Cambridge has joined the charity as our Patron.
"Renewing her commitment to lifting the stigma around addiction so that more people can ask for help will have a profound impact.
"The pandemic has had a devastating impact on addiction, rates of harmful drinking and drug related deaths are at an all-time high, and gambling addiction is rising at an alarming rate.
"All this is happening at a time when access to treatment has been diminishing.
"Our merger with Action on Addiction is our commitment to help address this demand."