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Duchess of Cambridge encourages charity staff to 'pull together' amid coronavirus pandemic

Rebecca Taylor
·Royal Correspondent
·2-min read
WICKFORD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge opens an Action on Addiction Community Treatment Centre on February 7, 2018 in Wickford, United Kingdom. The Duchess will join a round-table discussion with healthcare professionals, meet staff and clients at different points of their recovery, and attend a reception to commemorate the opening. ( Photo by Eddie Mulholland - Pool/Getty Images)
Kate has supported Action on Addiction for several years. (Getty Images)

The Duchess of Cambridge has encouraged charity staff to look after themselves and pull together as the UK battles the coronavirus pandemic.

Kate, 38, wrote to staff working for Action on Addiction, one of the charities of which she is a patron, to offer her support as they help people struggling with alcoholism or drug dependency.

She wrote: “Like you, I am deeply worried about the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable families and children, and the negative effect that stress and anxiety could have on those who suffer with addiction. But I am heartened to hear that you are ready to support people, right now, and into the future.

“I have no doubt that you will be helping each other through the pressures of juggling your personal and professional lives and I hope you are taking time to look after yourselves.

“Now more than ever, it will be crucial to pull together to ensure we’re in the strongest position for what lies ahead.”

Read more: Duchess of Cambridge continued homeschooling George and Charlotte over the Easter holidays

The charity shared the letter on Twitter, and wrote: “We are immensely grateful to our Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge @KensingtonRoyal, for her uplifting message to staff still caring for vulnerable families and people struggling with addiction at this challenging time.”

Kate has worked for several years with Action on Addiction, and visited some of the charity’s support centres across the UK.

Read more: Coronavirus: Prince William and Kate lend voices to NHS mental health film as lockdown is extended

Her letter is just one part of the work she and her husband, Prince William, have been doing to help during the coronavirus pandemic.

They both lent their voices to an NHS film about mental health, encouraging people to put together an action plan to cope with isolation as the UK enters three more weeks of lockdown.

EMBARGOED TO 2200 WEDNESDAY APRIL 08 NEWS EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO COMMERCIAL USE (including any use in merchandising, advertising or any other non-editorial use). This photograph is provided to you strictly on condition that you will make no charge for the supply, release or publication of it and that these conditions and restrictions will apply (and that you will pass these on) to any organisation to whom you supply it. All other requests for use should be directed to the Press Office at Kensington Palace in writing. The photographs must not be digitally enhanced, manipulated or modified in any manner or form and must include all of the individuals in the photographs when published. Not for use after 31st December 2020, without prior permission from Kensington Palace Handout photo dated 08/04/20 of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (bottom) on a video call with staff and teachers from Casterton Primary Academy in Burnley, which has remained open to teach children of key workers and other vulnerable youngsters.
William and Kate have carried out virtual school visits. (Kensington Palace)

Read more: Meghan Markle gives support to food delivery service run by Grenfell survivors

And Prince William has made a donation to Captain Tom Moore’s fundraiser as the 99-year-old veteran surpassed £18m by walking laps in his back garden.

All the royals have had to adapt to a new way of working during the lockdown. William and his father Prince Charles have both opened NHS Nightingale hospitals via videolink, while William and Kate, as well as others, have conducted their usual engagements on video conferencing software.

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, has been making some private visits to support charities near their Windsor home, and spent the day on Wednesday cooking hundreds of meals for NHS workers.