Princess Kate continues her impressive work in the fight against addiction.

In an important gesture to mark the beginning of Addiction Awareness Week, the Princess of Wales shared a poignant message to her royal followers and those affected by addiction alike via the Forward Trust's YouTube channel.

Kate has been committed to this important cause since becoming a Patron of Action on Addiction in 2012.

As such, the princess has met many individuals and families whose lives have been affected by addiction and is on a mission to dematerialize this experience so that those who need help can access it without shame.

"Addiction is a serious mental illness that can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or nationality," Kate begins.

In the video, she speaks directly to the camera while wearing a navy blue polka-dot button-up shirt with a white Tory Burch collar, which the Daily Mail reports she first wore last year.

The princess's speaking sequence is interspersed with footage of her visits over the years to charities working to combat addiction.

"As a patron of Forward Trust," she continues, "I have met many people suffering from the effects of addiction. [Attitudes toward addiction are changing, but we are not there yet. Yet still, the shame of addiction stops people and families from seeking help, and people are tragically losing their lives. We as a society need to recognize that the only way to help those who are suffering is to try to understand what led them to their addiction. We must empathize with them and be compassionate about their suffering."

She then appeals directly to those affected by addiction.

"And today, during Addiction Awareness Week, I want to share a message of support for those who continue to suffer," she says.

"Please know that addiction is not a choice. No one chooses to be an addict. I want you to know that this is also a serious health condition. Don't let shame hold you back from getting the help you so desperately need."

"The charities leading the Taking Action on Addiction campaign, along with other organizations, are doing life-changing work across the country to help people recover and move forward. They are here for you. I know that this was not a choice. Recovery is possible."