The Duchess of Cambridge appeals to those struggling with addiction in heartfelt message

The Duchess of Cambridge has urged those battling an addiction to seek help despite the global coronavirus pandemic.

• Duchess Catherine has been patron of Action on Addiction since 2012
• The Duchess was given a virtual tour of Clouds House - one of the charity's treatment centres
• She thanked the team for staying open during lockdown and urged those with addiction problems to seek help and "reach out"
• It follows royal news that Sophie Wessex reveals how she welcomed Meghan Markle into the royal family

Duchess Catherine has been working closely with her patronage, Action on Addiction, in recognising the staff continuing to support those with addiction problems during covid-19.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 38, was given a virtual tour of Clouds House - one of their addiction treatment centres in Wiltshire, which has remained open during the global pandemic.

Appearing via video link from Amner Hall in Norfolk, Catherine spoke with Action on Addiction's CEO Graham Beech - who expressed his concerns that a new YouGov poll commissioned by Action on Addiction suggests that addictive behaviours could be rising in lockdown.

Commenting on the statistics that found as many as a quarter of UK adults may be drinking more as a result of the lockdown, she said, "The worrying thing is, it is all those people who aren't necessarily reaching out who are struggling, who perhaps don't feel they can reach out.

"Or the fact that maybe they haven't realised that addictive behaviours have sort of established, particularly if it's the first time - and it's those people who aren't necessarily being vocal about it. It's making sure that they know they can reach out and that you are here to help and support them in this very difficult time."

The CEO went on to tell Catherine that Action on Addiction's website has been busier than ever in the past three months of lockdown.

"We have done some polling and we have discovered that people are struggling during lockdown. More people are drinking and gambling but also we are concerned about the number of people who are struggling to maintain their recovery and are getting into relapse. We are particularly concerned about families and young people and the impact that lockdown and addiction is having."

Prince William's wife thanked the centre's staff for being a "lifeline" in such difficult times.

"It's a lifeline for many people and you know and it's great that they are able to continue the support, whether remotely or those who are actually still receiving treatment now during lockdown and providing life changing support."