Kate Middleton Gave the Keynote Speech at an Event Tackling Addiction

As a senior royal, Kate Middleton gets to champion a number of different causes close to her heart. On Oct. 19, the Duchess of Cambridge (opens in new tab) gave the keynote speech at an event tackling one of these causes: addiction.

Middleton attended The Forward Trust's launch event for their new campaign, "Taking Action on Addiction (opens in new tab)," which "aims to reframe existing perceptions of addiction, improve understanding, reduce prejudice and enable people to ask for and receive help." For the event, the duchess wore a bright red dress with a turtleneck and pleated skirt, paired with a tan mini-bag and tan pointed stilettos.

In a statement for the charity (opens in new tab), Middleton 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 9 years, and have seen the work of The Forward Trust at HMP Send on several occasions.

"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. With the link between early childhood trauma and addiction later in life becoming more widely understood, it is more important than ever that we focus on these issues so that we can create a happier, healthier, more nurturing society."