The Duchess of Cambridge opted for a vibrant monochrome set to spread the message of an important cause.

Today, Kate made an appearance in an all-red number, featuring a cozy knit turtleneck sweater, matching pleated midi skirt by Christopher Kane, tan pointed-toe pumps, and a mini leather handbag by Demellier London, and wore her hair in her signature voluminous waves.

The Duchess of Cambridge was in London to launch her patronage The Forward Trust's latest Taking Action on Addiction campaign with a keynote speech highlighting the importance of understanding what can cause addiction. The long-term campaign coincides with Addiction Awareness Week in the United Kingdom and works to enable more people to ask for and receive help.

"Addiction is not a choice. No one chooses to become an addict. But it can happen to any one of us. None of us are immune. Yet, it's all too rarely discussed as a serious mental health condition. And seldom do we take the time to uncover and fully understand its fundamental root causes," Kate said during her address. "The journey towards addiction is often multilayered and complex. But by recognizing what lies beneath addiction, we can help remove the taboo and shame that sadly surrounds it."

The duchess continued, "As a society, we need to start from a position of compassion and empathy, where we nurture those around us, understand their journey, and what has come before them. We need to value and prioritize care and support, helping to restore and connect individuals who are clearly suffering, to the people around them."

Kate also addressed how the isolation and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic can affect one's mental health and addiction struggles. The duchess along with her husband, Prince William, have vocalized the importance of emotional wellness over the years in their royal work, including starting a mental health initiative during the pandemic to help frontline workers prioritize their mental well-being.

Demellier London The Nano Montreal

Demellier London The Nano Montreal

"The pandemic has had a devastating impact on addiction rates. And families and children are having to cope with addiction in greater numbers than ever before," Kate said. "Yet, there is hope. Over the last 10 years, I have had the privilege of meeting many incredible people who have lived through the harsh realities of addiction. … These are stories of healing, of hope and recovery, that can inspire us all.

"The campaign will show us that, not only do many people recover from addiction, they can go on to prosper. We can all play our part in helping this work. By understanding, by listening, by connecting. So that together we can build a happier, healthier and more nurturing society," Kate concluded.

Bianca Betancourt is the culture editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com, where she covers all things film, TV, music, and more. When she's not writing, she loves impulsively baking a batch of cookies, re-listening to the same early-2000s pop playlist, and stalking Mariah Carey's Twitter feed.