Kate Middleton's northern roots may have influenced her decision to adopt a Liverpool-based charity as one of four which are to have her as their patron.
In her more formal persona as HRH the Duchess of Cambridge, she will work for Action on Addiction, a choice which is getting a warm welcome on Merseyside.
Yachts may be the main and enjoyable Royals-related topic of discussion just now, but to have her on board will make a practical difference to A on A's more humdrum daily slog. Jacquie Johnston-Lynch, head of services at Action on Addiction, says:
We're excited that a member of the royal family has put their name to a charity dealing with addiction, which oftens come bottom of the heap. She intends to be a hands-on patron and we are really grateful.
The other charities which Prince William's wife has named are East Anglia Children's Hospices, the National Portrait Gallery and the Art Room (she studied art history at St Andrew's and worked as a web designer and photographer).
Action on Addiction is the parent charity of the Brink, the alcohol-free bar which opened in Liverpool nearly six months ago, and was subsequently profiled in the Northerner. Johnston-Lynch says that the Duchess is expected to pay it a public visit in the "near future".
Brink is a social enterprise set up to help people in recovery from alcohol or drug addictions, and many of the staff are themselves in recovery. The bar has been getting a steady stream of visitors, some of whom are thinking of setting up similar ventures in other parts of the country.
"Many agencies want to work with us," says Ms Johnston-Lynch, who adds that the bar is getting a reputation for music and performing arts. It is also the location for APASS (Alcohol Pre-Abstinence Support Service), which provides counselling on alcohol problems. Up to now, it has only been available during the daytime, but it is now being extended to two nights a week.
