Kate Middleton grins as she’s sniffed by drug sniffer dog during visit to prison

The Princess of Wales visited HMP High Down to learn about how prisoners were being helped to overcome addictions

The Princess of Wales was treated like any other visitor as she was searched for drugs and contraband ahead of a charity prison tour.

Kate Middleton cracked a smile as the drug detection dog sniffed at her Alexander McQueen power suit ahead of a visit to HMP High Down in Surrey to hear how inmates recover from their addictions.

She was snapped sporting bandaged fingers on her right hand following a trampolining injury with her children as prison officials gave her the usual treatment.

The Princess of Wales was sporting an Alexander McQueen suit during her trip to the clink (PA)

Kate toured the Category C prison ahead of Addiction Awareness Week to hear about the efforts of The Forward Trust she supports as a patron.

The mother-of-three also paid tribute to her children by donning a gold necklace complete with their initials; the letters 'G, L, C' in honour of Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.

The theme of this year’s Addiction Awareness Week is “Everybody Knows Somebody”, which aims to highlight the vast array of people across society who are affected by addiction.

The princess shadowed a family during a normal visit, starting with the security procedures that must be followed before visitors are allowed to enter the institution, a men’s prison and young offender institution housing around 1,100 prisoners.

Kate, Patron of The Forward Trust, arrives for the visit to HMP High Down in Surrey ((Jonathan Brady/PA))

The royal heard abouy the experiences of young offenders (PA Media)

She heard about the impact this has on families and learned about the recent efforts HMP High Down has put into practice to make the experience more positive for children in particular.

Serving prisoners working with The Forward Trust then discussed with Kate their experiences and the support they are receiving from the charity and prison.

The Forward Trust delivers a range of services at HMP High Down, tailored to meet the needs of the men who reside there.

They include The Bridge, an intensive abstinence-based programme, Stepping Stones, a low to medium-intensity intervention for those whose alcohol or drug consumption is at harmful or dependent levels, and Family Ties, a course of workshops focused on restoring healthy communication and trust between loved ones.