DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE
THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE LOOKED IN HER ELEMENT AS SHE ENJOYED SOME TIME WITH NATURE
The Duchess of Cambridge showed her love for the great outdoors when she met a group of scouts in Northolt, west London. Dressing down in jeans, a gilet and a scout’s scarf, Kate was pictured toasting marshmallows and later writing letters to members of a local care home.
The engagement celebrated her being named as joint President of The Scout Association, an honour she shares with the Queen’s cousin, the Duke of Kent – who has been president of the association since 1975.
Kate – who was mindful of the social distancing measures in place – also spoke to staff, parents and volunteers at the association
‘I was struck by the huge Impact the organisation has on young people’
and was presented with the Silver Wolf Award, the movement’s highest honour.
She previously volunteered with a cub scout pack when she and her husband, the Duke of Cambridge, lived on Anglesey in North Wales before starting a family.
This marks her first presidency of any organisation and opening up about the honour, she said, “For many children and young people, The Scout Association plays a key role as they build relationships and develop the skills they need to succeed in later life.
“When I volunteered with the scouts on Anglesey eight years ago, I was struck by the huge impact the organisation has on inspiring young people to support their communities and achieve their goals.
“I am delighted to be joining the Duke of Kent as joint president of the association and look forward to working with scouts across the country as they strive to make a positive difference to our society.”
During the outing, she also thanked the organisation’s volunteers for supporting
more than half a million young people during lockdown when scouting sessions went online as part of #Thegreatindoors campaign.
Kate was once a brownie herself, enrolling at the 1st St Andrew’s pack in Pangbourne, Berkshire, when she was eight years old.
During an engagement with the scouts last summer, the duchess was reported to have told members of the public that she hoped her children – Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, five, and Prince Louis, two – would join the scouts one day.
She and the Duke of Cambridge were even reported to have thrown George a camping-themed party during lockdown for his recent birthday, receiving a yurt as his gift.
In another interview last year, Kate opened up about how important family time outdoors was to her and the Duke of Cambridge.
She said, “As children, we spent a lot of time outside, and it’s something I’m really passionate about. I think it’s so great for physical and mental wellbeing.
“That’s what I would want them to remember, those moments with me as a mother, but also the family going to the beach, getting soaking wet, filling our boots full of water, those are what I would want them to remember. Not a stressful household where you’re trying to do everything and not really succeeding at one thing.”
When asked about her happy place, she added, “With my family outside in the countryside, all filthy dirty.”
Days later, Kate and husband William sent a heart-warming message to victims of the Australian bush fires – which swept through the country in December and January.
The royal pair had been due to visit areas hit hard by the fires but the trip was postponed due to Covid-19.
Speaking to people from Kangaroo Island via video link, William said, “It’s fantastic to hear about the community spirit in Australia, as always, which is what Catherine and I see when we come down there.”
‘As children, we spent A lot of time outside. it’s something i’m passionate About’