The Duchess of Cambridge has taken on a new role as joint president of the Scout Association. Catherine, a former Girl Guide herself, stepped out with the with 12th Northolt Scout Group in west London for a morning of outdoor activities to mark the occasion.
The Duchess of Cambridge has become joint president of the Scouts (@kensingtonroyal)
The Duchess of Cambridge now shares the role with The Queen’s Cousin, The Duke of Kent. The Queen is patron of The Scout Association.
As a lover of the outdoors, The Duchess was in her element as she toasted marshmallows around a socially-distanced campfire and also help make cards to send to a local care home. She spoke to the Cubs and Beavers about how they have been adapting to lockdown and having virtual camps.
The Duchess of Cambridge gets busy toasting marshmallows over a campfire. (@kensingtonroyal)
Speaking about her new role, The Duchess of Cambridge 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.”
The Duchess of Cambridge meeting with Matt Hyde, Chief Executive of the Scouts.
During her visit, the Duchess of Cambridge was presented with the Silver Wolf Award, the highest award given by The Scout Association. The award was presented by Matt Hyde, Chief Executive of the Scouts, and 10-year-old Aisha.
Hyde said afterwards: ‘The Silver Wolf Award is the highest award an adult can get for exceptional service and has been given by Chief Scout Bear Grylls. Everyone in the Scout movement is overjoyed that The Duchess of Cambridge is to become a Joint President.’
Upon hearing of the new joint president, The Duke of Kent commented: “As The Scout Association’s President since 1975, it has been my privilege to watch as they evolve with the times, while honouring their proud history.
“The Scouts’ ethos of dedication, inclusivity, and lending a helping hand wherever one is needed resonates across the generations, and as such I am delighted to welcome The Duchess of Cambridge as Joint President, and to work together to continue that legacy.”
Catherine has carried out numerous engagements with the Scouts over the past few years. Last year, she visited the Scouts Headquarters at Gilwell Park in Essex. The Duchess also helped to celebrate the organisations’s 100th birthday in 2016 by visiting a cub group in King’s Lynn.
