Today, The Duchess of Cambridge assumed a new position – Joint President of The Scouts Association. Catherine is the first woman to hold the post in the movement’s 113-year history. The Scouts Association is a Her Majesty’s patronage and her cousin, The Duke of Kent, holds the Presidency. This is the third patronage that Catherine shares with the Duke of Kent. The Duke of Kent is Wimbledon President while The Duchess is Patron. The Duchess of Cambridge is the Patron of the Royal Photography Society of which the Duke of Kent is a member. I believe in the future, the Scouts will become Catherine’s patronage.
The Duchess of Cambridge has always accepted only those positions and patronages that she holds dear to her heart and can provide meaning to her presence. A country girl at heart, Catherine herself was a member of the Girl Rising during her school years. After her wedding in 2011, The Duchess of Cambridge started volunteer work with the scouts in the Angelsey in 2012 where Prince William was posted at that time. The Duchess has been a constant champion for young people and has been working to highlight the benefits of being outdoors.
Today, Catherine undertook her first engagement as the new Joint President by visiting the 12th Northolt Scouts – based in London – to thank them and all Scouts volunteers for supporting young people during the lockdown. Previously she has visited the scouts in Kings Lynn in 2016. In 2019, she also visited a pilot of early years Scouts for four and five-year-olds at Gilwell Park, UK Headquarters of the Scouts.
About her new position, 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.’
Welcoming the new Joint President, Matt Hyde, CEO of the Scouts said, ‘We’re really pleased that HRH The Duchess of Cambridge is meeting Scout volunteers that have done so much to support young people during the pandemic. Scouting is more important than ever before, giving young people life skills, a sense of connection and belonging, while supporting communities in areas of deprivation disproportionately affected by COVID-19.’
More details about the Royal participation in the Scouts Association:
The Duchess follows in the footsteps of three royal Presidents, including HRH Prince Arthur, The Duke of Connaught (third son of Queen Victoria and President from 1913 to 1942). The Duke attended Scout events including the Scout Exhibition and Rally (1913) and opened the 1929 World Scout Jamboree.
HRH Prince Henry, The Duke of Gloucester took over as President in 1942 and made his address to the Movement in December of that year, acknowledging the crucial role of Scouts in the Home Front during the Second World War.
HRH Prince Edward, The Duke of Kent (President from 1975 to present day), has attended numerous Scouts events, including visits to Baden-Powell House and Gilwell Park. In 2007, he opened the centenary World Scout Jamboree in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, accompanied by HRH Prince William, now Duke of Cambridge. His most recent visit to Gilwell Park formed part of the Gilwell100 celebrations, marking the 100th anniversary of the first Scout volunteer Wood Badge training course at Scout Headquarters.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent said: ‘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.’
Meeting with young people from the 12th Northolt Scout Group, The Duchess of Cambridge took part in some socially distanced activities with the Beaver and Cub Scouts.
Making whirlybird helicopters with Cubs, she also encouraged Beaver Scouts as they make cards to send to a local care home. Both are activities Scouts have created as part of ‘The Great Indoors’ and ‘Care For Care Homes’ to support those made vulnerable by the pandemic. This year, Scout groups across the UK have contributed over 10,000 acts of kindness by sending cards and greetings to care-home residents.
Almost 80% of the group members were virtually active during the pandemic making sure local clubs could remain in touch and active. Over 120,000 young people from 44 countries participated in the Great Indoors weekend by camping at home – the largest online camp ever.
Earlier today, The Duchess of Cambridge met young people and their families who’ve benefited from Scouts.
Watch Mona’s story below to find out how her brother’s life changed when he joined Cubs (and what it’s really like to meet The Duchess of Cambridge). pic.twitter.com/TIo4tJT457
— The Scouts (@UKScouting) September 29, 2020
During the visit, The Duchess of Cambridge met with the family members of the scouts and cubs who got benefitted from being part of the scouts association.
The Duchess of Cambridge was in her element during the visit that involved kids and outdoor activities. And of course, there was marshmallow toasting. Sitting on a tree stumps around a fire pit, The Duchess asked the kids around her “Are you having fun? How many marshmallows have you eaten?”
Marking the visit and her new position, The Duchess was presented with the Silver Wolf Award, the highest award made by The Scout Association. The beaming Catherine told the kids, “I will wear it with pride.”
A video of the day.
As expected for the visit, Catherine was in her comfort style.
The Duchess wore a pale blue blouse with skinny jeans from the Spanish label Massimo Dutti. Her shirt was £55 sky blue linen shirt. (Thanks to Jenine for the id).
Catherine paired the shirt with Chocolate Skinny Fit High Rise Satin Trouser.
The Duchess of Cambridge was wearing Really Wild Clothing Nubuck Waistcoat. It looks dark brown so a new addition but could be her old Loden one.
The Duchess brought back her See by Chloe Leather-Trimmed Suede Ankle Boots.
She also donned her striped UK Scouting Scarf.
Catherine topped her outfit with her All The Falling Stars Gold Disc Circle Earrings
and Spells of Love Double Strand Beaded Satellite Chain Necklace.
Catherine was wearing Amaia Kida Adult Reusable Blue Pepper Cotton Face Mask.
