Kate Middleton visits a London Scouts Group for outdoor activities

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The Duchess of Cambridge was in her element as she got stuck in with outdoor activities during a visit to a London Scouts Group today. 

Kate Middleton, 38, dressed down in jeans, a favourite gilet and a Scouts woggle to meet Cub and Beaver Scouts in Northolt, west London this morning. 

The Duchess, who has often spoken of her love of the great outdoors, joined the children in toasting marshmallows and writing letters to send to care home residents during the outdoor engagement.  

The visit coincided with Kate being named joint president of the Scouts. Kate is sharing the position – her first presidency of an organisation – with the Queen’s cousin, the Duke of Kent, who has been president of the youth movement since 1975.

Kate described her delight at becoming joint president, saying: ‘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 joined the 12th Northolt Scout Group in west London to mark her appointment and appeared in excellent spirits as she chatted with children and volunteers. 

The royal was careful to maintain social distancing from other members of the group but the Beavers and Cubs all looked delighted to speak to their royal visitor. 

Kate also spent time organisation’s volunteers for supporting more than half a million young people during lockdown. She heard how the association adapted during the pandemic when sessions went online as part of #TheGreatIndoors campaign. 

She also met parents and carers of young people who have been supported by the organisation. 

The Duchess was presented with the Silver Wolf Award, the highest award made by The Scout Association which the Duke of Kent also holds. 

The Duke of Kent welcomed Kate to the role, saying: ‘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.’ 

Kate was previously a volunteer with a Cub Scout pack when she and the Duke of Cambridge lived in Anglesey, North Wales.

She has carried out numerous visits to Scout groups over the years, including joining Cubs in North Wootton, near King’s Lynn in Norfolk, in 2016 to celebrate 100 years of the youth movement and visiting the Scouts’ headquarters in Gilwell Park in Essex in 2019. 

This year, Scout groups across the UK have carried out more than 10,000 acts of kindness by sending cards and greetings to care home residents. The Queen is patron of The Scout Association.