Campfire Kate! Duchess of Cambridge dresses down in jeans and a gilet as she toasts marshmallows with Cubs and Beavers and is named joint president of the Scouts
- The Duchess of Cambridge, 38, dressed down for a visit to a London Scouts Group today
- Kate Middleton tried her hand at outdoor activities including toasting marshmallows on a bonfire
- The royal was today announced as joint president of Scouts, alongside the Queen's cousin the Duke of Kent
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 previously volunteered with the Scouts and was a Brownie growing up, 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.
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Kate's gone camping! 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. Pictured, Kate toasting marshmallows over a campfire with two Scouts
Keeping things casual: The Duchess of Cambridge dressed down for the outing, wearing a casual blue shirt with a favourite pair of Massimo Dutti jeans. In a nod to the Scouts, Kate wore a woggle around her neck (right)
The Duchess of Cambridge got into the spirit of the day and took part in an arts and crafts session making whirlybirds
The Duchess has previously volunteered with the Scouts on Angelsey and was a Brownie growing up. Pictured: Kate wearing a yellow sweatshirt, khaki skirt and yellow necktie as she joined the Brownies in September 1990 at St Peter's Church Hall
Kate, who has often spoken of her love of the great outdoors, 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 was presented with the Silver Wolf Award, the highest award made by The Scout Association which the Duke of Kent also holds.
Speaking to Beaver Scouts while cutting out and decorating whirlybirds, she said: 'It is a shame you haven't been able to go on any camps. It has been hard to get out and see your friends.'
After her whirlybird fell to the floor, she said: 'I don't think I'll get full marks.'
Cub Scouts told the duchess along with youngsters from the movement across the country had seng handwritten cards to elderly people and those shielding from Covid-19.
They have also penned messages on pebbles.
Kate said: 'That's a really lovely idea. It has been hard as no one can see each other. But these are really special. Well done you.'
The duchess, mother to Prince George, 7, Princess Charlotte, 5, and two-year-old Prince Louis, proved an expert marshmallow toaster over the campfire.
Dan Corcoran, 29, Assistant Scout Leader, had driven four hours during lockdown delivering marshmallow packs to 57 homes for kids to toast. She said: 'Make sure it doesn't get gooey and fall off.'
Children revealed they had been holding Scout camps at home during lockdown. Some camped in their back garden for two nights or even the living room and one in a bath, they said.
Toasting her marshmallow before taking a bite, Kate said: 'You must have missed this.'
Cub scout Megan Rummey-Middleton, 9, said: 'My baby sister is always asking to go outside and play.
Scout leaders revealed how as part of The Great Indoors campaign they have done emoji games on Zoom, cooking, gardening and indoor Scout camps.
Kate replied: 'It is so creative what you have been doing. Well done for all the hard work on the ground.'
Mona Mohamed, 28, told the duchess the Scout group helped her 10-year-old brother Yousef Haginor who has autism find friends.
Aftewards she said: 'Kate said it was fantastic that the Scouts has a huge impact on young people's lives and hopes it can now be more far reaching in society and schools.'
Matt Hyde, Chief Executive of the Scouts, and 10-year-old Aisha, presented the duchess with her Silver Wolf Award.
He 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.'
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.
Unmasked: The Duchess of Cambridge removed her face covering as she stepped out of her car at the engagement
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