Kate Surprises The Scouts in East London!
The engagement was announced just yesterday and marks an unexpected public appearance for Kate following the Cambridges successful trip to New York last week which saw the couple undertake a variety of fundraising and charitable engagements whilst meeting with the political elite and stars Beyonce and Jay Z.
Kate's appearance was a surprise for the young scouts. When she arrived one child exclaimed "Oh my God, it's Princess Kate".
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Kate's visit to the newly formed 23rd Poplar Beaver Scout Colony (the Beavers are the youngest group of scouts), was in support of The Scout Association's "Better Prepared" campaign, which aims to support communities to deliver Scouting to two hundred locations across the UK where scouting can have the biggest impact.
Scouts
The aim is to ensure that even more children have the chance to experience fun and adventure through scouting, while developing skills that will help change their lives. Scouting is present and sustainable in seventy of the hundred most deprived areas in the UK. Evidence of the positive impact of these groups on young people, often in very tough conditions, has increased The Scout Association’s determination to extend its reach.
UK Scouting
In order to achieve this, The Scout Association needs help, with funding, venues to host meetings and in particular to find more volunteers. For Better Prepared alone, UK Scouting needs at least another 1,000 adult volunteers. Across the country, Scouting needs 16,000 more adults to ensure the 40,000 young people on the waiting lists get a place, to aim for 500,000 youth members by 2018. If you wish to volunteer or donate please click here.
UK Scouting
The Duchess has become one of a growing number of flexible volunteers who help when they can rather than every season. Kate's plans to volunteer with the scouts were announced in January 2013, when she privately spent time with a local group in Anglelsey and hosted a BBQ on the beach for them.
Scouts
Since moving to London, Kate has continued to volunteer with different groups and in terms of PR it has been wonderful for the organisation with nearly 3,000 adults signing up between 2012 and 2013. Below we see the Duchess at Great Tower Scout Camp last year.
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Kate chatted with the children.
View image | gettyimages.com
And appeared to be thoroughly enjoying herself throughout the engagement.
View image | gettyimages.com
Kate wore a boxing glove to handle a fork.
View image | gettyimages.com
The Duchess met with the group's volunteer leader and helped the Beavers with activities including learning sign language as they worked towards their Disability Awareness Badge.
Scouts
Teaching a little girl how to use chopsticks.
View image | gettyimages.com
Looking at these photos it's quite clear to see Kate excels and shines when working with children. It's a joy for all involved and the images show the Duchess in her element.
View image | gettyimages.com
The eager beavers navigated through activities requiring co-ordination while blindfolded.
Scouts
Below we see the Duchess helping seven-year-old Fynley Gooch to ice a cake with her assistance.
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No peeking :)
View image | gettyimages.com
When Kate tried to eat a piece of chocolate with chopsticks she muttered "no pressure" as cameras zoomed in.
Scouts
More from Richard Palmer's story:
'After finishing Fynley's cake, Kate had a go at being blindfolded and he took his turn to guide her in decorating the cake.
Fynley turned out to be not as patient as Kate, however, and at one stage walked off. Carlos, the Beavers' leader spotted him making a break for it. "It's OK, he's here," he said, returning Fynley to the Duchess. "Can you tell me please when he walks away," Kate said, giggling.'
Afterwards Her Royal Highness handed out badges to those who successfully completed the tasks.
Scouts
Then Kate joined all the Beavers in using sign language to say the Scout's Promise - "I promise to do my best, to be kind and helpful and to love my world" - before singing along to their farewell song "Goodnight Beavers".
The £28 comfortable and easy wearing hoodie is perfect for volunteering with the scouts and a welcome extra layer in the colder months. We wouldn't have anticipated seeing the Duchess in a hoodie for a royal engagement but this was a perfect choice for the nature of the evening.
Scouts Online Shop
More from the product description:
- Zip fastening
- Fabric hood and drawcord.
- Front pouch pockets.
- Ribbed cuffs/hems and waistband.
- Scouts logo on reverse under hood.
The Duchess continued the theme with her Scouts scarf and woggle.
Below, a closer look at the scarf on Kate's head.
View image | gettyimages.com
Kate wore black jeans and her favourite Russell and Bromley Charge It boots.
Kate accessorised with her Kiki McDonough 'Grace' white topaz stud earrings earrings. They are available at Neiman Marcus for $1190.
Kiki McDonough
Anna correctly noted Kate also wore her Mappin and Webb Fortune Pendant in white gold and diamonds. The £3,950 piece is described as a "contemporary classic; a celebration of good luck and fortune".
Mappin and Webb
We expect to see William and Kate at The Queen's pre-Christmas lunch later this week.
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