The Duchess was warmly greeted upon arrival.
Kate has been involved with the Scouts since shortly after the royal wedding, when she volunteered with them in Anglesey on a private basis - spending time with the group and hosting a BBQ on the beach for them. Since leaving Wales, the Duchess has carried out several engagements with the organisation. The Duchess was credited with an increase in flexible volunteers, with Scouting Magazine writing that Kate's involvement was "a boost not just to the Beavers and Cubs in north Wales whom she will be supporting directly, but to all of us across the UK who are trying to recruit new adults." A former Brownie, Kate revealed during a trip to Wales last year she very much hopes George and Charlotte get involved when they are older.
Emily Andrews shared a look at the party table at the event.
The cub scouts awaiting Kate's arrival.
Ahead of the engagement the Palace shared the following background information: "This year marks the centenary of Cubs. Cub Scouting was co-founded by Robert Baden-Powell and Vera Barclay on 16th December 1916. The anniversary year, called Cubs100, started with a special camp for Cub Scouts from across the UK at London Zoo. Since then thousands of small and large events have taken place to celebrate the Cub Scout centenary with events taking place at locations as far apart as Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Warwick Castle, the London Eye, Edinburgh Castle, the Angel of the North and the House of Commons. At each event Cub Scouts, both girls and boys, have learnt new skills and enjoyed great adventures with their friends. Of the 573,960 people involved in Scouting across the UK, almost 160,000 are Cub Scouts."
The Queen, patron of the Scouts, wrote this letter to Bear Grylls congratulating the Scouts on their centenary celebrations. I suspect much like Wimbledon, patronage of the organisation will be passed on to the Duchess in time to come. It seems an ideal fit for her.
The fun event saw a host of activities and games on the agenda themed around looking after yourself and others physically and emotionally.
The group enjoyed a parachute game to encourage teamwork, cooperation and first aid training.
Kate helped to decorate the special cub cakes.
Kate helped a little girl complete her cakes and write positive messages.
During the confidence building exercise where children wrote what they are good at, Kate wrote "bonfire building" as her skill.
Kate helped cubs learn how to tie a sling. Kate joked "Shall I keep it like this all night?".
A high-five for a job well done.
What does being in the Scouts involve? It's all about adventure, teamwork and learning. Scouting offers fun, challenges and everyday adventure to 400,000 girls and boys across the UK. Offering over 200 different activities from abseiling and archery to drama, street sports and water zorbing, Scouting helps 6-25 year olds grow in confidence, achieve their full potential and become active members of their communities. This is only possible through the efforts of 100,000 volunteers who also enjoy the fun and friendship of Scouting. Trusted by nearly a million parents each week, the movement welcomes members from all backgrounds, faiths and cultures. Special emphasis is placed on bringing the Scouting programme to young people who currently do not benefit, particularly those in inner cities, those in rural areas and other disadvantaged groups.
Below, a Ladybird Cub Scouts book from 46 years ago.
Next, they renewed their Cub Scout promise and celebrated the Cub's 100th anniversary with the lighting of 100 candles and a rendition of 'Happy Birthday'.
The Cub Scout promise:
I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and to the Queen
To help other people
And to keep the Cub Scout Law.
Before departing, Kate was given flowers and a beaver bear and club scout bear for George and Charlotte. She said she would put the gifts under the tree.
Video: #kate is given flowers & presents for George & Charlotte (a beaver bear and Cub Scout bear) & looks delighted @UKScouting pic.twitter.com/9vUaoHSo3S— Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) December 14, 2016
More from Simon Perry's story:
'Klaudia Lovic, 10, from the 9th Kings Lynn Cub group, said that Kate chatted to her about ponies — and revealed that Prince George had been for a ride on one named Moo Moo. “It was awesome meeting her,” Lovic tells PEOPLE. “When she asked me what I liked to do, I said I like ponies, and she asked me if I had been for a pony ride. She said when George went on a pony it was called Moo-Moo. I told her I might go for a pony ride on my birthday.”
Dylan McKenna, 9, handed the royal mom a gift for George — a backpack with a Scout teddy bear inside. “I said, ‘I hope George has a wonderful Christmas,’ and she said, ‘I will definitely put this under the tree.’ ” he tells PEOPLE. Charlotte was given a teddy bear dressed as a Beaver Scout — a group for 6-8 year olds.
The Cub Scout pack carried out activities themed around looking after yourself and others both physically and emotionally. Kate started with a parachute game that encouraged teamwork and cooperation. Frosting a birthday cake was also on the agenda! Picking up the pink icing, Kate asked, “Who wants the pink? No one . . . it’s me then,” as she tried to create a “Cub 100” decoration on the sweet treat.
The royal was shown around by Cub Scout leader Hazel Coley, who has been a volunteer for four years. “Meeting the Duchess has been the best birthday present this Cub Scout Pack could have possibly imagined,” she said.'
The Duchess was casual but chic for the engagement selecting the Grace Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater by Iris and Ink (with many thanks to Bojana).
Made in Italy, the light grey sweater is described as "100% cashmere, slips on, turtleneck, ribbed trims". It is exclusively available at The Outnet for $210 in sizes X Small - X Large. A distinctive detail in Kate's sweater are the split cuffs as seen below.
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| The Outnet |
A closer look at the mid-weight cashmere sweater.
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| The Outnet |
The Grace sweater is also available in 'mushroom'.
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| The Outnet |
It's the first time Kate has publicly worn Iris & Ink. A little background on the brand:
'Iris & Ink is made for the modern woman, perfectly balancing comfort and style to create a wardrobe that works anytime, anywhere. Launched in 2012 and designed by THE OUTNET, the brand sources the finest fabrics and ateliers to deliver exclusive collections that are forward thinking, with a firm nod to the classics. The spring/summer 2016 collection includes new must-haves with an edge - think sophisticated tops, luxurious knitwear, suede and silk dresses and beautifully tailored skirts. Find out more about the collection.'
Kate teamed the look with her trusty Really Wild Clothing Spanish Boots in chocolate suede. The
£315 boots are described: "Sculpted from premium suede by expert makers in Spain, they’re leather-lined and have a robust leather sole. We design them to be tall on the calf, with a slim fit and tapered ankle cut so they follow your natural contours."
Supporting the scouts, it appears Kate accessorised with the £2.50 Cubs100 Official Adult Scarf. The cotton scarf features the Cubs100 winners badge on the apex and Cubs100 logo (with thanks to What Kate Wore for the speedy ID).
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| Kiki McDonough |
The Duchess thanks the scouts for inviting her.
Video: #kate thanks @UKScouting for inviting her to their 100th birthday party #royals pic.twitter.com/ipHFvomEF0— Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) December 14, 2016
It was a lovely engagement, and a very special and memorable way to mark the centenary for the children. They obviously had a wonderful time with the Duchess who was very much in her element enjoying activities with them.
We'll see Kate with William and Harry on Monday for The Mix's volunteer Christmas party.
