Kate’s Hidden Trip to the Lake District: Princess of Wales Shares Appreciation for Nature, Calls it ‘Very Spiritual’ during Meeting with Chief Scout at Windermere’s Shores

The Princess of Wales made a secret visit to the Lake District to meet with Scouts getting their Naturalist Badge last month.

Kate, 43, who serves as Joint President of Scouts, recently joined Chief Scout Dwayne Fields at the shores of Lake Windermere to interact with a group of Scouts aged between 10 and 15.

The pair have now released a short film discussing the importance of the natural world and its ability to support our health and wellbeing.

In a conversation captured on film, the future Queen expressed how she found it profoundly spiritual to reconnect with nature, emphasizing her intense emotional bond with the environment.

Kate and Dwayne delved into the benefits of spending time in nature, highlighting how it can enhance personal and interpersonal connections while fostering attributes such as empathy, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

The two also discussed the impact being in nature can have on young people in building their confidence and skills for later life. 

‘Not everyone has that same relationship perhaps with nature, but it is so therefore meaningful for me as a place to balance and find a sort of sense of peace and reconnection in what is otherwise a very busy world,’ Kate says. 

‘I think it’s really important for young people to have access to nature because it’s a space where they can push themselves, they can challenge themselves, they learn leadership skills, spend time making friends and those life-long really great memories that we all hold onto,’ Dwayne added.

‘And I think if we can do that, we’ll build up a generation who is passionate about our natural spaces and passionate about protecting them as well.’ 

The Scouts regularly enable 450,000 young people to engage with and experience wellbeing in nature, a cause which is very close to The Princess’ heart. 

Taking part in camping, hiking, canoeing and climbing gives young people the ability to develop their team working, leadership and planning skills and helps them become more resilient and supportive of each other. 

Reflecting on the film, Dwayne said: ‘In an increasingly complex world digital technology has its place, but the few hours we spent in the hills without screens was magical: we are often at our best in the outdoors, and I want more young people to experience outdoor adventures like this for themselves. 

‘Outdoor adventures can build the vital skills young people need for the rest of their lives, they hugely benefit health and wellbeing, and boost friendships. And with the help of more adult volunteers, we hope to get more young people out into nature in the future.’ 

The Princess has been Joint President of Scouts since 2020. 

This was the first time she had met Dwayne Fields, who took on his role as Chief Scout from Bear Grylls in September 2024. .

Last year, the Scouts CEO has praised the ‘charming’ Princess of Wales and her ability to ‘put people at ease’.

Matt Hyde, 47, has known the Princess of Wales for the past 10 years after she began volunteering for the organisation shortly after her wedding to Prince William.

Speaking to the Mirror, Matt explained how ‘what you see is what you get’ with the Princess of Wales.

The Scout leader said: ‘She’s totally charming and very good at putting people at ease.  

‘Meeting the [Princess of Wales] some people are in awe or starstruck.’ 

The Scouts leader went on to rave about the royal’s communication skills and how she ‘brings out the best’ in people.

He added: ‘She’s fantastic at asking the right questions and listening to people. She’s naturally good at engaging with people of all ages. 

‘She really does bring the best out of young people and she really wants to hear their stories.’

What’s more, the Scouts leader praised the Princess for not being afraid to ‘muck in’ in Scout activities with children.  

Over the years, Matt says the Scouts have made an effort to align the organisation with Kate’s other areas of expertise – including mental health and the benefits of nature.

As the Princess first volunteered for the Scouts while living on the Isle of Anglesey, Matt says the royal has never been afraid to throw herself into activities.

In 2020, 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 Princess of Wales has also previously spoken about her love of nature, having designed her own garden for the Chelsea Flower Show in summer 2019.

Kate’s garden design – called the RHS Back To Nature Garden – was set in a woodland and designed to be a space where families and communities can connect with nature.

There was a stream and tree house complete with a swing seat, so that children could play while visiting the garden.

The then-Duchess of Cambridge designed the area with landscape architects Andree Davies and Adam White of Davies White Landscape Architects.

At the opening of her garden, Kate said: ‘I am not as green fingered as many of you here, but I was passionate about creating a garden that inspired children and adults alike to get back to nature and reap the positive mental and physical health benefits that it can bring.

‘More recently, however, I have learnt that these often safe and supportive environments can also bring significant benefits to the cognitive, social and emotional development of our children too. The experiences we gain during our earliest years influence who we become as people.

‘As a parent, I have learnt just how important it is to foster our children’s development, in all areas, not just physical, as soon as they are born.

‘We build the blocks, the foundations, for future success and happiness later in their lives. These relationships, however, stretch far beyond the crucial one that a parent or carer has with its child.

‘There is a well-known proverb – that it takes a village to raise a child – everyone here represents an integral part of that very village. By coming together, having fun, learning and experiencing new things, we can all impart life-long benefits on our children.’