Scouts CEO Matt Hyde has described Princess Kate as 'exactly the same' away from the spotlight as she appears in public, based on over a decade of professional collaboration. Since joining the Scouts as a volunteer in January 2012, Kate has worked closely with Hyde, and in 2020 she became joint president of the Scouts Association, maintaining regular communication behind the scenes.
Consistent Personality and Charm
Hyde noted that Kate is 'consistent with what you see in public' and that everyone in her presence remains 'in awe.' He praised her as 'charming' and highlighted her natural ability to engage with people of all ages. 'She's fantastic at asking the right questions and listening to people,' he said, adding that she 'really does bring the best out of young people, and she really wants to hear their stories.'
Hands-On Engagement with Children
As a mother of three, Kate's talents shine when interacting with children. Hyde recounted: 'She's not afraid to muck in and get involved, and the children love that. Some of the younger ones have a view of what's going to arrive as a princess, like a Disney princess or something like that, so that always takes a bit of getting used to.' He explained that the Scouts align discussion topics with her interests, such as young people and mental wellbeing, and she excels at posing the right questions to encourage youngsters to open up.
Memorable Den-Building Anecdote
Hyde shared a specific anecdote that highlighted Kate's authentic commitment. During a den-building activity, children wanted to test if the den was waterproof. 'They made her go in there, and they were all there armed with water to check if it was going to go on top of them,' he said. 'Suddenly you could see that the press were missing out on this fantastic picture, running back to get this incredible image. It was just that moment of magic you could see unfolding, and there was this slightly mischievous moment from these four- and five-year-olds. But she absolutely went with it.'
Impact on Scouts
Kate's practical and personal engagement with the Scouts has boosted the organization's visibility, motivating more people to participate as helpers and members. She attends activities wearing her scout scarf, known as a friendship knot, just like everyone else. According to Hyde, her involvement has been instrumental in bringing the Scouts into the spotlight and encouraging greater public participation.
