According to Scouts CEO Matt Hyde, who worked with the Princess of Wales for over a decade, she is remarkably down-to-earth and 'exactly the same' behind the scenes as she appears in public. Hyde, who has collaborated with Catherine since she joined the Scouts as a volunteer in January 2012, shared insights into her genuine nature and hands-on approach with children.
Consistent Character Away From Cameras
Hyde explained that Catherine, who became joint president of the Scouts Association in 2020, is 'consistent with what you see in public.' He noted that everyone around her continues to be 'in awe' of her charming personality. 'She's fantastic at asking the right questions and listening to people. She's naturally good at engaging with people of all ages,' Hyde told The Mirror.
Mucking In With Children
As a mother of three, Catherine excels at interacting with young people. Hyde emphasised: '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.'
The Scouts align their discussions with Catherine's passions, such as children's mental health, and she is skilled at asking questions that encourage children to share their experiences.
Memorable Den Building Moment
Hyde recalled a particularly heartwarming moment when Catherine was left with young Scouts eager to build a den with her. 'They wanted to check whether it was waterproof or not. It was great; 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
Catherine's hands-on involvement has boosted the Scouts' profile, encouraging more volunteers and participants. She often attends events wearing her scout scarf, known as a friendship knot, just like everyone else.
