Kate Middleton has sent an unexpected social media message to support a charity near her heart while she undergoes cancer treatment.
On September 6, the Princess of Wales, 42, wrote a message on X and Instagram Stories for the official accounts she shares with husband Prince William, congratulating explorer and TV personality Dwayne Fields on his appointment as the new Chief Scout of Scouts UK. Princess Kate, along with Queen Elizabeth’s cousin Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, became the joint president of the charity in 2020.
“Delighted to welcome @DwayneFields as the new UK Chief Scout,” wrote the Princess of Wales. “The Scouts is such an incredible organization, teaching #SkillsForLife and making a huge difference to young people across the country.”
“Looking forward to working with you!” the royal added, signing the post with “C.” Prince William and Princess Kate are known for signing social media posts with the initials of their first names as a shorthand to signify direct messages—and the “C” represents her entire name, Catherine!
On X, the Princess of Wales uploaded a Scout video in which Fields presented himself in his new role and discussed the influence the scouting group had on him when he first joined at the age of 7.
“Dwayne was born in Jamaica and moved to the UK when he was six years old. Growing up in Stoke Newington, North East London, with limited access to nature, Scouts provided Dwayne with access to the outdoors, new friendships, and expanded his horizons, according to a statement.
According to the Scouts’ release, becoming a Cub Scout provided Fields with “skills, belief in himself, and a sense of belonging.”
“With his determination and the support of his Scout volunteer leaders and friends, he set out to become the first Black Briton to reach the North Pole.” “He’s passionate about encouraging people from all backgrounds to explore nature, support their communities, and be the best they can be,” the statement said.
So great to hear from new UK Chief Scout @DwayneFields as he talks about his mission to inspire a new generation of Scouts with #SkillsForLife. https://t.co/hHzZVzRc2e pic.twitter.com/wMhmw0jzRV
— Scouts (@scouts) September 6, 2024
Princess Kate was a Brownie with her sister Pippa as a child, and she said during a 2019 visit to the Scouts’ headquarters that she wants her children, Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, 9, to join in as well. Prince Louis, at six years old, was only a baby!
Lauren Noble, who assisted in showing the princess around, stated that she would like them to join the scouting community because she loves what it stands for—that it’s a very open and inclusive way into life. “She said it would be a great thing for them to get involved in.”
Princess Kate got the opportunity to do precisely that at The Big Help Out volunteer day following King Charles’ coronation in May 2023, when she and Prince William brought their three children to work at the 3rd Upton Scout Group in Slough to help with different tasks.
Kate’s social media message congratulating Fields on his new job was an unusual update, as she had remained out of the spotlight while undergoing cancer treatment. The Princess of Wales revealed her health status in March and has subsequently limited her duties. There are no expectations for her return to work, and Prince William began his autumn schedule with an art gallery visit related to his Homewards campaign on September 5.