LONDON: The Duchess of Cambridge has cemented her place in Britain’s royal family by taking on her first patronage role since her marriage to Prince William, and became Scouting’s newest volunteer the Star quoted a Reuters report.
The duchess, the former Kate Middleton and a former Brownie, will help out local cub and beaver packs in Wales, perhaps in activities such as games, teaching first aid or cooking on campfires, the Scout Association said.
Queen Elizabeth is the royal patron of the Scouts.
Other causes to be supported by Catherine, 29, who married the second-in-line to the British throne last April, include charities working with young people.
”The Duchess’s new roles reflect Her Royal Highness’s wish to support the royal family’s work in highlighting important causes in the charitable and voluntary sector and the arts,” a statement from St James’ Palace said Thursday.
Catherine received hundreds of requests from charities hoping to benefit from her cachet and glamour.
The British media have singled out her decision to become patron of charities that work with young people, some who suffer from behavioural problems or terminal illnesses, as a sign she will follow in the footsteps of William’s mother, the late Princess Diana.
St James’ Palace said her choices, made after private research and visits, reflected her personal interests and complemented the charitable work already undertaken by William.
She will be patron of four bodies including Action on Addiction, which works to free people from drug and alcohol addiction, and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices in eastern England.
The Art Room helps children, often withdrawn, disruptive or disengaged from mainstream education, to achieve greater self-esteem and independence through art.
The duchess, who studied History of Art at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, will also become patron of the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Her official website lists photography and painting among her hobbies.
The palace said the duchess has volunteered to help the Scouts near her home in north Wales where William is an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.
Supporting charities is a key role for members of the British monarchy.