Scouts CEO praises ‘charming’ Princess of Wales’ ability to ‘put people at ease’ and reveals ‘what you see is what you get with Kate’

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.

In September, the royal mother-of-three – who has paused royal duties while she undergoes cancer treatment – was appointed Joint President of the Scouts Association.

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.

The Princess of Wales during a visit to celebrate the Scouts PromiseToThePlanet campaign at Alexandra Park Sports Hub, Dennistoun, Glasgow, in November 2021
‘As you imagine, whether you’re a scout leader or a young person, when you’re 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.

Pictured: the Princess of Wales walks with Matt Hyde, Chief Executive of the Scouts, as she arrives to visit a Scout Group in Northolt, northwest London in September 2020
The Princess of Wales donned her Scouts scarf during the Big Help Out initiative in the days following King Charles’ coronation
‘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.

Pictured: the Princess of Wales in her RHS Back to Nature Garden, which was entered into the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2019
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis pictured playing in their mother’s garden at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2019
There was a stream and tree house complete with a swing seat, so that children could play while visiting the garden.

The 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.’

March 22 2023: The Princess of Wales revealed in a video that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy after cancer was discovered during a planned abdominal surgery
On March 22, the Princess of Wales, 42, revealed she is undergoing treatment for cancer in an emotional video message.

She, the Prince of Wales and their three children, all missed the Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, following the announcement, despite attending last year.

The family spent the Easter holiday together as they adjusted to Kate’s diagnosis, which was discovered in post-operative tests after major abdominal surgery.

In the message revealing the diagnosis last month, Kate said: ‘This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time.

‘It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.

‘But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.’

Since revealing the diagnosis, the Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be ‘enormously touched’ and ‘extremely moved’ by the public’s warmth and support.

The King, who has been carrying out low-key official duties behind palace walls, made his most significant public appearance at the Easter Sunday service since his own cancer diagnosis was announced at the start of February.

He was described by the palace as being ‘so proud’ of the princess for her courage in speaking out and is said to be in ‘the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law’.