During a discreet excursion to the picturesque Lake District, The Princess of Wales shared her profound appreciation for the restorative power of nature, describing her connection to it as “very intense emotional.” The encounter, documented in a new film released by Kensington Palace, highlighted her role as Joint President of Scouts.
Dressed casually in khaki attire and sporting a newsboy cap, the Princess met Dwayne Fields, the newly appointed Chief Scout, during a stroll near Lake Windermere. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for an open exchange; the Princess remarked on finding solace and equilibrium within natural environments, stating: “I find it a very spiritual and very intense emotional re-connection I suppose, these environments.”
This sentiment resonates with her previously expressed feelings about nature’s importance, particularly during her ongoing cancer treatment. Kensington Palace confirmed that the discussion between Her Royal Highness and Fields centered on the benefits of immersion in nature—fostering deeper connections while cultivating empathy, resilience and a sense of belonging.
The Princess, who relocated with her family to Windsor in 2022 to provide her children greater access to outdoor spaces, also emphasized how engagement with nature can build confidence and essential skills for young people’s future development.
Following their walk, she joined a group of Scouts aged between 10 and 15 from Cumbria and Greater Manchester as they worked towards their Naturalist Badge. Crouching alongside the children on the forest floor, the Princess engaged with them over maps, pointing out landmarks: “It’s so beautiful because so many of the walks here you can see Lake Windermere because it’s huge, isn’t it? Look how hilly it is over here.”
She further praised the enduring value of the Scouts movement. “What’s so fantastic about the Scouts is that the same foundations that have always been there and still, you know, despite how different the modern day world is now…actually, it still resonates with so many young people and it’s making such a massive difference to them.”
The film incorporated a variety of scenic imagery, showcasing close-ups of foliage and expansive views of the landscape.
Dwayne Fields reflected on their time together. “The few hours we spent in the hills without screens was magical: we are often at our best in the outdoors, and I want more young people to experience outdoor adventures like this for themselves.”
Fields, who took on the role of Chief Scout seven months ago, is actively encouraging greater participation from British volunteers. He stated:
- Outdoor experiences cultivate vital life skills.
- They significantly benefit health and wellbeing.
- And they strengthen friendships.
“With the help of more adult volunteers,” he added, “we hope to get more young people out into nature in the future.”
Scouts currently supports the wellbeing of 450,000 young people, nurturing teamwork, leadership and planning skills alongside exposure to natural environments.
The Princess of Wales assumed her role as Joint President of Scouts in 2020. Her recent visit to the Lake District, captured for this special film, occurred last month and was not formally listed in official Court Circular records.
