Royal tells Scouts the outdoors brings her calm in a hectic world

THE PRINCESS OF WALES returned to the Lake District this week, joining Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and a group of young Scouts for a day of adventure and reflection in the great outdoors.

In a film shared on social media, Her Royal Highness is seen leading nine Scouts and Explorer Scouts on a hike through woodland at the Scout Adventures Centre, Great Tower, before making their way to the shores of Lake Windermere.

The outing was organised to promote the wellbeing benefits of nature and encourage more people to volunteer with the Scout movement, which currently has over 100,000 young people waiting to join.

During the day, the young participants planned their walking route with the Princess and explored the local landscape, learning about the area’s plants and wildlife. At the end of the activity, Her Royal Highness awarded each Scout their Naturalist badge, recognising their new knowledge of the natural world.

The group included four Explorer Scouts from the 1st Buddha’s Light Scout Group in Stretford, Greater Manchester, and five Scouts from the 1st Ulverston Scout Group in Cumbria.

‘Reconnection and peace’

Speaking during the film, the Princess said: “I find it a very spiritual and very intense emotional reconnection, I suppose, in these environments. Not everyone has the same relationship with nature, but for me, it’s a place to find balance, peace, and a sense of calm in what is otherwise a very busy world.”

The visit marked a return to familiar ground for the Princess, who completed her Scout volunteer training at the same Great Tower centre in 2013 while living in Anglesey. She has remained a committed supporter of the organisation ever since and became Joint President of the Scouts in 2020.

This was also her first public engagement with Dwayne Fields, who was appointed the 11th Chief Scout in September 2024. In a message to him following his appointment, the Princess said: “The Scouts is such an incredible organisation, teaching #SkillsForLife and making a huge difference to young people across the country. Looking forward to working with you! C.”

Encouraging volunteers

Speaking after the hike, Dwayne Fields said: “It was an absolute honour to be joined by our Joint President, The Princess of Wales, at Great Tower. Our walk with Scouts and Explorers was a powerful reminder that we are at our best in the outdoors. Spending time in nature improves our physical and mental wellbeing, and the positivity shown by everyone was genuinely inspiring.

“But these kinds of experiences are only possible if we have enough local volunteers. We want to welcome more young people into Scouts, and adults can get involved flexibly—gaining new skills, boosting their wellbeing, and making new friends in the process.”

Carl Hankinson, UK Chief Volunteer, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Princess for supporting us and encouraging young people to discover the outdoors. She and the Chief Scout showed what Scouts is all about—building confidence, learning skills for life, and creating opportunities for everyone, no matter their background.”

ESSENTIAL upgrade works to gas pipes in King Street, Carmarthen, have been completed on time and to plan, Wales & West Utilities has confirmed.

The project, which began in early January, was part of the company’s programme to ensure a safe and reliable gas supply for homes and businesses in the area—now and for years to come.

The company worked closely with Carmarthenshire County Council to coordinate traffic management throughout the scheme and minimise disruption.

Adam Smith, who managed the project for Wales & West Utilities, thanked local residents and traders for their patience.

He said: “We’d like to thank the local community for bearing with us while we completed this essential work.

“While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in everyday life—from heating homes and cooking meals to running hot baths. We understand how important it is that the supply is safe, reliable and there when you need it.

“This work will keep gas flowing safely to homes and businesses today, while also helping to prepare the network to carry hydrogen and biomethane in future, supporting the journey to a greener energy system.”

POLICE have issued an urgent update in the search for two missing teenagers from Ceredigion, following a confirmed sighting in Aberystwyth.

Isabelle and Daniel, both 16, were reported missing on Monday (April 7) and are believed to have been travelling together across Wales. The latest confirmed sighting was on Alexandra Road, Aberystwyth, at 12:30pm on Friday (April 11).

It is believed they boarded the T1 bus, which departed the town at 12:36pm.

Isabelle is described as 5ft 3in tall and usually has blonde hair, though she may have dyed it a darker colour. She was last seen wearing a black parka-style coat with a fur-lined hood, grey jogging bottoms, and carrying a large black backpack.

Daniel is 6ft 1in tall with short dark brown hair and shaved sides. In the latest sighting, he was wearing a black baseball cap with white markings, dark blue jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black collared coat. He was carrying a large black, red, and grey camping backpack.

Both teenagers are believed to have taken spare clothes and camping equipment with them. Police say they may now be wearing different clothing.

Isabelle and Daniel have known connections to Gloucestershire, Merseyside, and North Wales, and their families are growing increasingly concerned for their welfare.

Officers are urging anyone who has seen the pair or has information about their whereabouts to get in touch immediately.

Information can be submitted via the following methods:

| Dyfed-Powys Police website
| Email: 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk
| Direct message Dyfed-Powys Police on social media
| Call 101 and quote reference 141 of April 7