Wirral teenager says meeting Duchess of Cambridge was 'surreal' (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral teenager says meeting Duchess of Cambridge was 'surreal'

3:16pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in News By Stephanie Cureton

A WIRRAL teenager who spent time with the Duchess of Cambridge today described the experience as “surreal.”

Lucy Churchill, from Irby, joined Kate Middleton as she visited the Great Tower Scout Activity Centre in the Lake District as part of her role as a scout volunteer.

The Duchess got involved with a group fellow volunteers as they trained to work with Beaver and Cub Scouts, perfecting their skills of cooking outdoors and fire lighting.

And 18-year-old Lucy, who is a Beaver leader in Birkenhead, said pregnant Kate was very “down-to-earth.”

She told the Globe: “It was very surreal meeting the Duchess and she seemed so down to earth and normal just like anyone else. We all did activities together like fire lighting and she was eager to find out about each of our own Scout groups.

“She was telling us about where she lived in Anglesey as well  and how often she helped out at her local Scouts.

“I didn’t tell any of my friends about what I was doing today so I know they will be shocked when they hear and will be asking me loads of questions!”

The volunteers, including Kate, will use the skills they have learned to teach to children in their own groups and it is hoped the royal visit will encourage others to get involved with the Scout Association.

Bear Grylls UK Chief Scout said: “The Duchess has an incredibly busy life, yet since she joined the Scouts, she has so generously managed to volunteer some incredible time to help out and get involved with her local Group. Over the last few years it has been our mission to make it easier for adults to give as much or as little as they are able – it is how we change our society: many people doing a little bit.

“There are few greater privileges than being part of empowering young lives through the simple principles of Scouting: fun, friendship, family, skills and adventure.”