Dwayne Fields was in a relaxed and chatty mood as he arrived at the grounds of Windsor Castle, as he joined Scouts from around the UK – including a dozen from our very own county – to celebrate and congratulate recipients of the King’s Scout Award – the highest recognition in Scouting for adventure and skill development.
Set against the historic backdrop of the Castle’s Quadrangle, the occasion – held on Sunday 26 April – brought together Scouts, families and supporters to mark an extraordinary milestone in the lives of these remarkable young people.
The Chief Scout spent quality time with the guests of the awardees, who had turned out on a sunny Sunday to watch and cheer on these outstanding young people for their amazing achievements. Scout Ambassadors, including Astronaut Tim Peake, were also there to join in the celebration.
“Huge congratulations to every single one of you on achieving your King’s Scout Award,” Dwayne commented. “It shows the grit, determination and passion you’ve put into your Scouting journey. You’ve stepped up, shown leadership, pushed yourselves, and made a real difference to the people around you. That’s what being a Scout is all about. This award isn’t just a pat on the back for what you’ve done so far, it’s a reminder of the incredible potential you’ve got for whatever comes next.”
For the attendees from across Berkshire, the event was especially poignant, representing the culmination of their personal journeys through Scouting. We caught up with a few of them to hear their recollections from the day.
“Completing my King’s Scout Award has been a brilliant experience that’s helped me build confidence and independence in a way I’ll carry forward into my future,” said Thomas Berry from Maidenhead. “One of the most meaningful parts was my three-week community impact trip to Malawi with Scouts, where we helped build and renovate a school.”
Describing her King’s Scout Award as ‘an amazing experience’, Sophie Remillard from South East Berkshire said: “The award pushed me to try experiences I might never have considered otherwise, from attending a residential programme on gender equality in Porto with Scouts from across Europe, to working with a London‑based charity to develop a book on dispute resolution. A particularly special element of this project was collaborating with a local primary school, whose pupils created all the illustrations for the book.”
She added: “One of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of the award was a four‑day expedition through the Brecon Beacons, covering almost 100 kilometres while exploring historical landmarks along the route. Since completing the award, I’ve made it a personal goal to embark on at least one adventure each year, with my next challenge being climbing Ben Nevis later this month!”
Talking about his own experiences, Pang Valley recipient, Joshua Hughes added: “I was honoured to be part of the event in Windsor with so many other awardees. Through the award, I have been able to push myself to do things I would not otherwise have considered. I have also enjoyed giving back to my Scout group, 1st Purley & Pangbourne, as a volunteer. The skills and confidence I have gained through Scouts has been hugely valuable, and I thank all the adult volunteers who have given their time to support me.”
Ethan Doe from Taceham also reflected positively on the event: “It was really special to be able to parade in the Quadrangle, where so many important royal and national events have happened,” he said. “It was also inspiring to meet and speak with so many amazing people from across the UK who have given so much to their communities and reinvigorated my passion for Scouting. Being in St George’s Chapel for the National Scout Service was also a highlight, and I felt privileged to take part”
This annual event at Windsor Castle has taken place since 1934 on the Sunday closest to St George’s Day (23 April) and is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and development of young people. The day is a moment of celebration, with award holders and their families coming together to share in the occasion.
It’s a special day for loved ones to watch with pride as the young people receive their well deserved recognition and to join in the sense of celebration. For the awardees themselves, the event is not only an opportunity to be acknowledged for their hard work, but also a chance to reflect on their journey alongside peers, creating meaningful memories and a deep sense of pride that will stay with them for years to come.