Kate Middleton, Prince William take children out to woodland designed by the Duchess for Chelsea Flower Show
Kate Middleton recently decided to let her three children test out her personally designed woodland for one of the world's biggest flower shows.
The Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by her husband the Duke as well as their children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and little Prince Louis — had a gala time testing out Kate's garden at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show.
The Duchess is expected to unveil her woodland wilderness garden, which aims to encourage children to spend more time outdoors, to the Queen later in the day on Monday, May 20.
Pictures of the royals visiting the garden show a barefoot George and Charlotte dangling their legs over a stream, while an excited Louis ran along a wooden path carrying a branch. William looked on smiling.
Princess Charlotte was seen dressed in a floral frock, while her younger brother Louis, who was wearing shorts and a cardigan, could be seen trying out a swing seat which Kate had already christened in another photograph.
Meanwhile, an adventurous George could be seen clambering across the stream.
Kate wanted her garden to be a playground for children to enjoy, as well as a relaxing space for grown-ups. She was, according to her co-designers, inspired by forest-bathing, the Japanese practice of walking slowly and thoughtfully in woodland to "bathe" in its peace and beauty and recharge the body’s batteries.
It was further reported that the royal's kids were actively involved in collecting twigs, logs, and moss from around Anmer Hall, their Norfolk home, for the project. "They've been involved every step of the way and the duchess was excited for them to see the finished result," an aide explained. "Children – both hers and others – have always been at the heart of this project."
The space, which the mother-of-three hopes will inspire families "to get outside" and "enjoy nature", features a tree house, waterfall, rustic den, and a campfire as well as tree stumps, stepping stones and a hollow log for children to play on. William and his two oldest children climbed into the tree house, while the duke also enjoyed a go on the swing.
The Duchess' plot, which has a 'Back to Nature' theme, is intended to rekindle the magic of childhood along with underlining the work that she has been doing to promote the benefits of being outdoors for physical and mental health. And in a touching tribute to her late mother-in-law Princess Diana, the garden also features bunches of forget-me-nots, her favorite flowers.
In an interview with gardener Monty Don for the BBC, Kate said, "I really feel that nature and being interactive outdoors has huge benefits on our physical and mental wellbeing, particularly for young children. I really hope that this woodland that we have created inspires families, kids, and communities to get outside, enjoy nature and the outdoors, and spend quality time together."
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