THE Queen and Prime Minister are among the famous faces who have offered their congratulations to the Cub Scouts on their 100th anniversary.
In a letter to chief scout Bear Grylls, Her Majesty said she sent her “best wishes” to those celebrating the occasion.
Theresa May said the nation should be “very proud” of the Cub Scouts and the scouting movement, which has “rightly spread around the world”.
The cubs were officially founded on December 16, 1916 at Caxton Hall, London. It is estimated that more than 10 million people have been involved with the group in the past 100 years.
In her letter, the Queen, who is patron of the Scout Association, wrote: “For many years and through changing times, the Cub Scouts have allowed young people to develop their skills, embark on new adventures, support their local communities and form friendships.
“As you reflect on your long history and look to the future, I have pleasure in sending my best wishes to all Cub Scouts, past and present, who will be celebrating this most special anniversary.”
Mrs May said she was delighted to support the centenary.
“Cub Scouting has given generations of younger boys and girls an introduction to the Scouting movement, helping them acquire new skills, discover their talents and learn about the importance of doing your best to help others,” she said.
“We should be very proud of this British innovation, which has rightly spread around the world.”
Also offering his congratulations was veteran broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, who said in a letter: “I remember my time as a Wolf Cub very well indeed. We learned a lot of useful things and had a great deal of fun. I hope you all do too!”
Earlier this week, the Duchess of Cambridge joined cub scouts from the King’s Lynn area of Norfolk for a party to mark the anniversary.
She said: “It’s been a real treat for me as well to come to see all of you here and keep up the hard work because you’re doing all the hard work helping other people, helping each other and things so keep it up, and happy Christmas to you all.”
The Duchess previously worked as a volunteer with a Cub Scout pack when she and the Duke of Cambridge lived in Anglesey, North Wales.
As part of the celebrations, the Post Office franked every letter sent on Thursday with a Cubs100 stamp.
There are more than 150,000 Cub Scouts in the UK. Almost a quarter are girls.
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