FOR the first time in its history Romsey District Scouts has a female president and she is a royal.

Lord and Lady Brabourne’s daughter, Alexandra Knatchbull, has taken on role her father, Norton Knatchbull, relinquished in 2010.

Alexandra has made more history because she is Romsey District Scouts youngest ever president, aged 30.

Alexandra is the Queen’s third cousin twice removed. She is also the third cousin of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and in the line of succession to take the British throne. Romsey District Commissioner, John Papworth, announced Alexandra’s appointment.

Oxford graduate, Alexandra, who is assistant director of the global company, FTI Consulting, follows in the footsteps of several notable past presidents, including The Earl Mountbatten of Burma, who was her great-grandfather.

And the Duke of Kent is the President of The Scout Association and the Queen is the Patron.

“We are very pleased to be able to continue our long association with the Broadlands Estate and Alexandra has already expressed a wish to spend time meeting the young people and joining in their activities,” said Mr Papworth.

Looking forward to working with the Scouts, Alexandra said: “I am delighted to be able to accept this invitation, especially as it means continuing my family’s links with this particularly worthwhile organisation that provides such a beneficial role to the community.’’ Explaining what Alexandra’s work with the Scouts will entail, Romsey District Scouts chairman, John Stevens, said:“The presidential role includes ceremonial duties such as presenting awards, hosting receptions, proposing toasts and attending events as an official representative of Romsey Scouting”. Alexandra’s appointment comes just over six months after Mr Papworth, who is 34, was appointed Romsey’s youngest-ever district commissioner.

James Snape, chairman of the newly-formed Romsey District Scout Youth Council, said: “This is terrific news. Young people, their needs and expectations are the focus of Scouting and having the youngest ever district president really reinforces this”.