On May 8, 2023, the British royal family marked a significant moment as Prince Louis, the youngest child of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales, participated in his first official public engagement. Joining his parents and older siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Louis took part in the Big Help Out, a nationwide volunteering initiative held in Slough, Berkshire, as part of the coronation weekend celebrations for King Charles III. This family-oriented event, detailed in sources such as USA Today and People, showcased the Wales family’s commitment to community service while offering a glimpse into their efforts to raise their children with a sense of duty and empathy. The day was filled with hands-on activities, from digging paths to painting murals, and highlighted the royal family’s relatable and down-to-earth approach to public life.

The Big Help Out: A National Call to Service

The Big Help Out was a nationwide initiative designed to encourage volunteering across the United Kingdom, held on May 8, 2023, as a tribute to King Charles III’s lifelong dedication to public service. Organized by prominent charities such as the Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service, Rotary, and the National Trust, the event aimed to inspire millions to contribute to their communities. According to Buckingham Palace, over six million people were expected to participate through the Big Help Out app, which offered more than eight million volunteering opportunities. This initiative came at a time when the UK was grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, budget cuts, and public-sector strikes, making the call to community action particularly poignant.

The Wales family chose to volunteer at the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, a community hub built in 1982 that serves diverse groups, including the local mosque, a senior citizens’ contact group for the Asian community, and the Scout group itself. The hut also hosts “Slough All Nations,” a group with heritage from St. Kitts and Nevis, promoting community cohesion through recreational activities. The royals’ decision to participate at this location, where Kate serves as Joint President of the Scout Association, underscored their commitment to supporting grassroots organizations that foster inclusivity and community well-being.

A Family Affair: The Waleses Get to Work

The event was a true family affair, with Prince William, Kate, and their three children—Prince George (9), Princess Charlotte (8), and Prince Louis (5)—arriving at the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut dressed casually in coordinated blue polo shirts, except for Charlotte, who wore a pink knitted sweater. The family’s informal attire set the tone for a day of hands-on volunteering, as they joined other volunteers in renovating the Scout Hut. Tasks included resetting a path, digging a new soakaway, sanding and revarnishing the front door, adding planters, and creating a mural to leave a lasting legacy of the Big Help Out.

Prince Louis, making his debut official engagement, stole the show with his enthusiasm. Described as “supremely unbothered” by the Express, Louis tackled tasks with gusto, including pushing a wheelbarrow filled with sand (with Kate’s assistance) and painting a wall mural, which left him with paint in his hair, much to Charlotte’s amusement. Charlotte gently admonished her younger brother, saying, “You’ve got paint in your hair! Louis, look at me!” while ensuring he stayed on task. Louis’s playful nature shone through as he enjoyed a roasted marshmallow by the campfire, later devouring a s’more, which prompted William to remark, “You’ve made his day.”

Prince George, the future king, demonstrated a more reserved but equally engaged approach, operating a power drill to work on a wooden planter and taking a turn on an excavator with his father. Princess Charlotte proved her skill at archery, scoring a bullseye that outshone her brothers’ efforts, and helped with painting and path-laying. Both William and Kate also tried archery, with Kate guiding her children through the activities while ensuring they were fully involved. The family’s collective efforts, including leaving their painted handprints on a mural, symbolized their shared commitment to the community.

Parenting with Purpose

The decision to bring Louis, George, and Charlotte to the Big Help Out was kept under wraps until their arrival, reflecting William and Kate’s careful approach to introducing their children to public life. As noted by royal commentator Ingrid Seward, the couple is “cautious about exposing the children to too much scrutiny in this digital age,” balancing their public roles with a desire for a normal childhood. This event marked a milestone for Louis, who had previously been seen at major royal occasions like Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and King Charles’s coronation in 2023, but had not yet undertaken an official engagement.

William and Kate’s parenting philosophy emphasizes equality among their children, ensuring that Charlotte and Louis, as “spares” to George’s “heir,” feel equally valued. This approach was evident in their equal participation in the volunteering tasks, with each child given age-appropriate responsibilities. Kate, described as a “hands-on mum” in an ABC News report, was seen guiding Louis and Charlotte, holding their hands and offering encouragement, while William supported George and Louis during their excavator rides. The couple’s ability to blend royal duties with family life was further highlighted in their lighthearted interactions, such as Kate’s affectionate nickname for Louis, “Lou-Bugs,” and their shared laughter over the children’s marshmallow-roasting antics.

The Royal Family’s Commitment to Volunteering

The Big Help Out was not the first instance of the Wales family’s involvement in volunteering. In 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, Kate joined the NHS Volunteer Responder program, making “check in and chat” calls to support those in isolation, while William volunteered for Shout85258, a mental health crisis text service. That same year, the family, including a young Charlotte, delivered homemade pasta parcels to vulnerable individuals, showcasing their hands-on approach to community support. In December 2023, the family volunteered at a baby bank in Maidenhead, packing gift bags with toys and clothes for families in need, as part of Kate’s Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood initiative. These efforts reflect Kate’s passion for early childhood development and the family’s broader commitment to addressing societal challenges like poverty and mental health.

The Big Help Out also aligned with King Charles’s vision of a monarchy that engages directly with the public. By bringing their children to the event, William and Kate paid tribute to Charles’s legacy while preparing George, Charlotte, and Louis for their future roles as working royals. As reported by GB News in 2025, the couple is “laying the foundations” for their children’s royal lives, carefully increasing their public profiles without compromising their privacy. This balance is critical, as George, second in line to the throne, and his siblings will likely face increasing responsibilities, including potential national service under proposed UK policies.

A Lasting Legacy

The Wales family’s participation in the Big Help Out left a tangible impact on the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut, with their contributions to the renovation enhancing its functionality for community groups. The event also set a powerful example for the public, encouraging volunteering at a time when community support was desperately needed. As noted by USA Today, the initiative was a “welcome change” amid the UK’s economic and social challenges, with the royals’ involvement amplifying its reach. The family’s mural, adorned with their handprints, serves as a lasting reminder of their day of service.

For Prince Louis, the Big Help Out was a joyful introduction to royal duties, filled with moments of playfulness and learning. For George and Charlotte, it was a continuation of their gradual preparation for public life, while for William and Kate, it was an opportunity to model the values of service and empathy they hope to instill in their children. As the royal family continues to navigate their roles in a modern monarchy, events like the Big Help Out underscore their commitment to community, family, and the future of the institution they represent.