Unsuspecting school children encounter Kate Middleton at garden show

Kate Middleton made a surprise visit to the annual world-renowned Chelsea Flower Show in London on Monday, where the princess had a picnic with the children in attendance.

Children from 10 different local elementary schools, who were gathered at the park to learn about gardening and nature through the Royal Horticultural Society’s Campaign for School Gardening, were surprised to see the Princess of Wales show up in the garden.

The princess has a picnic with the children

The picnic took place under a huge chestnut tree, where Middleton joined the children, as per People Magazine.

One boy from Alex Reed Academy could be seen holding up his hand with a question for Princess Kate, while another little girl by the name of Romasia revealed what the princess talked about over lunch.

“We spoke about how fascinating it is to see how food grows,” the child said. “We talked about strawberries and how it takes time for them to grow and how rewarding it is to eat them then.”

“They’ve all been so polite,” one of the teachers marveled at the children’s behavior among royalty.

The large group then toured the show gardens. The princess and children wandered through the outdoor kitchen at the Savills Garden restaurant and learned about the differences between planting for decoration and planting for eating.

Middleton’s enthusiasm for the outdoors

The princess has long expressed her enthusiasm for the great outdoors and the positive impact time outside has on children.

In May 2019, the princess said outdoor learning and play is essential in the lives of children.

“In recent years I have focused much of my work on the early years, and how instrumental they are for outcomes later in life,” Middleton said in a statement. “I believe that spending time outdoors when we are young can play a role in laying the foundations for children to become happy, healthy adults.”