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, above, has taken on the role her father Norton Knatchbull, relinquished in 2010.

Alexandra has made more history because she is Romsey District Scouts’ youngest ever president, aged 29.

The Queen’s third cousin twice removed, she is also the third cousin of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

Romsey District Commissioner John Papworth said Alexandra, who is assistant director of the global company FTI Consulting, was following in the footsteps of several notable past presidents including Earl Mountbatten of Burma, who was her greatgrandfather.

“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,” he added.

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.”