Yesterday evening, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge landed in Victoria, British Columbia, to begin their tour of Canada. Their arrival caused quite the stir as Prince George and Princess Charlotte stole the show with their first public appearance as a family since Trooping the Colour earlier this year.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Victoria airport , Canada, with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, for the start of their 8 day tour of Canada. Picture by Andrew Parsons / i-Images
Greeted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie, the Royals arrived on a Royal Canadian Air Force flight which lasted roughly 10 hours. William and Kate spoke with dignitaries, and both George and Charlotte managed a Royal wave, before their parents got down to work and engagements.
Many Royal watchers were once again impressed with the Duchess’ ability to walk down the aeroplane steps, hold her daughter and her son’s hand so elegantly – she did the same in Wellington when the couple arrived with Prince George for their tour ‘Down Under’ in 2014.
It was first to the Parliament Buildings, for the official welcome for the Cambridges. Here, both the Governor General and Prime Minister gave an address on the couple’s second visit.
Mr Trudeau thanked the couple for bringing their children to see the Commonwealth Realm: “I want to commend you and thank you for introducing our part of the world to Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Although let me caution you from my own experience, if they are anything like our kids, getting them back on the plane after a visit to our beautiful west coast will really be a challenge,” he joked. On the itinerary are plenty of beauty spots.
Prince William and Kate joined Justin and Sophie Trudeau for the official welcome to Canada at the Parliament Buildings of British Columbia #RoyalVisitCanada Picture by Andrew Parsons / i-Images
Prince William also spoke to the crowds: “Catherine and I are delighted to be back in Canada. When we were here last time, we had been married only three months. The warm welcome that you gave us at that important moment in our lives meant a lot to us – and we have never forgotten it.
“That is why we are so pleased that George and Charlotte can be with us in Canada this time round, beginning their own lifetime of friendship with this wonderful country.”
The Duke commented on the country’s record for ‘peace, prosperity and human rights’ and attempted to revive his French skills, calling them ‘rusty’.
William inspected a guard of honour, before he and Kate signed the visitor’s book. The Royal couple then went into the crowds for their first walkabout of the tour, with the thousands of people who had gathered to see them.
On to more serious work, William and Kate paid respects to the fallen Canadians who took part in the Afghan conflict with a plaque unveiling and wreath laying in the 150th year of the country’s history.
For the final event of the day, the Duke and Duchess met with David Johnstone, the Governor General, and also with the Trudeaus for a more informal welcome and discussions on their visit. These took place at Government House, the Cambridges base for the tour; a 103-year-old building on a 36-acre estate.
After an incredible welcome in Victoria TRH meet with Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau and Mrs. Grégoire Trudeau pic.twitter.com/UNUbXB2sdG
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 25, 2016
“How about the children?” asked the Mr Johnston, as the couple sat down for their chat in the Drawing Room.
William replied: “It sounds quiet!” with his wife commenting “They had a very good tea.”
Today the couple will visit Vancouver.
