There’s no doubt that Kate Middleton and Prince William are going to need the extra help as it will be their first overseas trip with both of their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed them at the airport.
Enthusiastic anticipation is growing for the Victoria visit of Prince William and his wife Kate in the belief the event will go a long way to boost the region’s economy and to the largely dormant tourism industry during the traditionally quiet “shoulder season” following the summer influx of tourists.
Will and Kate have a busy schedule of outdoorsy, charity and photogenic engagements in B.C. and in Yukon, but George and Charlotte will remain in Victoria (the quaintly English capital of British Columbia, named for their regal ancestor) at Government House with their nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo. Canadian opinion on the royal family tends to be positive and they were a hit the first time around. The young and dynamic Trudeau family, including Trudeau’s wife Sophie and their three children, are often compared to William and Kate.
The House of Windsor has a close bond with Canada, with many royal tours over the years.
The public’s fascination with the duchess extends not only from the fairy tale story of marrying into the Royal Family, but also her appearance of being approachable and authentic, said Noreen Flanagan, editor-in-chief of Fashion Magazine.
Prince William last visited British Columbia on holiday in 1998 with his brother, Prince Harry, and his father, Prince Charles.
Nathan Tidridge, who has written extensively on the monarchy, said Canadians rarely spend time thinking about the royal family despite the fact that Queen Elizabeth is the Canadian monarch. A shy Prince George hid behind his dad while holding his hand.
“I don’t follow (the Royals) but love reading about them”, Tanyce Westergaard of Vancouver said.
Carolyn Harris, an historian and author, said that Will and Kate, as young, modern and relatable royals, have sparked a renewed interest in the royal family among Canadians.
“That’s why we’re so pleased George and Charlotte can be with us this time round beginning their own lifetime of friendship with this wonderful country”.
A tour of Malta in 2014 was scheduled to be Kate’s first solo trip but she had to cancel as she was suffering from acute morning sickness while pregnant with Princess Charlotte.
The pint-sized royals are set to attend a children’s party on Thursday September 29.
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“We were along the Mall in London when they got married and it was thrilling and we saw the Queen in 2002 when she was in Victoria, we’re from Seattle, so it’s fun just to see the pomp and circumstance”, says Lily Dancero.
