William and Kate had only been married for three months when they arrived in 2011. “We are very much looking forward to learning how Canadians are tackling some of the biggest challenges of the day, including the environment, supporting young families and the mental health of young people, subjects about which wer’e very passionate”.
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After a brief stop the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed to the Legislative Assembly and expected crowds of 10,000 for an official ceremony welcome filled with pomp and ceremony.
Waiting at the bottom of the plane’s steps to greet them was Canada’s young charismatic leader prime minster Justin Trudeau, who last summer invited the Cambridges to visit, and his wife Sophie Gregoire.
Royal watchers were thrilled to meet the couple Saturday. Prince George and Princess Charlotte were only seen briefly as they got off their airplane, which touched down at Victoria International Airport just before 4pm.
“In the year of the Queen’s 90th birthday, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to thank the people of Canada for the warmth and generosity they’ve extended to my grandmother throughout her reign”, he said.
Some things did capture the children’s attention – when Kate pointed to the Airbus behind them Charlotte waved at it and George waved at the dozens of photographers and cameramen in front of him and later at a helicopter flying nearby. Charlotte is making her first overseas tour; she has only been seen in public a handful of times since she was born on May 2, 2015.
During the formal welcome in Victoria the prime minister joked with Prince William and Kate, saying: “As any parent travelling with children knows, it’s a whole different experience when you bring your family with you”.
The 44-year-old Trudeau, who also received loud cheers, joked that getting the kids back on the plane could be a challenge after they see Canada’s lovely Pacific Coast. The windows of the vehicle carrying the royals were down so that they could wave back. Afterwards, they will be welcomed by the Songhees First Nation.
After the legislature event, the couple is scheduled to leave for Government House, the family’s home base for the royal tour that will see them five B.C. communities – Victoria, Vancouver, Haida Gwai, Bella Bella, and Kelowna as well as two Whitehorse and Carcross, Yukon. Probably a once in a lifetime chance for most of us here in Canada anyway.
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On Sunday, William and Kate travel to Vancouver where their itinerary includes a visit to Sheway, a pregnancy outreach program for mothers struggling with drug and alcohol issues in the heart of the city’s Downtown Eastside, a neighbourhood known for its extreme poverty, homelessness and drug addiction.
