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VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – As the leaves began to show the first signs of autumn, British Columbians caught a case of royal fever, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first visit as a married couple to the West Coast.

Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived at Victoria Airport on September 24th amid the excitement of thousands of royal fans. The visit also marked the first Canadian visit for little Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

The sun was barely up before die-hard fans began to spot the lawn in front of the BC Legislature for the big arrival. Dressed in royal paraphernalia and donning both British and BC flags, fans gushed over the prospect of a glance from the royals, a handshake and the chance to hear them speak publicly.

Many pointed to the royal couple’s work on mental health awareness as re-invigoration of the monarchy in a modern era.

The Royal family’s plane touched down at 443 Squadron mid-afternoon to a waiting crowd including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, Premier Christy Clark and her son, Hamish, Governor-General David Johnston and his wife, Sharon, and BC Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon.

Kate, with one-year-old Charlotte on her hip, wore a modest bright royal blue Jenny Packham dress, a matching Lock & Co. hat and the Queen’s diamond maple leaf broach.

PHOTO GALLERY

Royal Visit Canada Arrival and Opening Ceremonies

Prince George turned down a fist-bump from Justin Trudeau, but offered the cameras a shy wave and smile.

The children were dropped off at Government House, where they would stay for the rest of the trip, before Will and Kate made their way to the BC Legislature and were greeted by the cheers and screams of thousands of fans.

The official opening ceremonies included a wreath laying at the Cenotaph a welcome dance performed by the Lekwungen Traditional Dancers and Esquimalt performers, a 21-gun salute, the breaking of His Royal Highness’s Canadian Standard, and an inspection of a Guard of Honour.

Their Royal Highnesses signed the Government of Canada Golden Book and the British Columbia Distinguished Visitors’ Book and the duke himself addressed the crowd. Prince William thanked Canadians for the chance to come back and tour the west side of the country, following the couple’s eastern visit in 2011.

As they left the legislature, the couple took moments to pause on the red carpet and speak to fans, shake hands and delight the audience.

At Government House they has audiences with both Johnston and Trudeau before retiring for the night ahead of a busy visit schedule.
Between September 24th and October 1st, the royals spent time in Vancouver, the Great Bear Rainforest, Bella Bella, Kelowna, Whitehorse, Carcross and Haida Gwaii.

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