Royal visit to Bella Bella interrupted by wet weather

BELLA BELLA (NEWS 1130) – Plans to show off one of BC’s most beautiful areas to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been scuttled by miserable weather.

The aerial tour of the Great Bear Rainforest and a boat tour of Bella Bella Harbour for Prince William and Kate has been cancelled.

Winds are gusting, the water is choppy and it was pouring rain on BC’s central coast, an area well known for its wet weather.

William and Kate were greeted by a rousing cheer today when they arrived at the Wawiskas Community Hall, where they met community members and about two dozen hereditary chiefs who were part of the official welcoming party.

The Royal couple dedicated the Great Bear Rainforest as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative. That initiative was launched in 2015 to help create a network of forest conservation programs involving all 53 countries in the Commonwealth. As part of the network, regions can share ideas and innovations about forest conservation and receive global attention for their efforts.

Earlier this year several First Nations groups, including the Heiltsuk, said they would increase protection of the area, conserving 85 per cent of the forested areas from industrial logging. “We are greatly honoured to be in the world spotlight with this recognition of our work to protect our lands, waters and resources,” says Heiltsuk First Nation Chief Marilyn Slett.

Today’s events follow both Victoria and Vancouver rolling out the red carpet for the future king and his wife over the weekend. People arrived hours ahead to greet the Royals first at the Legislature in Victoria, before Prince William and Catherine visited Vancouver on Sunday — arriving at Jack Poole plaza on a seaplane.

So far, the trip has had it all so far — stylish dresses and even a bit of humour, with young Prince George turning down a high five from Prime Minister at the airport in Victoria.

For a look at the couple’s full itinerary click here.

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