Royal Visit Canada: Prince William, Kate and the kids arrive in Victoria
Opening day's events included a 21-gun salute, speeches and performances
Thousands of adoring fans greeted Prince William, Kate and their kids in Victoria on the first day of the much-anticipated royal visit to British Columbia.
"Catherine and I are delighted to be back in Canada," William said as he addressed the crowd in front of the provincial legislature.
"We're so pleased that George and Charlotte could be with us in Canada this time around, beginning their own lifetime of friendship with this wonderful country."
The Duke of Cambridge said he and the Duchess were looking forward to meeting as many Canadians as possible during their stay.
"We are very much looking forward to learning about 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."
The first day of the visit was perhaps one of the most ceremonial — complete with a 21-gun salute, an official inspection of the Guard of Honour, and the laying of a wreath at the cenotaph.
The rest of their tour will be peppered with visits at social services centres, wine tastings and a children's tea party.
- Royal visit Canada: Full CBC coverage
- Why Will and Kate's visit to Canada is more than just a photo op
- The royal visit: Where to meet William and Kate, and maybe George and Charlotte too
The visit began on Saturday when the couple arrived along with their children promptly at 4 p.m. PT at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron.
For those interested in royal fashion, the Duchess was wearing Jenny Packham with hat by Lock and Co and a maple leaf brooch — a royal heirloom.
The family was greeted by Gov. Gen. David Johnston and his wife Sharon Johnston, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, B.C. Premier Christy Clark and her son Hamish, and B.C. Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon.
After a brief retreat, the Duke and Duchess made their way to the B.C. Legislature, sans three-year-old George and 16-month-old Charlotte.
There a full, but not overly-packed, crowd of thousands of people awaited them, keen to catch a glimpse or shake hands with the royal couple. Many had waited for hours to get up close to the action, Canadian flags in hand.
The royal couple were officially welcomed by the Songhees First Nation, whose traditional territory includes the southern tip of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
They also and took in a performance by the Victoria Children's Choir.
Prime Minister Trudeau also welcomed the Duke and Duchess on their first visit with their children in tow.
"I know you have visited Canada before, but as any parent who has travelled with children knows, it's a whole different experience when you bring your family," he said.
"Getting them back on the plane after a visit to our beautiful West Coast will really be a challenge."
The Governor General and the premier also offered a few remarks — the latter reminding the royal couple that the province's capital city was named in honour of their late predecessor, Queen Victoria.
Lastly, the Duke and Duchess met privately with the Governor General and, later, with the prime minister and his wife back at Government House.
On Sunday, the visit will continue in Vancouver.