Kate's love of Anne 'free advertising'

International news reports that Kate Middleton wanted to visit Prince Edward Island because of her love of the book, Anne of Green Gables, is fantastic free advertising, tourism officials say.

Brenda Gallant, with Tourism Prince Edward Island, said the international media attention is wonderful.

"We're thrilled to see that there is so much talk regarding Anne of Green Gables and Prince Edward Island and it being a part of what the Royals are interested in," she said.

"It very much is like free advertising for us. So the more attention they want to put on P.E.I., the happier we are."                                  

Gallant said the Royal visit will be the largest international media event the province has ever seen.

So far, the itinerary for William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, has been kept a secret. The details will be released in a few weeks but the visit is expected to be on July 3 and 4.

The British tabloid The Daily Mail reported that Kate asked for P.E.I. be part of the Canadian visit because Anne of Green Gables was her favourite book as a child.

The paper said Kate will visit the Green Gables house as well as other places mentioned in the book.