Prince William delighted for young family to start 'lifetime of friendship' with Canada

Royal arrival: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive in Canada with their children
PA
Robert Jobson25 September 2016

Prince William today said he was delighted to bring his young family to Canada to start their "lifetime of friendship" with the country.

The future King, who was last in Canada in 2011 just after their wedding, said, "Catherine and I are delighted to be back in Canada.

He said he was delighted Prince George and Princess Charlotte could be with them to start "them on lifetime of friendship with this wonderful country."

The Prince spoke of Canada and its people being "much esteemed for its strong values" - praising its armed services, arts culture and environment.

He went on: "We want to meet as many people from as many walks of life as possible."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet well-wishers
PA

And he said he hoped to discover how the Canadian people are tackling challenges of the day - including mental health issues of which he is passionate about.

William added he had "Happy memories" of being in British Colombia as a "shy teenager". "A few remember it too well I think," he joked.

Speaking to a huge crowd opposite Victoria's Parliament the prince delivered some of his address in French.

He joked, "It's a little rusty bear with me."

George and Charlotte were not at the official welcome and had been dropped off at Government House where the royals are staying on route.

Canada's Governor General David Johnston spoke of his delight that the royals had come as a family on the royal tour.

He said: "You've come back as a family and we couldn't be happier for you

"We are delighted to welcome Prince George and Princess Charlotte to Canada. May it be the first of many visits.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge prepare to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph during an official welcome ceremony
PA

The Prince joked that he hoped his children were not "tearing up" the Governor's House in their absence as he met well-wishers.

The prince and his wife made a beeline for fellow parents and accepted gifts for their children.

Kate told one Royal fan, the mother of a six month old girl, that parenthood would "get easier" after she grew older.

Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister, used his speech to highlight the family feel of the trip, the first overseas tour for the family as a foursome.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau
PA

"As any parent who has travelled with children knows, it's a whole different experience when you bring your children with you," he said, to cheers.

"Let me caution you from my own experience, if they are anything like our kids, getting them back on the plane after a visit to the beautiful west coast will really be a challenge."

They were greeted by cheers from thousands of well-wishers as they stepped out of their car, waving before stepping forward to greet Governor General David Johnston and his wife Sharon, Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie, Lt-Gov of BC Judith Guichon and Christy Clark, premier of BC.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Canada with their children

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The couple jointly laid a wreath at the Cenotaph, holding hands briefly to steady the Duchess as they walked backwards down the steps.

A card signed William and Catherine read: "Never forgetting those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for Canada."

Turning to the red carpet, the Duke paused to greet three veterans including Gordon Quon, who served in Burma during the Second World War.

Mr Quon planned to tell the Duke how he had met his grandmother, the Queen, in London during the war when she served in the ATS and again in Canada in the 1980s when he was invited to a veterans' lunch.

He was joined in the line-up by Petty Officer Wayne Clarke, who served in Afghanistan, and Corporal Murielle Poulin, a competitor in the Invictus Orlando games who won four medals for swimming and two for rowing.

The Duke and Duchess were then entertained by performers from the Lekwungen Traditional Dancers, from the Songhees Nation, and Esquimalt Singers and Dancers, from the Esquimalt Nation.

The Duke later joked he had felt a little underdressed compared to their traditional costumes, saying: "I was very impressed. Next time we should turn up in a bit more of a ceremonial costume."

Kate also shared of her excitement at being there, saying: "Both of us love mountains and there seems to be a lot of them here. We can't wait to explore. There is a lot to do in a short period of time."

Proclaiming their stay at the Governor's House "perfect", she answered questions about her children, disclosing they had been: "Super excited about the fact they were going to sleep on a plane."

Well-wisher Loreen Topping added: "She [the duchess] told me she wished she had brought Prince George down tonight because he would have loved all the lights."

Prince George and Princess Charlotte were "fast asleep" by the time their parents returned to Government House for meetings with the Trudeaus and the Governor General.

"How about the children," asked Mr Johnston, as the couple sat down with him and his wife Sharon in the Drawing Room, "Are they fast asleep?"

William replied: "It sounds quiet!"

Kate told their hosts: "They had a very good tea."

After their brief meeting the Duke and Duchess joined Prime Minister Trudeau and his wife Sophie in the plant-filled Atrium of the grand mansion to pose for photos.

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