Charles And Camilla Arrive In Canada

Prince Charles said he was “deeply touched” by the warm welcome afforded him and the Duchess of Cornwall on Monday as the royal couple began their first trip to Canada together.

Charles, who arrived with Camilla at a welcoming ceremony in St. John’s, said he was eager to meet Canadians as he starts his 11-day tour of the country.

“I cannot tell you how delighted I am to have this opportunity to pay, I can hardly believe, my 15th visit to these shores, and that is by any measure something rather special,” Charles said at the ceremony at Mile One Centre.

“But more special still, if I may say so, is the opportunity to introduce my wife to Canada for her first-ever visit.”

Charles also recognized the Canadian military for “serving with the greatest possible distinction in Afghanistan.”

“In all cases, Canadians are bringing the light of freedom and justice to the darker corners of the world,” he said.

“I need hardly say, therefore, how much my heart goes out to the family of Pte. Steven Marshall, who was killed in action only last week and who will make his final journey home to Canada tomorrow, taking his place among those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper greeted the couple, saying many Canadians were keenly anticipating their arrival.

“Given our long attachment to the royal family, these visits have always been regarded as homecomings by many Canadians,” Harper said.

“Our home is your home.”

Harper also wished Charles and Camilla well in their travels throughout the country.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams said it was fitting that the couple would launch their trip in his province.

“Given your great love of the arts, I can think of no better place for your Royal Highnesses to begin your Canadian journey,” Williams said.

Charles and Camilla arrived earlier in the day at the St. John’s International Airport in clear, cold weather and under a full moon rising.

They came down the stairs of an Airbus separately, with Charles leading the way, and were greeted by national and provincial politicians as Camilla leaned down to receive a bouquet of flowers from a little girl.

The motorcade sped off almost immediately to take the couple to Mile One Centre, where they were officially greeted by Harper, Williams, Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and provincial Lt.-Gov. John Crosbie.

There was also a gun salute atop Signal Hill to recognize their arrival.

It’s the 15th time Charles has toured Canada, but the first time with his wife Camilla by his side.

Charles and Camilla will be in the province until Wednesday.

They will also be making stops in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.

They will wind up their visit Nov. 12 in Ottawa.

Charles was last in Canada in 2001 when he spent six days touring Ontario, Saskatchewan and the Yukon.

Itinerary for the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall on tour of Canada

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall began an 11-day royal tour of Canada on Monday. Here’s the itinerary for the rest of their trip:

Newfoundland and Labrador:

Nov. 3 – Morning visit to Cupids, N.L., to celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2010; afternoon visit to Brigus, N.L., including the home of Arctic explorer Capt. Bob Bartlett; opening of new housing project in St. John’s; late afternoon visit to Marine Institute at Memorial University; evening reception hosted by Williams at The Rooms (Provincial Archives, Art Gallery and Museum).

Nov. 4 – Morning tree planting at Government House in St. John’s, N.L., with Lt.-Gov. John Crosbie; wreath-laying at National War Memorial; meeting with volunteers at the Association for New Canadians.

Ontario:

Nov. 4 – Afternoon arrival at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and meeting with Premier Dalton McGuinty; Prince Charles meets members of Canadian Business for Social Responsibility; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visits the Royal Conservatory of Music at the University of Toronto.

Nov. 5 – Morning visit to Dundern Castle in Hamilton, Ont.; visit to national historic site HMCS Haida; tour of Niagara College Teaching Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.; presentation of new colours to the Royal Regiment of Canada and the Toronto Scottish Regiment at Varsity Stadium in Toronto.

Nov. 6 – Morning opening and tour of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto; Prince Charles visits the Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto.

British Columbia:

Nov. 6 – Afternoon arrival at Victoria International Airport; greetings by Premier Gordon Campbell at the legislature and public walkabout.

Nov. 7 – Morning tour of Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Village; Charles has afternoon meeting in Vancouver with Canadian Youth Business Foundation, visit to cancer care clinic Inspire Health and seminar on sustainable development at Simon Fraser University; Camilla visits VanDusen Botanical Garden, followed by visit to Osteoporosis Mobility Unit; evening reception in Victoria hosted by Lt.-Gov. Steven Point.

Nov. 8 – Morning church service at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria; private program for remainder of day.

Nov. 9 – Morning inspection of Guard of Honour at CFB Esquimalt, raising of centennial banner and sailpast.

Eastern Ontario-Quebec:

Nov. 9 – Evening arrival at Canada Reception Centre, Ottawa International Airport.

Nov. 10 – Morning meetings with Jean, Harper and Opposition Leader Michael Ignatieff; afternoon arrival at Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, followed by meeting with Premier Jean Charest; visit to Cirque du Soleil; tour of Biodome; presentation of colours to the Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment, including meeting with recent Afghanistan veterans.

Nov. 11 – Morning service at the National War Memorial for Remembrance Day with Harper; afternoon visit to CFB Petawawa to meet soldiers and their families; evening reception at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

Nov. 12 – Morning tree planting at Rideau Hall; official departure from Canada Reception Centre, Ottawa International Airport.

File photo

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