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Sunday, September 25, 2016

Royal tour: Charlotte and George steal the show in Canada

Princess Charlotte and Prince George stole the limelight as they arrived in Canada for the Royal tour, despite only being seen for a matter of minutes.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their two children landed in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, at the start of their eight-day visit to the largest Commonwealth realm. 
In many ways this was Princess Charlotte's big moment - at just 16 months old it's her first official Royal tour. 
She was carried down the steps by her mother Kate and didn't appear to be fazed by the banks of photographers and camera crews waiting to see them. 
But it was up to big brother Prince George to get more involved in the official duties. 
Holding Prince William's hand as he walked down the steps of the plane, the three-year-old then joined his parents meeting dignitaries including Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire, eventually waving at the cameras before getting into a car.
It was one of only a few moments that the children are expected to be seen in public this week, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge carrying out most of the tour alone while the children stay with their nanny at Government House in Victoria. 
Speaking at the welcome event outside the British Columbia Parliament buildings, Prince William said: "Catherine and I are delighted to be back in Canada.  
"When we were here last time, we had been married only three months.
"The warm welcome that you gave us at that important moment in our lives meant a lot to us - and we have never forgotten it."  
He added: "That is why we are so pleased that George and Charlotte can be with us in Canada this time round, beginning their own lifetime of friendship with this wonderful country. 
Kate and William at a rodeo on their Canada tour in 2011
Image Caption:Kate and William at a rodeo during their Canada tour in 2011
"Over the next week, Catherine and I will see once again what makes Canada such a special place in the world."
New research carried out by Ipsos to coincide with the Royal tour found that 58% of Canadians believe the constitutional monarchy helps to define Canada's identity, with 70% thinking that William and Kate will help to keep the monarchy relevant to Canadians. 
But some have complained that Canada has to foot the bill for the tour, as it is a Commonwealth realm. 
Republicans also want a full parliamentary debate on the role of the Queen as head of state.
During the next eight days William and Kate have said they want to meet as many Canadians as possible in British Columbia and the Yukon. 
Later on Sunday they touched down in Vancouver, where they will meet Syrian refugees who have only recently resettled in Canada.

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