Prince William & Catherine Middleton to visit Canada -- That Most Loyal Realm

Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton's first overseas trip as a married couple will be to Canada, it has been announced today. This is an excellent decision. In recent years Canada has demonstrated itself to be, arguably, the most loyal and royalist of The Queen's realms (along with NZ perhaps). The remarkably warm reception accorded to The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh during their tour of Canada last year was noted by the Royal Household and it seems clear to me that they are hoping for a repeat for the newly married royal couple. Thus the first major non-British event for the newly married couple will be to attend the Canada Day / Dominion Day festivities on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on July 1st (the day after they land in Canada). The presence of The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Ottawa's festivities last July 1st drew a record crowd. We can be certain that a similar, if not greater, number will turnout to greet the young royals.

The Royal Canadian Homecoming will be organised by veteran royal/ceremonial organiser, Kevin MacLeod CVO, Canadian Secretary to The Queen and Usher of the Black Rod.

Canada's monarchist credentials were further demonstrated today in the statements issued by the Canadian Governor General and Prime Minister. Congratulations to both.

Message from His Excellency the Rt. hon. David Johnson, Governor General of Canada

February 16, 2011

OTTAWA—As Her Majesty’s representative in Canada, it is a great privilege to announce visits from members of the Royal Family.

My wife, Sharon, and I will be honoured to welcome His Royal Highness Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton, during their upcoming Royal Tour this summer.

Canadians from across our smart and caring nation will have the opportunity to greet the newly married couple and demonstrate our collective warmth and hospitality. David Johnston

Message from The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada:

“Canada is delighted that Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton will be travelling to Canada as they embark on their first overseas tour as a married couple. Their tour will take place from June 30 to July 8, 2011 and will include Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and the National Capital Region.

“Canada looks forward to welcoming the young couple this summer and providing them with all that our country has to offer – including, of course, the special hospitality and warmth reserved for members of the Royal Family.” 

“It is my sincere hope that their tour will be the start of a lasting relationship with Canada by the Royal Couple.”

The couple’s decision to visit Canada first is “a testament to our country’s very close relationship with the Royal Family – a bond of loyalty and affection illustrated by the crowds that turned out for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh last year, and the mounting excitement for Her Majesty’s upcoming Diamond Jubilee which will be celebrated in Canada throughout 2012.”

“On behalf of all Canadians, I congratulate Prince William and Miss Middleton on their upcoming wedding and look forward to many more tours in the future.”

Official Announcement:

Royal Tour Announcement

February 16, 2011

His Royal Highness Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton to Undertake a Royal Tour of Canada

OTTAWA—His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, is pleased to announce that His Royal Highness Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton have accepted the invitation to undertake a Royal Tour of Canada, extended to them on behalf of the Government of Canada.

The Royal Tour by Prince William and Miss Middleton will include Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and the National Capital Region. The tour will take place from June 30 to July 8, 2011.

The Royal Tour will be coordinated by Mr. Kevin MacLeod, C.V.O., C.D., Canadian Secretary to The Queen. A detailed itinerary will be published at a later date by the Department of Canadian Heritage.