The Day 4 of the Royal tour of Canada took the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Kelowna, a city in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. The name of the city derives from an Okanagan language term for ‘grizzly bear’.
Just like Vancouver and Victoria, the royal couple received a warm welcome from the locals who were waiting there to meet them. The Royal visit came after almost 30 years of the last visit. Before Prince William and Duchess Catherine, the last royal visiting the city were William’s parents, Charles and Diana, The Prince and Princess of Wales.
Their first stop was the Okanagan campus of the University of British Columbia. UBC is a leader in research in environmental sustainability and resilience, conservation, ecology and resource management. and recently celebrated its centenary. The campus in Kelowna opened a decade ago and plays a vital role in the region, home to 600 current research projects and 8,000 students.
The institution has cultivated a relationship with the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) to better provide tailored networks for Indigenous students, including an Aboriginal centre and Aboriginal Access Studies program.
Their visit marked the conclusion of the 10-year anniversary celebration of the University of British Columbia Okanagan and the 100th anniversary of the University of British Columbia. The Duke and Duchess unveiled a plaque acknowledging the 10th anniversary of the campus.
Their Royal Highnesses met the artist and view a piece of Indigenous Syilx art commissioned to honour the unique partnership between UBC Okanagan and the ONA.
They headed towards the sports section. At the Volleyball court, the couple received a really interesting introduction from volleyball announcer.
Love the volleyball announcer today: ‘Please welcome…standing at 6ft 3in & 5′ 9– or 5’ 11 incl high heels, the Duke & Duchss of Cambridge!
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) September 27, 2016
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were also introduced to the mascot “Scorch”.
They watched a demonstration of women’s volleyball.
William and Catherine received matching team jerseys with “Cambridge” written on the back.
They then took part in the BC Government’s ‘Taste of British Columbia’ festival at Mission Hill Winery. The Okanagan region is producing world-class wine, cheese, and food and The Duke and Duchess took the chance to sample some of the province’s best offerings.
William and Catherine viewed the vineyard and toured stations of samples and displays that showcase the diversity and bounty of the province’s agri-food and seafood industry.
The Royal Couple met with local young people learning about potential careers in food and agriculture. They also tried local food named ‘ geoduck’.
The couple spent some time talking to the young learners who are taking cooking classes.
For Kelowna visit, The Duchess of Cambridge was looking regal in £2000 Dolce and Gabbana Green Midi Dress paired with her LK Bennett Floret Nude Pumps.
She topped the outfit with a new pair of earrings. Catherine debuted Monica Vinader Siren Earrings. She was carrying her L.K. Bennett Nina Box Clutch. She was also wearing her Cartier Ballon Bleu watch and her Ray-Ban Folding Wayfarer Sunglasses.