Just after 2 months of their wedding at Westminster Abbey, The newly married Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were ready to take the first big step of their royal life. William and Catherine were embarking on their first International Royal Tour. The milestone was going to be a British Realm – Canada and its neighbor the United States of America.
Royal.Gov.UK
On May 30th in 2011, Clarence House announced the itinerary of the tour. William and Catherine were set to visit eight cities during their first joint tour of Canada, from June 30 to July 8, 2011. It was William’s third official visit to Maple country after visiting Canada in 1991 and 1998 but the Duchess was going there for the first time.
Ahead of the visit, a portrait was released to mark the tour in which Catherine wore Amanda Wakeley Mikado Suit that she first wore when she visited Darwen, Lancashire a few weeks before the wedding paired with Sapphire and Diamond Diana Earrings. The picture was taken on the grounds of Clarence House with foliage in the background. About the visit, The Duke of Cambridge said,
Catherine and I are very much looking forward to our tour of Canada. We hope to be able to meet as many people as possible and to see as much of the extraordinary and diverse country as we can. I have wonderful memories from my last times in Canada, and as such we consider it a great privilege to have been invited to Canada for our first joint tour.
The theme of the 2011 Royal Tour was ‘Moving Forward Together’ from Past Accomplishments to Current Service to Future Achievements. The Couple visited the National Capital Region (Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec), Montréal, Québec, Charlottetown, and Summer side in Prince Edward Island, Yellowknife in Northwest Territories, and Calgary in Canada before heading to California where they visited Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
William and Catherine were visiting Canada exactly one year after the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s tour in 2010. The Queen undertook the first visit to Canada in 1951 as Princess Elizabeth. About the upcoming Royal tour that had many Royal firsts, the then Governor-General of Canada, David Johnson said,
Sharon and I were delighted to represent Canadians at the Royal Wedding back in April. We had the honour of being introduced to Their Royal Highnesses, at which time they expressed to us how they were genuinely looking forward to coming and discovering our country together, as a couple.
As they embark on this Royal Tour, they will have the unequalled opportunity to visit communities across our wonderful country and witness what Canada is becoming, as we move towards its 150th anniversary in 2017.
“Moving Forward Together” is indeed a well-chosen theme for this tour. It is our chance to share in this journey with Their Royal Highnesses, who represent the future of the Crown in Canada and to demonstrate our Canadian warmth and hospitality.
The tour fell on the 225th anniversary of the first royal visit to Canada, by then Prince William (later King William IV), as part of a naval contingent. The tour was covered by 1300 media persons. William and Catherine travelled with a pared-down entourage of seven that also included James Pryce, Catherine’s then personal hairstylist. Catherine specially requested the inclusion of Prince Edward Island to the tour itinerary. Usually, a royal tour planning takes 10 to 12 months, but this tour was planned in less than 4 months.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge departed for Canada on June 30 in a Canadian military plane. The Duchess was seen wearing Roland Mouret Manon Dress with her Smythe Navy One-Button Blazer, Mulberry Midnight Polly Push Lock Bag, and Manolo Blahnik ‘Calogera’ court shoes. The outfit set the tone of Royal Fashion we were going to see during the tour – lots of elegant and regal outfits in signature ‘Kate Style’.
Wikipedia
The Duke of Cambridge’s Royal Standard of Canada (Personal Canadian Flag) that was designed and revealed prior to the tour was flying from the cockpit of the plane. From Wikipedia, “Prince William’s flag has a wreath of gold maple leaves and scallop shells, the roundel bears a depiction of his cypher (a W surmounted by a coronet of his rank), and the label is charged with a red shell, reminiscent of the coat of arms of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. The remainder of the banners have wreaths of gold maple leaves only.”
William and Catherine’s plane landed at Macdonald-Cartier International Airport in Ottawa, Canada. They were received by the Prime Minister and many other Government officials.
The Duchess stepped out of the plane wearing Erdem Cecile Navy Lace Dress from label’s Resort 2012 paired with her trusty L.K. Bennett Sledge Pumps and Stuart Weitzman ‘Muse’ Clutch that she was seen carrying during Prince Philip’s Birthday church service and her Tiffany & Co Sapphire Oval Cabochon Earrings with Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard bracelet.
A closer look at the hairstyle, dress fabric, and earrings.
The Duchess of Cambridge received a floral welcome on arrival. William and Catherine greeted the well-wishers before leaving for the first public engagement of the visit.
The first stop of the tour was e Canadian Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa. William laid a wreath at the tomb and the royal couple paid their respect to the fallen soldiers.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with war and army veterans before heading for a short walkabout to meet and greet the public gathered there to welcome them.
It was supposed to be a short meet and greet but that gathering of more than 2000 public started chanting “We want Kate” and the couple ended up staying 10 minutes longer than the scheduled time and was late for the official welcome ceremony. The Duchess was presented with a pillowcase made by Francine Dorian that can be hanged as a tapestry by a well-wisher.
Around 3 PM of Canada time, William and Catherine arrived for an official welcome at Rideau Hall where they were welcomed by the Governor-General of Canada, Canadian Prime Minister and thousands of public. The event was open for the public and it was reported at that time that approximately 6000 people arrived to see the Duke and Duchess.
The royal couple was welcomed with full military honours and Prince William inspected the guard of honour composed of Canadian Forces members before addressing the gathering. William showed his French skill while Catherine adoringly watched her husband charming the public.
A video of the arrival and welcome ceremony.
In the evening, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a Celebration of Youth Barbecue Reception at Rideau Hall. The reception was hosted by the Canadian Prime Minister to celebrate the service of Canadian Youth towards a smart and caring nation.
The event brought together over 120 Canadian youth selected for their work in areas of great interest to the royal couple: support for service personnel and their families; conservation for future generations; children fulfilling their potential; changing lives through art and sport; and help and care at home. In addition, 22 young culinary professionals and students from across the country were mentored by Rideau Hall chefs as they assist the culinary team with preparations and service for the evening. During the reception, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had the opportunity to meet with and learn from these dedicated youth who are committed to community service and strive to build a better nation.
For the last event of the day, The Duchess of Cambridge wore Issa London Bird Print Dress that she has in her wardrobe since 2006 and also wore to her wedding rehearsal a day before her wedding in April 2011. She paired it with Pied A Terre Imperia Wedges and Vinnie Day Gold Plated Logo Leaf Earrings.
The day 2 of Canada tour fell on Canada Day – July 01. William and Catherine were the first royals to attend a Canada Day celebration in Canada. That day also marked William’s Mother, late Lady Diana, the Princess of Wales’ 50th birthday.
The couple was also the first ones to attend a Citizenship Ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Canadian Museum of Civilization where 25 new residents swear in. The couple arrived at the ceremony on the beat of “St. Andrews Courtship” a work specially created for them by Pipe Major Bethany Bisaillon.
William and Catherine presented new Canadians who came from 12 different countries with national flags.
A video of the ceremony.
Next, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a Noon Show celebrating Canada Day that marks the country’s 144th birthday. The Royal couple arrived at the public event in the State Landau.
The musical and pageantry event, hosted at Parliament Hill and broadcasted around the nation, was attended by approximately 300,000 people.
William and Catherine enjoyed performances of Sam Roberts Band, Great Big Sea, Corb Lund, and Maria Aragon during the show. The Noon show included anthems, a flypast by military aircraft display team the Snowbirds and a link-up with Canadian forces in Kandahar in southern Afghanistan.
Once again, Prince William showed off his French skill while addressing the gathering. He talked about the Canadian Forces’ combat role in Afghanistan, Catherine’s Grandfather who trained in Canada as a pilot in the Second World War and give Canadian the warm message from his grandmother the Queen.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge greeted the public who was chanting “Will and Kate”.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore Reiss Nanette Dress paired with Asprey 167 Button Earrings, Asprey 167 Button Necklace, Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard bracelet, Lock & Co Maple Leaf Hat, Hobbs London Albini Square Cut Court shoe and Anya Hindmarch Fan Bag. Catherine topped her outfit with Maple Leaf Brooch on loan from the Queen.
A video of the Noon show.
In the evening, William and Catherine attended a music concert before a private diplomatic reception marking the national day. The concert had performances of various artists such as Great Big Sea, Tragically Hip, and Weezer performing at a Canada Day concert. The show ended with a firework display.
For the second look of the day 2, The Duchess of Cambridge chose Issa Purple Dress paired with Prada Suede Pumps, Anya Hindmarch Maud Clutch, Maple Leaf Brooch, Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard bracelet and Diamond Deco Earrings.
The newly married couple was able to have quality time after two fully packed days. From People’s report,
Despite their busy itinerary, William and Kate also managed to make a little time for romance during their Canadian visit.
On Friday, while still in Ottawa for the Canada Day celebrations, William rowed his wife across Lake Harrington to a secluded cabin on the official private country retreat of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
The two enjoyed a simple picnic and enjoyed each other’s uninterrupted company for about four hours. The two also explored the forest, according to a royal source.
“They had a really enjoyable, relaxing afternoon – just the two of them,” the source said.
The Day 3 of the Royal visit began with a tree-planting ceremony at the Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Another first of the Duchess’s Royal Journey. Over 150 commemorative trees grace the grounds of Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor-General of Canada. They mark visits by members of the Royal Family, Heads of state, and other dignitaries.
The royal couple arrived at the tree planting ceremony just after 12:30 p.m. led by a bagpipe.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge planted a Canadian hemlock tree in the presence of invited guests and the Governor-General of Canada. The tree is located in the royal grove area of Rideau Hall, near the residence. It is surrounded by trees planted by other members of the Royal Family, such as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales and The Duke of York.
Both William and Catherine each took a turn shovelling a bit of soil onto the tree. The couple stopped at Diana’s tree, a pine-oak, for a few moments of thought, before they greeted the special guests. The Pine Oak was planted by William’s parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, on June 21, 1983 (William’s first birthday).
The tradition began in 1906, with the visit of Prince Arthur of Connaught, son of Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, and later Governor-General. The red oak he planted still stands over the far end of the Upper Terrace Garden. Since that time, planting ceremonial trees has become a Canadian tradition, symbolizing the living friendship and co-operation of nations.
Her Majesty The Queen and members of the Royal Family have planted 16 ceremonial trees on the grounds of Rideau Hall since 1939. Out of which 5 were planted by the Queen alone -in 1951 (as Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth); in 1957; in 1977; on the occasion of Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee in 2002; and in 2010.
Compared to the previous two days, the tree-planting ceremony was a small scale event with about 50 guests in the presence of the Royal couple. William and Catherine also met with a veteran couple – the then 94 years old C.B. Marsh and his 98-year-old wife Edna. From People’s report,
With their love for each other front-and-centre at the tree-planting ceremony, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also showed their compassion for others as they reached out to comfort a cancer patient who was recently told he had only 12 weeks to live.
In scenes that brought back memories of Princess Diana’s ever-caring spirit, the royal newlyweds bent down to speak to wheelchair-bound Terry Joyce, 47, a former computer expert from Ottawa. Terry struggled to his feet and lent against a walking frame as William arrived, telling him to sit down and relax.
“Let’s get you out of the sunlight, Terry,” Kate said as she shook his hand.
After the couple left, Terry, who lives in the Bruyere Hospice, burst into tears. “This has given me a tremendous lift,” he said. “It goes to show that we have wonderful monarchy, and we really need people like this.”
He added: “I was told a week ago I would be meeting them and I have been looking forward to it ever since. It has been one of the best days of my life.”
After the event, William and Catherine headed towards the second stop of the day – Canadian War Museum. At the museum, they attended a reception with veterans, war brides, and families.
Just like two previous days, hundreds of public members were gathered outside the museum to see and greet The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Among the public members were many Canadian veterans who were cheering for the couple heartily.
At the museum, William and Catherine walked through the galleries looking at the collections. Then unveiled a plaque and signed a book before leaving the museum.
The next stop of the day was Montreal where they visited the Sainte-Justine University (Children’s) Hospital Centre to view displays and meet with children and parents.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were faced with some protests in the city, but the royal couple took it in their stride and continue focusing on the task at hand. Inside the hospital, they met with 10-year-old Vincent Grenier, from nearby Laval, who recently underwent a kidney transplant. The couple saw the art session organized by the hospital for the children and their families. Showing her French, Catherine told Vincent, ““C’est superbe,” who was participating in art therapy.
Then, it was time to test the culinary skills at the Quebec Tourism and Hotel Institute. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a cooking workshop and reception. From Daily Mail’s report,
After 40 minutes in a Canadian cookery school, however, it was the herb and cranberry-crusted lamb and croustillant a l’effiloche de canard confit – and a distinctly competitive attitude to his lobster soufflé.
The Prince and the Duchess of Cambridge, dressed in personalised chef’s whites, were taking part in a cookery demonstration at Montreal’s top chef school, the Institut de tourisme et d’hotellerie du Quebec.
Mr Charest produced the first soufflé of the lesson, which was brought forward for display with a flourish by the Duchess. Two minutes later the Prince brought his soufflé up, removed the Premier’s and said: ‘Much better! This one is mine.’
It was, he said, ‘a soufflé-off’. And if that wasn’t painful enough, he turned to Mr Charest and rubbed it in with one of those Windsor puns that his father used to love: ‘If you could rise to the challenge that would be great.’
For the Prince, the demonstration was an opportunity for some light-hearted clowning about, pretending to pinch the strawberries from a bowl and insisting on dipping a spoon into a vat of melted chocolate for a taste. “Is there a time limit? Do we eat as we go? I’m quite hungry.’
The Duchess, however, seemed to take it all much more seriously. Student Theresa Rindress, 23, who showed her how to make an amuse-bouche of foie gras on a toasted brioche with apple cider jelly, said: ‘I showed her how to hold the knife and position her hand so that she did not cut herself. She was fantastic. She was very competent with the knife.’
She added: ‘I asked her if she liked to cook at home. She said she likes to cook, but does not do fancy things.
‘She more makes big batches, throws a few ingredients together, trying new things. But
that’s how chefs experiment, throwing things together and seeing if the flavours work.’
They sampled dishes highlighting the province’s cultures and local wines. Among the items on the menu for the four-course meal include Quebec foie gras on toasted brioche served with apple cider jelly, loin of Charlevoix lamb, and Iles de la Madeleine lobster.
The Royal couple departed from Montréal to Québec City via HMCS Montréal.
William and Catherine spent the night with the crew of HMCS Montréal, the ship docked at Quebec City, Quebec.
For the Day 3 of the royal tour of Canada, The Duchess of Cambridge kept her look minimal yet chic. The Duchess wore Catherine Walker Kensington Dress paired with Tabitha Simmons ‘Dela’ Lizard Pumps, Hobbs Somerton clutch and Links of London Hope Egg Earrings. After arriving at Quebec, Catherine swapped her Tabitha Simmons ‘Dela’ Lizard Pumps with Prada Suede Pumps.
In the morning, they said Morning Prayer with the crew before heading for the tour of la Maison Dauphine.
La Maison Dauphine is a community leader in delivering a variety of programs to street youth of Québec.
From there they joined the Freedom of the City Ceremony at Québec City Hall. The event acknowledges the relationship of trust and friendship between Québec City and the Royal 22e Régiment service members. Prince William addressed the gathering in French.
The Duchess of Cambridge was wearing Erdem Jacquenta Dress with her L.K. Bennett Sledge Pumps and Stuart Weitzman ‘Muse’ Clutch and Sapphire and Diamond Diana Earrings.
Next, Prince William and Catherine attended the 375th anniversary of the Lauzon “seigneurie”, the 150th anniversary of the founding of Lévis, and the 10th anniversary of the new City of Lévis. Lévis is a city in eastern Quebec, located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, opposite Quebec City. A ferry links Old Quebec with Old Lévis.
The Royal couple met with war veterans and hundreds of well-wishers on the shore. Fort No. 1 was the last in a chain of forts built under the supervision of British military engineers between 1865 and 1872.
For the second part of the Quebec city visit, Duchess wore Joseph Vanessa Dress with UFO Jacket, Heavenly Necklaces Diamond and Pearl Earrings, Asprey 167 Button Necklace, L.K. Bennett Sledge Pumps and L.K. Bennett Natalie Raffia Clutch.
In the evening, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left for Prince Edward Island, the next stop of the tour itinerary.
Upon arrival, Catherine received a beautiful bouquet from a two-year-old daughter of British ex-pat David Cheater. Almost 3000 people lined up the streets o the small town in the Atlantic part of Canada to see the Royal couple.
After a quick outfit change, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge received an official welcome at Province House, the second oldest active legislature building in Canada. The Prince Edward Island was added to the tour itinerary after Catherine’s personal request.
Prince Edward Island is the 1870s setting for one of Catherine’s favourite childhood books – Anne of Green Gables written by famed author Lucy Maud Montgomery. The novel recounts the life and times of a feisty red-headed schoolgirl, Anne Shirley, who is adopted by brother and sister farmers in the mistaken belief they are taking in a young boy.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Province House in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, escorted by Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers and received a warm welcome in which members of the welcome committee were dressed up in periodic costumes.
At the Province House, William and Catherine attended a musical and theatre performances. The visit highlighted the important role it and Great George Street played in Confederation. Addressing the gathering, Prince William said,
Thank you Premier and Fathers of Confederation. Merci Monsieur le premier ministre et les pères de la confédération.
It is quite a moment for Catherine and me to be standing here in Atlantic Canada, in front of Province House, where the Canadian Federation was forged. Here, in the crucible of Canadian nationhood, we look forward to meeting many of you.
We have both so looked forward to this day, and discovering more about your beautiful island. We are also delighted that you have chosen to inaugurate a scholarship in our names. Thank you for this wonderful and generous welcome.
The Duchess during a quick walkabout of the town.
Catherine was wearing Alexander McQueen Sailor Dress with Alexander McQueen Suede Pumps, Sapphire and Diamond Diana Earrings and Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard bracelet.
Next, we got a glimpse of William and Catherine’s married life back home in Angelsey where William was working as RAF Pilot at that time. The Duke and Duchess headed towards the Island National Park, where William took part in the demonstration of ‘waterbirding’, a manoeuvre unique to Canadian pilots which are designed to simulate an emergency landing on water. at Dalvay-by-the-Sea.
Sitting at the edge of the lake, The Duchess was holding a camera and ready to take a shot when William was in action. For this part of the day, Duchess wore Ted Baker Jinan Navy Trench Coat with J Brand 811 Skinny Jeans, Hugo Boss Scarf, Sapphire and Diamond Diana Earrings and Pied A Terre Imperia Wedges.
The day was the beginning of many more events full of competitive spirit. We first time saw William and Catherine challenging each other for a round of sport.
The couple participated in the dragon boat race. You might remember that during the short period of breakup in 2007, Catherine trained for the dragon boat race.
William’s team won by half a length. From Daily Mail, “ The night before her latest adventure the Duchess confided that she fully expected William to win. ‘I think I am going to take a ducking,’ she told reporters. William wasn’t quite as confident, admitting: ‘We are both very competitive. ‘She beats me at tennis and skiing but I am better at the rest.'” We never saw William and Catherine showing public display of affection during their decade long courtship.
The day broke that rule and William hugged his wife lovingly after the boat race.
Then they walked towards the National Historic Site of Canada where they were welcomed to PEI by a traditional Miqmah smudging ceremony.
They participated in native Mi’kmaq ‘smudging’ ceremony where they were brushed with burning herbs, including sage and cedar, to cleanse them of negative energy by First Nation Chief, Lennox Island.
William and Catherine sampled several kinds of local foods and observed many Aboriginal, Acadian and Celtic cultural and culinary traditions.
Then the couple headed towards Summerside in PEI where they observe a Search and Rescue Demonstration at Summerside Harbour.
William and Catherine spent time in PEI doing various public activities and enjoying their time.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore her Ted Baker Jinan Navy Trench Coat with J Brand 811 Skinny Jeans, Vinnie Day Gold Plated Logo Leaf Earrings and Pied A Terre Imperia Wedges for Search and rescue training that she swapped with her Sebago Bala shoes for the dragon boat race.
Before heading towards the Northwest Territories, The royal couple thanked the staff for their hospitality.
When the couple arrived at Yellowknife in NWT that evening, Catherine was back in her Alexander McQueen Sailor Dress underneath the Ted Baker Jinan Navy Trench Coat with Alexander McQueen Suede Pumps and Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard bracelet.
Shortly after landing, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spoke to two small children, Amelie Wood, 8, and Marco Esteban, 8, who greeted them with flowers on the tarmac. After officially greeting Premier Floyd Roland, William and Catherine headed towards their resident for this part of the tour.
Next day on July 05th, William and Catherine began their day with an official event at Somba K’e Civic Plaza in downtown Yellowknife. The event included Dene and Inuvialuit drumming and demonstrations of Inuit games and Dene hand games.
The picturesque area of Northwest Territories is bigger than France, Spain and Portugal combined but the population is just around 44000 smaller than that of Folkestone. Around half of the entire population lives in the regional capital, Yellowknife, a diamond mining town that gets its name from the copper knives that were once carried by the native Chipewyan.
The Duchess of Cambridge was presented with a platinum and diamond pave brooch in the shape of the region’s official polar bear logo, made from 4.5 carats of diamonds mined locally at the Diavik mine. Prince William received a pair of cufflinks made to the same design.
The Duke and Duchess received a warm welcome on the shores of picturesque Lake Frame from a group of Dettah Drummers performing a prayer song. The drum is considered a sacred object, which is the voice and language of the Elders speaking to the Dene people and is used for praying, heeling and seeing the future.
The Royal Couple enjoyed aboriginal dancing during the welcome ceremony. They spent the morning experiencing the sights, sounds and traditions of Canada’s native peoples in Yellowknife. Around half of the region’s population has native heritage, and members of the Inuktitut and Chipewyan tribes were among those who welcomed the royal couple to the regional capital.
Marking the visit, The Duke and Duchess planted a tree at the Plaza.
Next, The Duke and Duchess watched some local sports including the Alaskan High Kick, which involves balancing on one hand and kicking a target, and the ‘aeroplane’, a show of strength in which the contestants hold their bodies in a cross shape and are carried horizontally for as long as they can hold the position.
The Royal couple also enjoyed a game of street hockey or ‘shinny’ with NWT Youth Ambassadors and participants from the SideDoor Youth Centre. The Duke of Cambridge tried his hand. The popular Canadian pastime emphasizes the historical roots of hockey in the NWT going back to the days of the Franklin Expedition William and Catherine received Canadian Olympic sweaters with “Cambridge’ and the numbers 1 for the Duchess and 2 for the Duke.
In the afternoon, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a youth parliament session at the territorial legislature. The local legislative assembly is adorned with a polar bear skin in the centre of the floor. Although it follows roughly the same principles as the UK, the chamber is round as the Aboriginal people believe in a consensus system of government.
The couple during a parliament session.
Canadian Heritage Flickr
Before leaving, The Royal couple signed the visitor’s book.
For the day, The Duchess of Cambridge wore Malene Birger Bullet dress with her L.K. Bennett Sledge Pumps, Stuart Weitzman ‘Muse’ Clutch, Vinnie Day Gold Plated Logo Leaf Earrings and Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard bracelet.
Next, William and Catherine headed towards Blachford Lake by floatplane, where they spent the afternoon meeting the First Canadian Ranger Patrol Group and touring the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning.
The Royal couple was set to get a taste of the great outdoors – including some of its legendary great lakes on the edge of the Tundra.
William and Catherine joined young rangers for a campfire. They met with volunteers and officers from 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group whose 1,500 rangers are responsible for an estimated two million square miles of land in northern Canada.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were made honorary members of the range and received red ranger sweatshirts. They were then both presented with traditional beaded moccasins designed and created by Canadian Ranger Joanne Tetlichi.
During the visit, they also met students from Dechinta, the pioneering field-based university that teaches traditional skills to the indigenous First Nation community. The students showed them a smokery and traditional cooking methods before the couple sat around an open fire to talk to staff and students about the project.
The Royal couple while at the Blachford Lake Lodge had the opportunity to meet and interact with NWT Aboriginal elders and young adults.
In the evening, the newly wedded were able to enjoy a bit of private time.
Prince William whisked his wife away from media and public eye by rowing a canoe to a nearby Eagle Island himself for a private BBQ. William and Catherine witnessed the region’s legendary ‘midnight sunset’ in some alone time when not even their security guards were there with them.
The couple spent around 3 hours there before coming back to the shore from where they flew back to Yellowknife by float-plane.
For the fully packed schedule, The Duchess of Cambridge chose a comfortable country chic attire. The Duchess wore Burberry Military Pocket Jersey Shirt and J Brand 811 Skinny Jeans with her Vinnie Day Gold Plated Logo Leaf Earrings and Sebago Bala shoes.
That day St. James’s Palace announced that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had added an extra engagement to their itinerary and decided to fly to Slave Lake, Alberta next day to meet rescue workers who fought wildfires that devastated the area in June 2011. The fire forced the complete evacuation of Slave Lake’s 7,000 residents and is considered the largest such displacement in Alberta’s history.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in the late morning. They met with emergency services personnel from the fire department, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the medical response team at Northern Lakes College.
Slave Lake Mayor Karina Pillay-Kinnee showed the couple the damage to the community that left many families devastated. Mayor Karina said, “They were very concerned, very caring. Just wanted to reach out to the people of Slave Lake and we are just so grateful for them for taking the time out of their day off to come to touch our community”.
Upon arrival, William and Catherine met privately for about an hour Wednesday with firefighters and families whose homes were destroyed. William and Kate went from table to table in the college gymnasium shaking hands and speaking to each group for several minutes.
After meeting The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Slave Lake fire Chief Jamie Coutts said, “It’s easy to forget they’re real people. He’s a search and rescue pilot, she sits at home and worries about him when he’s on missions and that’s a lot like what we did out on the front lines and what our families had to go through. It was a real personal connection with them.”
The royal couple met with families before leaving for Calgary.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore Smythe Navy One-Button Blazer with Ralph Lauren Chiffon Ruffle Top, J Brand 811 Skinny Jeans, Pied A Terre Imperia Wedges and Linda Camm Shell Belt.
They spent the night at the private Skoki Ski Lodge, a National Historic Site near Lake Louise, within the Rocky Mountain-area Banff National Park. Much of the press coverage for this part of the tour discussed the remoteness of the site, which includes only outhouses.
The couple’s last stop in Canada was Calgary. William and Catherine stayed in Calgary two days where the couple had a busy and packed schedule that began when they arrived at Calgary International Airport.
The Duchess received a very cute welcome from a little girl. A six-year-old, Diamond Marshall, wanted to meet a real Princess and sent a letter from her hospital bed writing about her wish. Authorities fulfilled her wish and chose her to present a posy to the New Princess. Catherine received a warm hug from little Diamond.
Upon arrival, the Duke and Duchess were presented with the usual headgear in the White Hat Ceremony but didn’t wear them on the day one.
They toured the University of Calgary Ward of the 21st Century Research and Innovation Centre (W21C) -a Living Laboratory for innovative health research and technology.
In the evening, they attended an evening Government of Canada reception at the BMO Stampede Park.
The latter included the creation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Parks Canada Youth Ambassadors Program. The city gave free wristbands to public events, to lessen the volume of people.
On the day one in Calgary, The new Duchess wore yellow Jenny Packham Yellow Dress with L.K. Bennett Sledge Pumps, L.K. Bennett Natalie Raffia Clutch, Kiki McDonough Citrine Pear Drop Earringsand Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard bracelet.
A video of the arrival.
The first event of the Friday, 8 July, the day for the couple was to launch the Calgary Stampede Parade at Bow Valley College. The parade is run by the same organization as the top-level rodeo event itself. The parade attracted a record crowd of 425,000 people.
Dressed in the traditional rodeo attire topped with cowboy hats, the royal couple arrived in Rodeo style on an old fashioned stagecoach.
The Royal visit did not go without a bit of controversy. The Vancouver Humane Society, the League Against Cruel Sports, and Fight Against Animal Cruelty had all asked that the royal couple not visit the Stampede, deeming it animal cruelty, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) suggested that they were approaching a “hotbed of controversy”. If they don’t cancel the event, PETA called on locals to protest at the event. The stampede has often attracted animal rights activists, on years without special guests. A horse died of a leg injury in the Stampede’s first night, in spite of an “extensive overhaul to its animal care standards”. Barred from attending the 2010 Stampede parade, attempts to block street preacher Art Pawlowski were unsuccessful. He planned to have his group march following the parade proper or set up a protest. There were no reports on whether he followed through.
On a pleasant note, it was reported at that time that the visit gave the city a boost of 2.3Million. “Tourism Calgary estimates the newlyweds, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, drew about 7,000 more hotel guests to the city for the first weekend of the Stampede in July, compared to last year… As for long-term benefits, Tourism Calgary estimates that $50 million worth of publicity was drummed up for Calgary and Calgary Stampede awareness around the world due to the royal visit.”
William and Catherine officially starting the event.
The Duchess of Cambridge looked stylish in Temperley London Rodeo cotton and silk-blend shirt paired with Goldsign Passion Bootcut Jeans and R. Soles Virgi Chocolate Suede Boots. She topped the outfit with Butler & Wilson Belt and Vinnie Day Gold Plated Logo Leaf Earrings.
Later events included a reception at the ENMAX Conservatory, Calgary Zoo, hosted by the Alberta Government, and a public Official Departure Ceremony. Keeping the same outfit, Duchess just swapped her Temperley London Rodeo cotton and silk-blend shirt with Alice by Temperley Armonia Embroidered Cotton Blouse.
Finally, after nine-days long Canadian tour that “far exceeded” expectations, according to Prince William, and was by all accounts a huge success, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge boarded a Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft and departed the Realm for their last stop in North America, California, where they visited Los Angeles.
David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs Sharon Johnston bid farewell to Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Calgary.
The last outfit of the tour was once again a sartorial node. Wearing a red Catherine Walker red Marianne coat and dress paired with her trusty L.K. Bennett Sledge Pumps and Stuart Weitzman ‘Muse’ Clutch Catherine was looking gorgeous. She teamed up the look with Asprey 167 Button Earrings, Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard bracelet and Maple Leaf Brooch.
A look at Catherine’s makeup on the last day in Canada.
During the Canada tour alone Catherine changed into almost 20 outfits. Her wardrobe consisted of chic sheath and summer dresses to casual jeans and jackets paired with jewels from the royal vault opened to her by Queen.
The tour was the first glimpse of Catherine’s sartorial diplomacy. Throughout the tour, we saw the new Duchess wearing various Canadian brands like Erdem and Smythe. And if she was not wearing a Canadian label she was using colour combinations of white and red paying tribute to the hosts of her first international Royal visit.
The new Duchess was applauded for her wardrobe choices for the tour. It was chic, semi-formal yet suitable for a young Royal bride. After dazzling Canada with her style Catherine was ready to conquer the LA style police.
