An estimated 25,000 gathered in Victoria’s Inner Harbour to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Canada.
Some people started arriving as early as 6am Saturday to guarantee a glimpse of the royal couple.
This is Prince William and his wife Kate’s first visit to Canada since having children. Prince George and Princess Charlotte were only seen briefly as they got off their airplane, which touched down at Victoria International Airport just before 4pm.
They were greeted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire, Premier Christy Clark and her son Hamish, along with many other dignitaries such as the Governor General and Lieutenant Governor.
The Duchess was wearing a blue dress by Jenny Packham, a hat by Lock and Co, and Queens maple Leaf broach.
The royals were then transported in a large motorcade to Government House on Rockland Avenue, where the children were dropped off. The Duke and Duchess proceeded to the BC Legislature where they first laid a wreath at the cenotaph and war memorial on the Legislature grounds. As they proceeded down the red carpet they witnessed a First Nation’s ceremonial dance. They also exchanged words with a line of local politicians and other dignitaries, including Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps, Sidney Mayor Steve Price, NDP Leader John Horgan, federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May and many others.
Prince William gave a speech to the crowd saying he was looking forward to the visit, which includes other parts of the province and Yukon.
"We feel very fortunate to have time to get to really know parts of this country that we did not get to visit in 2001."
The Duke said that he and the Duchess have asked to meet people from as many walks of life as they can while here.
“We are very much looking forward to learning about how Canadians are tackling some of the biggest challenges of the day including the environment, supporting young families and the mental health of young people. Subjects of which that we are both passionate.”
The official welcome ceremony was about a half-hour behind schedule, and ended around 6:30pm. On Sunday, the Duke and Duchess board a seaplane from Victoria’s Inner Harbour around 10am bound for Vancouver.