Victoria said goodbye to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the royal children, as their tour of Canada ended on Saturday.
The day started at the Cridge Centre for the Family, where Prince William and Kate unveiled a tribute statue to those who've overcome personal challenges. Premier Christy Clark presented the Royal couple with child-sized Vancouver Canucks jerseys, with the names George and Charlotte written on the back.
Then it was off to Ogden Point, where they stopped for tea at the Breakwater Cafe with workers from the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. A few hundred people lined the breakwater to see the Duke and Duchess set sail in a SALTS tall ship. Kate herself was at the helm of the Pacific Grace as it docked in the Inner Harbour. The royals disembarked and spent a few minutes mingling with the crowd that had lined Ship Point. One of the people that got to speak with Kate was young local girl Christina Mykyte. She told CFAX that Kate commented on her hat, "it was awesome! I'm never going to forget it."
After traveling back to Government House to collect the royal children, the big farewell ceremony took place at the Victoria seaplane terminal. Hundreds of people lined the parking lot below and Wharf Street above. The crowd cheered as the whole royal family arrived in their motorcade and waved goodbye. This was a moment the world's media was watching and photographing. It was another chance to see the children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who played along and waved and smiled for the cameras.
Formal goodbyes were exchanged with dignitaries like the Governor General, Premier Christy Clark, Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps, and others. 11-year-old flower boy Daniel Brachman of Victoria handed over a farewell bouquet before the royals boarded a twin otter sea plane and departed.
Before they left, the Duke of Cambridge issued this statement:
"Catherine and I are incredibly grateful to the people of Canada for the warmth and hospitality they have extended to our family over the last week. We have loved our time in British Columbia and Yukon and will never forget the beautiful places we have seen and the many people who have been kind enough to come to welcome us in person.
"We feel very lucky to have been able to introduce George and Charlotte to Canada. This country will play a big part in the lives of our children and we have created such happy memories for our family during this visit.
"Canada is a country of optimism, generosity and unrivalled natural beauty. I hope we have helped all C
anadians celebrate what makes this country great. We will see you again soon."