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A royal snub for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Kelowna leg of #RoyalVisitCanada

In a stark contrast to the gloomy, rainy weather that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge experienced in Bella Bella, the sun shone down on the future king and his wife as they stepped out of their car on the UBC Okanagan campus to celebrate the 10th anniversary.

The couple did a quick walk through the crowd to a small stage where they unveiled a plaque and viewed a wooden art installation by Les Louis. However, the most notable part of the ceremony was rather who did not show up. Grand Chief Stewart Phillip snubbed the Royals for a second day in a row, pulling out of the presentation at the last moment.

The evening before he declined to take part in the Black Rod ceremony at a reception taking place at Government House in Victoria.

Chief Jonathan Kruger stepped in and spoke to the crowd in English and his native language saying: “Welcome to your Highnesses, please enjoy this beautiful land with your beautiful family and create beautiful memories on our lands here in BC.

“True power is human spirit. Please use that power to allocate for true reconciliation and advocate for the indigenous people in this country so they can be all great and good.”

From the ceremony, Prince William and Kate ventured into the school’s gymnasium where hundreds of students jumped to their feet to get a good look at the couple who were being introduced by the announcer: “Please welcome, all the way from the UK, standing at 6ft 3in and 5ft 9in – or 5ft 11in including high heels, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!”

Copyright of Jamie Samhan

Copyright of Jamie Samhan

The couple took in some volleyball before speaking with the team and the school’s mascot, Scorch, who was under orders to be on his best behaviour. The were presented with jersey’s reading ‘Cambridge’ and stuffed bears for Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

The second and last engagement in Kelowna was at Mission Hill Winery, the same winery the Countess of Wessex visited before.

Prince William and Kate toured the winery, picking and tasting the grapes. They also had a chance to meet with young children interested in the culinary and agriculture world.

Once inside and keeping with the theme of “Taste of B.C” they were treated to B.C prepared foods. Celebrity Chef Vikram Vij who is from British Columbia gave Kate one of his cookbooks while they ate an Indian Lamb dish made by the chef.