With a double handed wave from Prince George and Princess Charlotte wobbling after her big brother, they joined their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on a water plane tour around the southern tip of Vancouver Island before catching their much larger plane back to the United Kingdom.
The farewell in Victoria was the first and last chance the public had the chance to see the young royals with their parents. However, the Duke and Duchess had a busy day before the seaplane departure.
Starting the day off at the Cridge Centre, a place that assists in programs for a wide range of people including seniors care, victims of domestic violence and infants. Val Fuller, board president of the Cridge Centre welcomed Prince William and Kate, saying that them visiting the centre touches “the common thread of the courage to overcome.”
While at the centre, Premier Clark gave the Duke and Duchess Vancouver Canucks hockey jerseys with George and Charlotte on the back.
From the Cridge Centre, William and Kate joined youth dealing with mental health issues at a local cafe. The young people use the services of the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre, a branch of B.C. Children’s Hospital.
Their Royal Highnesses make a stop at Victoria’s Cridge Centre for the Family. Province of BC via Flickr
“When did you realise what you were feeling, you needed to deal with?” William asked 25-year-old Andrea Vukobrat who had anxiety issues as a teen but took years to get help. Vukobrat told the prince that once she told her father, her father could relate has he also had been dealing with mental health issues as a Canadian Forces soldier while serving in the Balkans.
Just after, and with an outfit change, the Duke and Duchess joined the crew of the tall ship Pacific Grace made up of Jack.org youth and S.A.L.T.S (Sail and Life Training Society) members. William and Kate could be seen pitching a hand and Kate was even at the helm as Pacific Grace pulled into the harbour.
As the day came to a close, the Duke of Cambridge released the following message on behalf of his family:
“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 Canadians celebrate what makes this country great. We will see you again soon.”
With a short video clip from the children’s party at Government House on Thursday with the caption “We have created such happy memories for our children during this trip” the Royal Tour of British Columbia and the Yukon concluded.
We have created such happy memories for our children during this visit #RoyalVisitCanada pic.twitter.com/S1v0XO3WvT
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 1, 2016
