On day 2 of the Cambridge’s tour of British Columbia and the Yukon, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived by float plane in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, leaving Prince George and Princess Charlotte back in Victoria with their nanny at Government House.
Due to the rainy weather, the plane was delayed briefly but the crowds in the thousands did not mind having to wait as the Duke and Duchess ascended the glass elevator from the plane terminal up to the plaza where they did a walkabout.
From there they took the short drive to Sheway, a centre based off of a charity that Diana, Princess of Wales supported in England that helps pregnant women and mothers who suffer with addiction and mental health. Prince William was given a teddy bear for the children while the couple, along with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie met with those who use the services of Sheway.
After the quick visit, Justin Trudeau and his wife arrived at the Immigrant Services Society where Premier Christy Clark was waiting, after greeting the crowds who burst out in an impromptu singing of ‘O Canada’. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge came in, once again greeting the Prime Minster and his wife, waving at the refugee families peering down from their balconies.
Once inside they heard about the government’s efforts to bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees. While at the society William and Kate unveiled a plaque for the Edith Lando playground, helping mark the official opening of the play area.
They day got even busier from there as once again the Trudeaus’ accompanied Prince William and Kate to Telus Gardens for a reception to honour notable young Canadians. The group split up with men taking one side and the ladies taking the other side of the room, greeting the young people of all backgrounds.
To finish off the day they all headed to the Kitsilano Coast Guard where they met with first responders. The base was recently re-opened by Trudeau’s government after a very controversial closing.
Copyright of Jamie Samhan
Shamantsut of the Squamish Nation was on hand to greet the Royal couple, although she and the other band members did not necessarily agree with the royal visit and the role of the Monarchy in Canada.
“Back in 1906 or 1910 a delegation of Squamish Nation and BC Hereditary Cheif members went to England to go talk to the crown and to tell them we are human beings and we belong here, this is our territory, so this is just another way to be here in our own land and assert we are still here.” Shamantsut told Royal Central.
However, when the First Nations did meet the Duke and Duchess all seemed very friendly. The couple split up greeting more first responders before boarding the Coast Guard Hovercraft where they took off to Seal Island where a helicopter flew them back to their waiting children in Victoria.
Copyright of Jamie Samhan
Tomorrow the couple will be visiting Bella Bella on the coast of British Columbia where they will focus on environmental issues.
