Second day of William and Kate’s Canada royal tour marred by protesters as Duke and Duchess of Cambridge receive gifts of teddys
They flew from Victoria to Vancouver to visit an Immigration Services Society and an outreach programme to learn more about the support services offered to pregnant women and mothers with drug and alcohol issues
THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left their children with the nanny as they stepped out for the second day of their royal tour of Canada.
Playing to the crowd, Princess Kate wore a £4000 red and white Alexander McQueen dress which bore the colours of the Canadian flag, while touring with her husband and the country’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife.
Kate and Prince William took a seaplane from Victoria to Vancouver where they were met by thousands of people hoping for a glimpse of the royals.
But while the young couple had been accompanied by Prince George and Princess Charlotte when they flew in to the country yesterday to a large excited crowd, those hoping for a sight of the young Prince and Princess were left disappointed as Charlotte, 1, and George, 3, were left in Victoria with their nanny.
Instead, the couple toured their way around the sites, and important organisations, themselves.
Their visit drew huge crowds, with well-wishers crowding along the streets to see the royal couple.
Touring with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, the couple toured around Vancouver for the day.
One of their first stops was a visit to “Sheway”, a charity that supports vulnerable mothers and pregnant women battling addiction and other issues.
Ron Abrahams, a physician who works with Sheway, said that the centre was modeled on the Women’s Reproductive Maternity Service in Glasgow, which was opened by Princess Diana in 1990.
He said: “It’s wonderful to have you here after all the work your mother did in this field.
“It’s like a full circle for us with your family.”
The young couple were gifted personalised teddy bears from Hailey Cain, with the five-year-old having been helped by the organisation during her mother’s battles with alcohol and substance abuse.
Speaking to little Hailey, Kate said: “I love your dress, it’s so pretty, Thank you so much, Charlotte will love this, she loves her teddies.”
William also chimed in his praises, saying: “George too, he’s a big fan, thank you so much.”
His children were not far from his mind, with him later pointing out a fire truck, saying: “My son George would be obsessed with that.”
Kate made sure that she stood out during the visit, wearing a dress by one of her favourite designers, Alexander McQueen.
She paired the long-sleeved dress, with a red and white print, with bright red heels and a red clutch.
Her outfit was complete with her Cartier watch from the Balloon Bleu range – costing £4850.
She stood out against husband Prince William, who wore a a dark suit and tie.
The fashionable couple appeared to get along with the Trudeaus, having lunch with them between the visits.
Justin Trudeau, who wore a dark blue suit paired with brown shoes, and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, who shone in a dark red, long-sleeved dress with nude heels, held hands during the Royal visit, smiling as eager Canadians waved to the country’s visitors.
He said that the royal couple were “strong advocates” for young people, saying they were determined to help, “whether it’s speaking out about cyber bullying, creating more opportunities for young people to lead in their community through sport coaching, or helping children and young people affected by addiction in their families.”
The Cambridges then met with the young Canadian leaders as well as to members of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic teams.
Their last stop for the day was the recently re-opened Coast Guard station.
The couple then returned to Victoria to see their children.
As part of their visit, Kate and Will are expected to stay in a hotel without the kids – which is best known for its giant carved mountie.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: ”The tour will see them take in everything from the bustling global city of Vancouver – population 2.5 million – to the emote and beautiful Bella Bella, home to less than 2,000 people.
“Along the way they will meet as many Canadians as possible, and will help celebrate Canada’s First Nations communities, its arts and culture, pristine and beautiful environment, and its compassionate and innovative charitable sector.”
Speaking on the Royal couple’s arrival, Mr Trudeau said: “As any parent who has travelled with children knows, it’s a whole different experience when you bring your family with you.”
Prince William also addressed the thousands gathered for their arrival, saying: “Catherine and I are delighted to be back in Canada.
“That is why we are so pleased that George and Charlotte can be with us in Canada this time around, beginning their own lifetime of friendship with this wonderful country.”
Yesterday the duchess had revealed how excited she was about the visit, saying: “Both of us love mountains and there seems to be a lot of them here. We can’t wait to explore. There is a lot to do in a short period of time.”
Proclaiming their stay at the Governor’s House “perfect”, she answered questions about her children, disclosing they had been: “Super excited about the fact they were going to sleep on a plane.”
A staff member at the centre introduced them to a five-year-old girl, who gave them teddy bears.
“George would love this,” William said as he accepted a bear in a black vest.
Charlotte, 1, is on her first overseas trip. George, 3, is on his second.
Despite their overwhelmingly positive reception, the Duke and Duchess were also met with protesters holding a large wooden guillotine also joined the crowds.
The protesters held up makeshift guillotines, waving banners with the words “No Kings”.
The anti-Royalists masked their faces during the protest, using hooded tops and scarves to avoid being recognised.
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