The 2011 Royal Tour of Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will highlight Prince Edward Island’s natural beauty, historical significance and cultural traditions, says Premier Robert Ghiz.
“The tour is a wonderful opportunity to shine the spotlight on Prince Edward Island and offer Their Royal Highnesses an authentic look at our province,” said Premier Ghiz. “We will showcase Prince Edward Island’s rich history and various cultures, traditions, artistic talent and innovative products.”
Today, the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, announced some of the events planned throughout the 2011 Royal Tour of Canada June 30 to July 8. A full itinerary has also been made available on the 2011 Royal Tour official website.
Their Royal Highnesses arrive at Charlottetown Airport the evening of Sunday, July 3 at 6:50 p.m. The public is invited to come out and welcome the couple.
The official welcome of Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Prince Edward Island will occur Monday, July 4, at Province House.
“We are delighted that Their Royal Highnesses have included Prince Edward Island in their first official international tour as a married couple,” said the premier. “Prince Edward Island has a long-standing relationship with the Royal Family and has welcomed many members of the Royal Family throughout our history.”
Beginning at 10:05 a.m., Their Royal Highnesses will arrive at Province House and be escorted on a tour of the National Historic Site by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Kathleen Casey and Parks Canada superintendent, Jewel Cunningham. Their Royal Highnesses will take time to sign the official guest book before greeting the public on Great George Street.
Their Royal Highnesses will be greeted by the Founders’ Hall Confederation Players Fathers of Confederation for an official photograph. This will be followed by a short performance by the Confederation Centre of the Arts Youth Chorus. His Royal Highness will deliver remarks to the public at approximately 10:38 a.m.
“This year marks the 160th anniversary of responsible government on Prince Edward Island, so it is quite appropriate that Their Royal Highnesses have chosen to visit our legislature during their first official visit,” said the premier.
From Province House, Their Royal Highnesses will make their way down Great George Street to Confederation Landing where the Confederation Centre Young Company will perform “Canada Is” from its new production, The Talking Stick.
Carrying Their Royal Highnesses down Great George Street will be the state landau – a carriage built in the 1890s for the first Governor General of Australia and then bought in 1911 by the Governor General of Canada, Earl Grey. The landau is now used by the RCMP.
This will be only the second time in its history that the landau has left Ottawa, the first being to Regina in 2005 for Queen Elizabeth II.
Their Royal Highness will enjoy a walkabout at the landing before departing by car at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Following Their Royal Highnesses visit to Charlottetown, they will depart for historic Dalvay By-The-Sea resort. Prince Edward Island’s rural heritage and community spirit will be celebrated.
“The Royal Tour is truly an Island-wide celebration and each region of our province will be recognized during the festivities in Dalvay,” said Premier Ghiz. “Local musicians and artists representing our province’s different cultures and communities will have a special opportunity to perform for Their Royal Highnesses.”
At 11:50 a.m., Their Royal Highnesses will arrive to the Dalvay area. In full Canadian Forces flight suit, His Royal Highness will participate in a training exercise at Dalvay organized by the Department of National Defence. The couple will then participate in a dragon boat race across Dalvay Lake where they will be greeted at the finish line by Prince Edward Island Olympic gold medalist, Heather Moyse. Dragon boat teams will consist of professional dragon boat racers and Prince Edward Island athletes.
Their Royal Highnesses will then take part in a traditional Mi’kmaq smudging ceremony led by Lennox Island First Nation Chief, Darlene Bernard and Abegweit First Nation Chief, Brian Francis.
Prince Edward Island’s Aboriginal, Acadian and Celtic cultures will be celebrated in different performance areas on the Dalvay grounds culminating in a grand finale by the entire group created specifically for Their Royal Highnesses. Performances will begin at 2:25 p.m.
In addition, Prince Edward Island’s famous seafood and other culinary delights will be showcased through the work of chefs from the Culinary Institute of Canada.
Their Royal Highnesses will also be greeted by Anne and Matthew from Anne of Green Gables - The Musical who will perform for the couple.
The Dalvay event will be a celebration of rural Prince Edward Island and recognize the hard work, dedication and commitment of community and volunteer organizations across the province.
“Islanders are known for their generosity and their tireless efforts to give back to their communities,” said the premier. “Volunteers from various community organizations across our One Island Community will be invited to Dalvay in recognition of the countless hours they dedicate to their communities and our province.”
Their Royal Highnesses will depart Dalvay for Summerside at approximately 3:30 p.m.
In Summerside, Their Royal Highnesses will be hosted by the federal minister of Fisheries and Oceans for a coast guard demonstration. Departure from Prince Edward Island will be at the Summerside Airport at approximately 5:30 p.m. Both events are open to the public.
“Prince Edward Island is extremely pleased to host Their Royal Highnesses during their first official tour to Canada,” said Premier Ghiz. “We hope Their Royal Highnesses will have fond memories of our province long after their time here.”
More details will be released at a later time. For the latest information regarding the 2011 Royal Tour to Prince Edward Island, be sure to check the Prince Edward Island Government Facebook page or InfoPEI on Twitter. You can also find information at www.gov.pe.ca/royaltour. You can find more information on the Royal Tour in Canada at www.royaltour.gc.ca.