The rain just about held off for Kate and William’s dramatic arrival in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour in the heart of the city on day two of the royal couple’s tour of Canada. The couple left their children in the safe hands of royal nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo back at Victoria’s Government House to visit the harbour city.
It would have been a spectacular flight from Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, 70 miles across the water and a journey the Duke seemed to especially enjoy. “It was very smooth flying,” said a royal aide. “They spent a lot of time looking out of the window and talking to the pilot. The Duke was very interested in the landing and the different conditions they work in. “
The Harbour Air seaplane landed on the water to cheers from a crowd of thousands who had
gathered hours before on an overcast blustery Sunday morning. William stepped out first in a charcoal grey jacket, black tie and black trousers, then Kate disembarked the tiny plane smiling.
The Duchess had been furiously waving through the window as the plane flew in. She was wearing a pretty red and white broderie anglaise Alexander McQueen dress with a tiered skirt stopping above the knee and fitted shirt style bodice teamed with red high heels and matching purse. It was a daring choice for a day involving journeys on a seaplane and later on a hovercraft, but one that paid off, the crowds screaming with delight.
The 30-minute flight on Harbour Air Seaplanes would cost regular people $210 Canadian dollars. A representative from the company wouldn’t comment on whether they had gifted the flight to the royal couple but it’s a fair bet the trip was gratis.
British Columbia Premier Christy Clark, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and representatives of First Nations were standing on the wharf to greet the Duke and Duchess who went up in a glass elevator to meet the local people in a walkabout around the plaza behind the wharf.
Will spoke with one side of the crowd while Kate moved over to the other side where she was greeted with bouquets of flowers. As the skies grew darker the royals finally got into a vehicle and left in a motorcade, to wolf whistles and cries of “Kate! Kate!” from the crowd.
Words: Juilet Rieden in Canada.
Kate and William’s dramatic arrival in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour via seaplane.
Kate was wearing a pretty red and white broderie anglaise Alexander McQueen dress with a tiered skirt.
Prince William and the Duchess are greeted by Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau.
Catherine, Prince William, Justin Trudeau and Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau at the Immigrant Services Society, a charitable organisation that provides targeted programs for refugees, women, children and youth.
Kate meets a little royal fan.
A lovely reception from the Canadian crowd.
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