Torrential wet weather, choppy seas and high winds dampened but didn’t drown today’s historic visit to the Bella Bella community on the east coast of Campbell Island in the remote Central Coast region of British Columbia; home to a small Heiltsuk First Nation community and the Great Bear Rainforest.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had intended to make a picturesque seaplane tour of the rainforest but the atrocious weather prompted hasty reorganisation. The royal couple left Prince George and Princess Charlotte safely tucked up in sunny Victoria as they made the hour-long flight to the traditional territory by private jet touching down after a bumpy flight into driving rain.
Kate wore appropriate wet weather attire to visit first nations Community members.
Taking a leaf out of the Queen’s public occasion books, the couple used see-through bell umbrellas to shelter from the rain which still allowed the public – and media – to see them clearly. After the designer glamour of yesterday’s McQueen dress, Kate dressed down today in her old reliable knee-high Chilvers Boots, the same ones she wore on the last Royal tour to Bhutan earlier this year, a light weight Holland & Holland shooting jacket, black Zara jeans and earrings by UK-based Canadian designer Pippa Small. William took his chances with the weather in suede shoes and no jacket, a blue jumper and shirt and brown trousers.
The downpour seemed to have come as a shock to the royal aides but Prince William joked, the clue was in the name. “It wouldn’t be the rainforest without the rain. It’s authentic. We’re excited to be here. Stunning views,” he said.
The couple swiftly headed to the Bella Bella community centre hall where hereditary priests in multicoloured ceremonial costumes and elaborate headdresses made from animal pelts greeted the couple. A welcoming dance was performed with musicians on drums. Kate and William were particularly entranced where the children of the Heiltsuk community performed, Kate whispering to William, perhaps imagining George in such a display.
Kate and William enjoy an official welcome performance.
Sightseeing aside, the primary reason for the royal visit was to announce the inclusion of the Great Bear Rainforest in the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. This is a new initiative launched in 2015 involving all 53 countries of the Commonwealth to save the wold’s most important natural habitats in the name of Her Majesty.
The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest tracts of intact coastal temperate rainforest in the world, stretching 400km. It is home to numerous species of plants as well as orcas, Grizzly bears and the Kermode bear, also known as the Spirit Bear, a black bear with white fur. It is also home to 26 First Nations communities.
A delighted Kate meets some of the performers.
In his warm and confident speech Prince William thanked the Heiltsuk First Nation community “for so welcoming us to their home.”
He went on: “Her Majesty has asked me to convey her sincere thanks to the Government of British Columbia, and the Federal Government of Canada, for nominating your innovative Ecosystem-Based Management programme in Great Bear to be part of The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy network…This is a substantial dedication which will highlight a more collaborative approach to sustainable forest conservation.
“The Commonwealth has at its heart always been about the values that bind its people. This project, focusing on our shared natural heritage, is no different. The establishment of the Canopy is a loud and unambiguous statement that the citizens of all Commonwealth countries believe that nature is fundamental to the health of our societies. When we protect our rivers, oceans, atmospheres, or like today, our forests, we are telling our children that their future prosperity cannot be disconnected from the health of the natural world.”
“Her Majesty is immensely grateful to you, and the people of Canada, for the leadership you have shown in making this contribution. I have no doubt that other Commonwealth nations will be inspired by what you have achieved here.”
The royals are presented with gifts.
Later the couple will participate in the installation of the final ring on the Black Rod, a ceremonial staff created in 2012 to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and used on formal occasions. The addition of a fourth silver ring is to symbolise the supposed reconciliation of all cultures in British Columbia. While the act is no doubt well meant, there are many in the indigenous community who feel reconciliation is still a long way off.
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