Gwen Wally was moved to tears when first the Duke, then the Duchess spontaneously hugged the First Nations elder half way up a Montana Mountain in remote Yukon today.
Gwen was part of a small group showing the royal couple a youth mountain biking facility.
As William approached to speak to her she proclaimed: “That’s my man. I’ve loved you since you were born. This is the top of my bucket list.” After a short chat Gwen, 48, steeled herself and asked the Duke “Can I please have a hug? He said “sure'” and gave Gwen a wonderful bear hug.
When Gwen asked the Duchess, she replied: “I would love to,” and Gwen received a hug from Kate too.
“It was unbelievable” a teary Gwen told The Weekly afterwards. “I can’t explain how exciting that was. I don’t know if I’ll ever wash up today.
“I told Kate that I had made slippers for George and Charlotte but I couldn’t give them to them because of protocol. But now I’m going to send them to them in the mail.”
Kate told Gwen: “I’ll be watching for them.” Gwen hoped her daughter Roberta, 23, may have a chance in the long line of ladies hoping to marry Prince Harry and after this incredible meeting, she reckons she’s closer to her dream.
Kate had changed out of her designer Carolina Herrera coat worn in the morning for jeans and a long cardigan designed by Canadian designer Sentaler and brown suede cowboy boots for her visit to the mountains, which began with a colourful welcome in Carcross by First Nations dancers before the couple drove up the mountain to see the kids’ mountain bike display.
The organisers had clearly hoped the royal duo would do some cycling themselves, with two mountain bikes all prepped and ready, but sadly they didn’t climb aboard.
Words: Juliet Rieden in Canada
Royal fan Gwen Wally was moved to tears when Prince William gave her a bear hug.
Kate also greeted the woman with a hug and warm smiles.
Kate and William receive a cultural welcome by the First Nation people during their Royal Tour of Canada.
The royals talk to locals about mountain bikes on Montana mountain near Carcross.
Watching the children play.
Kate and William share a giggle with some local riders.
Meeting some of the First Nation people.
Some children dance for the royals to welcome them.
The Duke and Duchess look at the ‘White Press’ steam train during there visit to Carcross Commons.
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