Disembarking from the Royal Canadian Air Force Jet Sept. 24, wearing a blue Jenny Packham dress, Princess Kate and Prince William with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, were greeted by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau for the start of their eight-day tour of Canada.

As Prince George watched the crowd surrounding his arrival, he seemed to be overwhelmed and shy, but eventually gave the citizens a little wave after encouragement from his father. The prince was mesmerized by the fleet of helicopters and planes landing behind him, as his parents waved to the crowd.  

Later that day, Princess Kate and Prince William made their way to downtown Victoria, as spectators lined the streets to catch a glimpse the royal couple. Prince William mentioned to the fans that the last time the two visited Canada, they had only been married for three months.  

The prince also told the crowd, “The warm welcome that you gave us at that important moment in our lives meant a lot to us – and we have never forgotten it. That is why we are so pleased that George and Charlotte can be with us in Canada this time round, beginning their own lifetime of friendship with this wonderful country.”

The beginning of the Royal Family’s itinerary for the eight-day tour consisted of attending a reception at British Columbia’s Government House, visiting Vancouver, and touring Bella Bella, British Columbia. The family also had planned an aerial float plane tour of the Great Bear rain forest, but had to cancel because of rain.

On Sept. 27, William and Kate flew to Kelowna, in Okanagan Valley, to meet with students from the University of British Columbia and then participated in the “Taste of British Columbia” festival at Mission Hill Winery. There, the couple sampled the best wines and cheeses British Columbia had to offer.

Further into the week, the royals visited Whitehorse, Yukon, where they met with members of the Canadian Rangers, the military branch settled in the northern, coastal, and isolated areas of Canada.

Junior Charles Marone stated, “I’ve been to Canada numerous times and have enjoyed each time my family and I have visited. It’s a great country with so many friendly people. I’m sure the citizens are excited that the Royal Family is visiting Canada, especially with their children for the first time.”

This international visit marks the first royal tour for 16-month-old Princess Charlotte, who has only seen the public a few times, and the second royal tour for the 3-year-old Prince George, who traveled to Australia and New Zealand when he was 9-months old.  

Canada also marked the first royal visit for Prince William and his younger brother, Prince Harry when they were 9 and 7 visiting the country with their parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1991.