Smooth sailing on royals' first official family tour
PRINCE William and Kate have expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome they received from Canadians as the British royals wrapped up an eight-day tour with their two young children.
Prince William said the trip was memorable because they brought Prince George, 3, and Princess Charlotte, 16 months, with them for their first official trip abroad as a family of four.
“We feel very lucky to have been able to introduce George and Charlotte to Canada,” William said in a statement.
“This country will play a big part in the lives of our children and we have created such happy memories for our family during this visit.”
George, wearing red shorts and a blue jumper with kneehigh blue socks, enthusiastically waved to the crowd with both hands just before the British royals boarded a sea plane at the departure ceremony.
The departure ceremony on Saturday offered the only chance for public crowds to see George and Charlotte on the trip.
William and Kate’s last stop was on board the tall ship Pacific Grace, operated by the Sail and Life Training Society, a charity that teaches young people aged 13 to 25 to sail.
Aboard the ship were youth involved in programs run by Jack.org, a charity that supports student leadership in promoting mental health.