A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY FOR CHARLES BACK IN TIME AS THE ROYAL COUPLE PAYS A VISIT TO NUNAVUT .
IQALUIT, NUNAVUT • Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall returned to where it all began Thursday as they touched down in Iqaluit to kick off yet another royal visit — culminating this weekend with Canada 150 festivities on Parliament Hill.
Charles acknowledged the sentimental nature of his being back in Canada’s Far North, which played a key role in his first visit to Canada as prince back in 1970.
“Arriving here t oday brings back the happiest of memories chiefly because this is where I began my first visit to this great country almost 50 years ago,” he said, after gamely attempting a traditional Inuit greeting.
“I have never forgotten the warmth of the welcome from the Inuit people, which made me feel instantly at home, as indeed I have with all Canadians on my subsequent visits.”
A military honour guard that included the Canadian Rangers was on hand for greetings. So too was a phalanx of dignitaries, including Gov. Gen. David Johnston, Nunavut Commissioner Nellie Kusugak and Premier Peter Taptuna.
The prince said he hopes the celebration of Confederation’s 150th anniversary will encourage all Canadians to look forward with hope and inspiration. “I pray that the celebration of 150 years of Confederation will encourage all Canadians not just to look back with pride, but also to look forward with hope and inspiration.”
As part of his 18th visit to Canada, the prince met with groups focused on the promotion and preservation of the Inuit language including Pirurvik, a non- government centre that bears a name meaning “place of growth.”
On Friday, Charles and Camilla travel to Canadian Forces Base Trenton. The pair will also visit a farmer’s market in Prince Edward County before flying to Ottawa, where they will spend Canada Day.