The Star Malaysia

Royal tour

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Prince George holding on to his father Prince William as his mother Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge – who is carrying Princess Charlotte – speaks to him on their arrival at the Victoria Internatio­nal Airport in British Columbia for the start of an eightday tour of Canada.

VICTORIA (British Columbia): Little Princess Charlotte, Prince George and their parents, Prince William and Kate, arrived in Canada on Saturday for their first official trip overseas as a family of four.

Charlotte nibbled on her finger while being held by Kate as they were greeted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife.

A shy George hid behind his dad while holding his hand and looked for his mother who crouched down to comfort him. George later waved for the cameras but looked a little overwhelme­d after a long flight.

The eight-day trip marks the first overseas jaunt for one-year-old Charlotte. Her brother, three-yearold George, has visited Australia and New Zealand on an official tour.

The public will only see the children once at their departure on Oct 1 and the media will only see the kids a few times during an eightday visit.

The airport welcoming ceremony was closed to the public.

On their first official trip as newlyweds in 2011, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge won raucous cheers and endeared themselves to Canadian crowds.

On this visit the royals will visit British Columbia and the Yukon.

The kids did not attend the official welcoming ceremony where several thousand people greeted the royal couple at British Columbia’s ornate government buildings in the provincial capital of Victoria.

“When we were here last time we were married only three months. The warm welcome that you gave us at that important part of our lives meant a lot to us and we’ve never forgotten it,” William told the crowd.

“That is why we are so pleased that George and Charlotte can be with us in Canada this time around, beginning their lifetime of friendship with this wonderful country.”

The 44-year-old Trudeau, who also received loud cheers, joked that getting the kids back on the plane could be a challenge after they see Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast.

“I know you’ve visited Canada before. But as any parent who has travelled with children knows, it’s a different experience when you bring your whole family with you,” Trudeau said.

“I want to commend you – and thank you – for introducin­g our part of the world to Prince George and Princess Charlotte.”

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 ??  ?? Royal visit: (From left) William, George, Catherine and Charlotte arriving at Victoria Airport in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. — EPA
Royal visit: (From left) William, George, Catherine and Charlotte arriving at Victoria Airport in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. — EPA

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