HELLO CANADA
Charlotte and George to go on first Royal tour together
PRINCESS CHARLOTTE is to make her overseas debut alongside her brother Prince George when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tour Canada in a few weeks’ time.
Few details of the State visit have been released, although it is known that they will visit British Columbia and the Yukon.
But sources in Canada have told The Mail on Sunday that a ‘familyfriendly’ programme is currently being co-ordinated between Kensington Palace and the Department of Canadian Heritage.
A source said: ‘We are told the children are coming and the itinerary is being co-ordinated accordingly. There will be a heavy focus on nature, the outdoors and at least one private day factored into the trip.
‘We’re hearing hiking, walking and outdoor pursuits will feature while the family is in British Columbia.’ It is also understood that Prince William would like to take George fishing.
The country’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a father-of-three, will meet the family during the trip. He apparently has been taking a ‘keen interest’ in the official agenda. ‘Our prime minister loves this part of Canada and he’s keen for the Cambridges to see it,’ the source said.
They added: ‘He spent some of his early life in British Columbia, and he and his own family holiday in Tofino. He’s taken a keen interest in the itinerary, which is being finalised at the moment.’
Senior courtiers have already carried out a planning trip in Canada and a source close to the Cambridges revealed that the Duke and Duchess are reluctant to leave George, three, and Charlotte, one, behind when they travel later this year.
They said: ‘They really can’t bear the idea of leaving Charlotte and George at home.’
The Cambridges left Prince George and Princess Charlotte at home earlier this year when they carried out a whirlwind tour of India and Bhutan, but said they had missed their children.
Canada will be welcoming the Duke and Duchess as the country prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary of independence.
The Royal couple were hugely popular when they visited the Commonwealth country weeks after their wedding in 2011.
Kensington Palace said the final itinerary for the tour has not yet been agreed.
A spokesman said: ‘The Duke and Duchess hold very happy memories from their visit in 2011 – their first overseas tour as a married couple.
‘They are really looking forward to seeing other parts of this beautiful country and having the opportunity to meet many more Canadians along the way.’