Adorable Princess Charlotte arrives in Canada with family for eight-day royal tour – and still gives cheeky wave to crowds despite grazed knee
Kate wore the Queen's diamond maple leaf brooch, the Canadian national symbol
PRINCESS Charlotte stole the show with a cheeky wave on her first official Royal tour – although the toddler appeared to have recently taken a tumble, with a small graze visible on her right knee as the family touched down in Canada last night.
Mum Kate carried the 16-month-old tot down the steps of a Canadian Government Airbus 310 as they landed in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.
Dad William held three-year-old son George’s hand as Kate bent down to make sure he was OK.
George appeared a little hesitant as he walked down the steps from the plane and despite holding on to his father’s hand he reached out for his mother’s dress and she quickly took his hand.
At one point William told his son to “watch the step” as they made their way slowly down.
The future king was dressed in a jumper, shirt and shorts – similar to the outfit he wore when he was taken by William to see his sister soon after she was born – while Charlotte wore a floral dress and clip in her hair.
Kate, in a stylish blue Jenny Packham dress, also ensured the Canadians would warm to her by wearing a diamond brooch of the Queen’s, bearing a maple leaf — the country’s national symbol.
It’s the first time the Cambridges have been seen together as a family as they started an eight-day visit to the country.
And although cute Charlotte can now walk, Kate, 34, held her safely in her arms for a family photo.
She carried her daughter, who wore a blue floral dress and matching shoes, down the steps before bending down to make sure George was happy.
George, in a blue jumper and dark blue corduroy shorts, held dad Wills‘ hand tightly as he walked down the plane steps.
He sweetly grabbed his mum’s hand for help and waved to waiting photographers on the Tarmac.
George’s outfit was a combination from Fulham-based Pepa & Co, comprising a £42 blue knitted sweater with wooden buttons, a £39 blue and beige plaid shirt and £38 navy shorts.
William and Kate returned to the Commonwealth country they last visited a few months after their 2011 wedding bringing their family – three-year-old Prince George and his sister Princess Charlotte, 16 months.
All eyes were on the young prince and princess who are rarely seen in public together and likely to steal the limelight away from their parents.
The tour is Charlotte’s first official royal visit, but George travelled to Australia and New Zealand with his parents in 2014 when he was nine months old.
The Duke of Cambridge said his children were beginning their own “lifetime of friendship” with Canada as Prince George took his first tentative steps in the country.
The family of four were beginning a highly anticipated eight-day visit to the Commonwealth country which is a homecoming for the royals as Britain’s monarch is also Queen of Canada.
During a ceremonial welcome in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, the Duke told a crowd of thousands gathered outside the imposing Legislative Assembly of British Columbia: “Catherine and I are delighted to be back in Canada. When we were here last time, we had been married only three months.
“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.”
Kate looked glamorous in a blue Jenny Packham dress, Lock & Co hat and the Queen’s diamond maple leaf brooch.
The Cambridges were welcomed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his glamorous wife Sophie.
Mrs Trudeau looked stylish in a purple outfit and a trilby-style hat worn at jaunty angle and in the fashion stakes held her own with Kate.
Also waiting to meet the Cambridges and their family was David Johnston, Canada’s governor general – the Queen’s representative in the country – and his wife Sharon, and the premier of British Columbia, Christy Clark, and her son Hamish Marissen-Clark.
As William chatted to Mr Trudeau, Kate tended to a somewhat shy George, asking “Are you OK?” as she crouched down to hold his hand before lovingly stroking his hair and cheeks.
Despite appearing a little unsure of his surroundings the young prince still shook some of the dignitaries’ hands when he met the leading figures from Canada’s national life.
They are staying at Victoria’s Government House where no expense has been spared for the royal children.
Officials have organised a special nursery, built a sandpit in the garden and prepared the kids’ favourite food such as George’s fave spaghetti bolognese.
A spokesman for Kensington Palace said the couple were “delighted to have the opportunity to introduce their children to Canada”.
But there are only three occasions, currently, when they’ll be seen.
Yesterday’s brief appearance on arrival, a children’s tea party on Thursday and when they leave Victoria next Saturday.
Former teacher-turned politician Mr Trudeau was one of many leading figures who marked Charlotte’s first birthday on May 2 by sending her a birthday gift – a snowsuit and a book, as well as making a $100,000 (£54,000) donation to Immunise Canada on her behalf.
William and Kate are being supported by a 12-strong entourage – three private secretaries, a communications team of four, tour secretary, operations manager, personal assistant, and – paid for privately – a hairdresser and nanny.
Highlights of the trip to Canada’s east coast will see William and Kate experience the stunning natural world of the province of British Columbia and the territory of Yukon, where they will go fishing, sightseeing and meet First Nations communities.
As a contrast they will also learn how the country is dealing with social problems like mental health issues, the refugee fallout from the Syrian conflict and drug and alcohol addiction among mothers, during visits to organisations and projects.
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