Judging a Halloween pumpkin competition may not be the most obvious duty for visiting royals to take on, but Queen Silvia of Sweden was clearly happy to get into the spirit of things during her recent official trip to Canada.
Visiting the country for the first time in 18 years with her husband King Carl XVI Gustaf, the German-born royal checked out the carefully crafted Halloween offerings on display in a student contest at Toronto's Massey College.
Pumpkin carving wasn't the only local tradition the royal pair were treated to by their hosts. While ice hockey is Canada's national sport, it's also something of a passion for the king and queen. So a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame was guaranteed to be a hit. And earlier in the week they received their very own piece of sporting memorabilia when they were presented with an autographed puck by Canadian premier and fellow hockey fan Stephen Harper.
No stay in Toronto would be complete without a trip to nearby Niagara Falls, of course. And Queen Silvia wrapped up warm against the autumn chill to take in its magnificent cascades.
It was not all sightseeing for the Scandinavian monarch, however, who also participated in a panel discussion on children's literacy, joining fellow advocates to exchange ideas on children's books, reading and the obstacles facing literacy work.
The four-day Canada visit is something of a whirlwind jaunt for the Scandinavian royals, whose packed itinerary also included stops in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Quebec City.
Photo: Canadian Press
Photo: Canadian Press
