In Canada for a six-day visit, Prince Charles spoke on Wednesday night at a banquet in his honour held at the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien was on hand to both applaud Charles and announce a new scheme called “The Prince of Wales Community Leadership Scholarships” for students involved in volunteer work.
The Prince addressed those gathered, including a group of philanthropic youth, praising their efforts with the words: “What would we do without so many marvellous volunteers?”
But before the Prince could even step off the plane at Ottawa’s international airport, he was asked to wipe his feet on a blue rug soaked in disinfectant to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth. “He was very willing to do it and understanding, since he’s involved in farming in the UK,” said Canadian Agriculture Minister Lyle Vanclief.
Charles later visited a group of 1,000 school children who were given the afternoon off to meet the British royal. With Union Jacks in hand and painted signs saying “Welcome Back Your Royal Highness”, the youngsters gathered along the Sparks Mall pedestrian shopping centre to greet him on his way to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where one child was overheard saying cheerfully, “Bye Charlie”.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
