In a spot of perfect timing, the Duke and Duchess’ tour of North America will see them spend the July 1 Canada Day holiday in the Commonwealth nation. More precisely, the newlyweds will join the lively festivities on Ottawa’s Parliament Hill (pictured on Canada Day during the Queen's official visit last year), during what is to be their first official overseas trip together.
And it is expected to be one of the biggest Canada Day celebrations in history, thanks to the royal couple's presence.Prime Minister Stephen Harper, his wife Laureen and their children Ben and Rachel are scheduled to arrive around noon. A few minutes later, William and Catherine will arrive in a landau with a Mountie escort, accompanied by Governor General David Johnston and his wife Sharon. The royals will then watch an hour-long ceremony in their honour, which will commence at 12.07 p.m and consist of a 21-gun salute, a fighter-jet flyover and renditions of O Canada and God Save the Queen. Performances from Sam Roberts, Great Big Sea and Maria Aragon – a ten-year-old who recently performed a duet with Lady Gaga – will also be included. Prince William will then take to the stage to deliver a brief speech, before being given a tour of parliament with Kate. During their nine-day tour, the pair will visit several cities across the bilingual nation, including Montreal, Quebec City, Prince Edward Island (pictured below), Yellowknife and Calgary.
Their visit to Calgary will coincide with the opening of the Calgary Stampede. At the event, which bills itself as 'The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth', the couple will have the chance to see bucking broncos, wagon racing and generally soak up the festival atmosphere. On Friday, July 8, they are set to arrive in California for the last leg of their North American journey. Also on the schedule is a brief visit to Hollywood as part of a three-day visit to the "Sunshine State".
William and Kate Royal Tour of Canada and US 2011
- 30 June - 2 July - The National Capital Region (Ottawa, Ontario, Gatineau)
- 2 July - Montreal, Quebec
- 3 July - Quebec City, Quebec
- 3-4 July - Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- 4 July - Summerside, Prince Edward Island
- 4-6 July - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
- 6-8 July - Calgary, Alberta
- 8-10 July - California