Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Nova Scotia, Canada on Sunday for the start of their four-day royal tour. It was previously feared that the visit abroad would be called off following the death of Camilla's brother Mark Shand last month, however the Duchess put on a brave face as she arrived alongside her husband at Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Smiling widely, the 66-year-old royal cut an elegant figure as she stepped off the Canadian Forces Airbus plane wearing a cream dress and pale grey Fiona Clare tweed coat. The Duchess accessorised with twin flower brooches and a black clutch bag that was given to her by a Canadian friend when she last visited the country.
Prince Charles and Camilla landed in Canada on Sunday
Charles and Camilla were greeted by a host of dignitaries and the waiting press, and were given a particularly warm welcome by two young girls. The Duchess was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Molly Jane Lenihan, nine, and her three-year-old sister Grace Elizabeth.
SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEOThe endearing youngsters had worn matching purple dresses for the special occasion. With a busy schedule ahead of them consisting of 41 engagements, Charles and Camilla headed straight to their first appointment - a meeting with governor general David Johnston at Government House, Halifax.
Prince Charles and Camilla were greeted by two young girls
While at Government House the Prince of Wales, whose mother the Queen is still Canada's head of state, was appointed to the Privy Council. The swearing-in would have held a special place in Charles' heart as it came 57 years after his father Prince Philip was given the same honour. Charles and Camilla posed for official photographs with the governor general and his wife Sharon - with the heir-to-the-throne commenting: "This is like musical chairs," when he was asked to stand in a different place. "You will accuse us of cruel and unusual punishment," joked the Canadian politician in response.
Just like his father, Prince Charles was sworn in to the Queen's Privy Council
The royal couple will travel across three provinces in four days, starting with an official welcome on Monday morning local time. The event will fall on Victoria Day — the country's national holiday to mark Queen Victoria's birthday. Charles and Camilla will watch military personnel take part in the Grand Parade, after which the Prince will deliver a speech and lay a wreath at a cenotaph outside Halifax City Hall, in memory of those who died in WWI. This is Charles' 17th official visit to Canada and the third time that the royal couple have travelled to the country together.