Will and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Have Arrived in North America

Prince William and his bride Kate, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived in Canada for their first official trip abroad and their delayed honeymoon by stepping off a Canadian military plane at Ottawa's international airport. They received an official welcome at Government House where a 21-gun salute was fired, followed by Canada's national anthem played by the ceremonial guard. July 1st would have been the 50th birthday of William's mother, Princess Diana, and is also Canada Day in the country they are visiting. The country's birthday celebration included a concert and a speech by the prince, who switched between English and Canada's official language of French. William promised that his French would improve as they continued on with their trip.

Ottawa is the first stop on their 12 day tour, followed by Montreal, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Alberta and Calgary, as well as the Northwest Territories, before they head for the United States where they will make a stop in Los Angeles. They will arrive in Hollywood on Friday, July 8 and will spend 3 days attending various charity events. Prince William will play in a charity polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo Club to benefit the American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Henry. That evening, a black-tie affair will be held by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, featuring up and coming British talent.

This is Kate's first visit to North America altough Prince William visited Canada and the United States with his mother and his brother Harry when William was 15 years old. During the visit, William, a helicopter pilot, will take part in a water landing demonstration, and the couple will also open the world-renowned Calgary Stampede.

Canada's ties to the monarchy are not popular with all its citizens, particularly hardline separatists in Quebec. Some anti-royal protests are expected by small groups planning demonstrations in Quebec City and Montreal. Ordinarily, most Canadians are indifferent to the monarchy even though Queen Elizabeth II is Canada's titular head of state, is portrayed on their coins and stamps, and has visited the country 22 times as head of state. A recent poll released on the eve of William and Kate's visit showed that one-third of Canadians want to cut ties with the British monarchy. Nevertheless, those on the other side of the Canadian-U.S. border are waiting with anticipation the royal visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Sources:

The Buffalo News, 6-29-2011 and 6-30-2011

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43591534

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/prince-william-kate-middleton-north-american-trip-guide/story?id=1394818