A visit to the oldest continuously operating farmers market in North America, a showcase of programs and services for military families and a celebration of history from the heart of Scottish migration to the province are some of the highlights the Royal Couple will enjoy as they begin their tour to Canada in Nova Scotia on May 18 and 19.
The official itinerary for the 2014 Tour of Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall was released today, April 25.
“Nova Scotia is proud to be the first stop for the Royal Couple and we’re looking forward to sharing our vibrant history and culture with them,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Victoria Day weekend is a time to celebrate with family and friends and there will be plenty of opportunity to share what makes our province so unique. Not only will our shared heritage be front and centre during the tour, so will the traditions that keep our communities strong.”
Their Royal Highnesses will arrive at Halifax Stanfield International Airport at 6:35 p.m. on Sunday, May 18.
Governor General David Johnston, Premier Stephen McNeil and other dignitaries will officially welcome the Royal Couple to Canada at 10 a.m., Monday, May 19, at Grand Parade with a 21-gun-salute, a guard of honour from the Canadian Armed Forces, and a band and choral performance.
After formal remarks from the official party and The Prince of Wales, the couple will lay a wreath at the cenotaph and sign guest books before proceeding on a walk-about.
“I encourage as many Nova Scotians as possible to come out and help us give a warm welcome to Their Royal Highnesses,” said Premier McNeil. “It will be a great day to be in Halifax and to celebrate what it means to be Canadian.”
A visit to the Halifax and Region Military Family Resource Centre at CFB Halifax will include a Victoria Day Military Family Festival that spotlights the programs and services offered by the centre.
“Canadian Forces families are the strength behind the uniform and make sacrifices on behalf of our country,” said Colleen Calvert, executive director. “We are thrilled to be part of the Royal Tour, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase military family programs and services and to recognize some Canadian Forces members and their families here in Nova Scotia.”
The Prince of Wales will tour the Halifax Public Gardens, where he will learn about efforts to preserve its unique history through agricultural displays and the restoration of the Jubilee Fountain. A tree will be planted adjacent to an oak tree planted by His Royal Highness’s grandfather King George VI in 1939.
The Duchess of Cornwall will visit privately with families who have benefitted from the services of Alice Housing at Northbrook Community Centre in Dartmouth, and then tour the site and take in a community barbecue.
“We are honoured and excited to share our stories,” said Alice Housing executive director Alicia Nolan. “It means a lot to the families that we serve that Her Royal Highness cares to hear about their challenges and successes. We are thrilled to meet her and, in turn, have attention focused on Alice Housing and the work we do.”
A visit to the waterfront will cap the day’s activities in Halifax. The Prince of Wales will tour the Halifax Seaport Farmers Market and meet with market vendors, a youth farmer and young entrepreneurs. He will be joined by the Duchess of Cornwall to enjoy performances by local musical artists and meet with urban farming groups, including Hope Blooms.
The Royal Couple will visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, and join in a tea with war brides and Second World War veterans. From the museum, they will proceed to Halifax Stanfield International Airport to travel to Pictou County.
The tour to Nova Scotia will conclude with a celebration at the Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou, hosted by the Canadian government. The Ship Hector will form the backdrop for musical performances, a tour of the museum, which commemorates Scottish immigration to Nova Scotia, and a plaque unveiling.
“The visit by the Royal Couple is an amazing opportunity for the Town of Pictou and all of Pictou County. We have a unique chance to showcase our Scottish culture and heritage, our music and talent,” said Darlene MacDonald, secretary of the Hector Heritage Quay Society.
After the events in Pictou, the Royal Couple will leave for Prince Edward Island and then on to Manitoba where they will wrap up their tour on May 21.
For information about the entire Canadian tour, visit http://canadiancrown.gc.ca/ .
Source: Release