2022 Royal Tour of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall

Administrative arrival to Canada

Their Royal Highnesses arrived in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2022 Royal Tour to Canada and were greeted by dignitaries.

Official Welcome Ceremony to Canada at Confederation Building

Their Royal Highnesses were officially welcomed to Canada and to Newfoundland and Labrador in the presence of Indigenous leaders at Confederation Building, which houses the Legislative Assembly of the province.

The public ceremony featured military honours including the breaking of the personal flag of His Royal Highness for use in Canada and an inspection of the guard of honour. It also featured a prayer in Inuktitut and Mi’kmaw music, as well as lively performances showcasing the province’s rich tradition of song and story. The event also included official addresses by dignitaries and His Royal Highness. Additionally, Their Royal Highnesses signed the Government of Canada Golden Book and the Newfoundland and Labrador Guestbook.

Visit to Government House

Their Royal Highnesses visited Government House, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, Her Honour The Honourable Judy M. Foote, to participate in various events.

Their Royal Highnesses first took part in a solemn moment of reflection and prayer at the Heart Garden with Indigenous Leaders and community members in the spirit of Reconciliation. Heart Gardens are in memory of all Indigenous children who were lost to the residential school system, in recognition of those who survived, and the families of both.

His Royal Highness then met with representatives of Campaign for Wool Canada, launched in Canada during Their Royal Highnesses’ 2014 Royal Tour, and engage with a knitting circle of longtime NONIA knitters, a century-old non-profit organization with historical ties to Government House, to discuss Canada’s wool industry through Newfoundland and Labrador artistry.

Joined by community members, Their Royal Highnesses unveiled a bronze marker at the start of the new Commonwealth Walkway on the grounds of Government House, a Platinum Jubilee commemorative project.

Visit to Quidi Vidi Village

Their Royal Highnesses wrapped up their first day in Canada at the picturesque Quidi Vidi Village, a fishing village located in the east end of St. John’s.

They visited the Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios, an arts-based business incubator which assists emerging craftspeople and provides guidance in turning their handmade products into a sustainable business. There they met with talented makers and participated in a collective work of rug-hooking, a traditional craft of Atlantic Canada which reuses old clothing and textile.

During a walkabout of The Wharf, Their Royal Highnesses had a chance to enjoy local entertainment and to stop and chat with local vendors and members of the community.

Finally, they visited Quidi Vidi Brewery, a local microbrewery that brews, among other styles, a unique beer made from 20,000-year-old water harvested from icebergs which migrate seasonally to Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition to learning about this unique brewing process, Their Royal Highnesses met with representatives of Newfoundland and Labrador’s emerging culinary and food scene.

Farewells and administrative departure from Newfoundland and Labrador

Their Royal Highnesses departed St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador for Ottawa, Ontario.

Administrative arrival in Canada’s Capital Region

Their Royal Highnesses arrived in Ottawa, Ontario and were welcomed by dignitaries.

Order of Military Merit Investiture Ceremony

His Royal Highness was invested as an Extraordinary Commander of the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General of Canada, accompanied by the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff. This ceremony at Rideau Hall also marked the 50th anniversary of the Order of Military Merit, created in 1972 to recognize distinctive merit and exceptional service by the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.

National War Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony

To honour Canadian veterans and active service members, Their Royal Highnesses participated in a ceremony at the National War Memorial which included a bugle performance of the Last Post followed by one minute of silence and the Rouse; a piper playing the Lament; and the laying of a wreath and bouquet by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

Meeting with the Ukrainian community at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Ottawa

Their Royal Highnesses met with members and organizations from the Canadian Ukrainian community to learn about their stories and Canada’s efforts to support the people of Ukraine. Their Royal Highnesses took part in a traditional prayer service, learned about Ukrainian culture and spoke with representatives from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

Visit of Assumption Elementary School in Vanier

Their Royal Highnesses visited Assumption Elementary School to engage with children, parents and teachers. Her Royal Highness spoke with students about their favourite books with a focus on the importance of literacy. His Royal Highness engaged with parents of students, many of whom were new arrivals to Canada. His Royal Highness also spoke with organizations that provide support services to newcomers in both official languages.

Visit of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride

Their Royal Highnesses visited the home of the world-famous RCMP Musical Ride to meet the riders, walk through the stables and watch a special performance of the Ride. His Royal Highness was appointed Honorary Commissioner of the RCMP in 2012.

30 Birds Foundation Meeting

His Royal Highness met with young women who have settled in Canada after fleeing the conflict in Afghanistan, as well as representatives of the 30 Birds Foundation program that aided their resettlement.

Discussion on employment and sustainability with Prince's Trust Canada program participants

Prince’s Trust Canada highlighted its skill development and employment programs which support veterans and young people to explore, prepare for and gain access to purposeful green jobs for a sustainable world. His Royal Highness met program participants including veterans who started their own businesses, young people who overcame barriers to secure employment, and partners who make the impact possible.

Bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada

His Royal Highness met with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, at Rideau Hall.

Discussion on sustainable finance in combating climate change and building a net-zero economy

His Royal Highness had a dialogue with Canadian stakeholders on the importance of sustainable finance in combating climate change and building a net-zero economy. The dialogue took stock of progress to date and exchanged views on opportunities to grow sustainable finance in Canada and internationally.

Bilateral meeting with the Governor General of Canada

His Royal Highness met with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, at Rideau Hall.

Platinum Jubilee reception at Rideau Hall

Their Royal Highnesses attended a special evening reception at Rideau Hall, hosted by the Governor General of Canada, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II and bring together Canadians from various backgrounds who, like The Queen, dedicated their lives to serving their communities.

Farewells and administrative departure from Canada’s Capital Region

Their Royal Highnesses were bid farewell by dignitaries before departing Ottawa, Ontario, for Yellowknife and Dettah, Northwest Territories.

Administrative arrival in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Their Royal Highnesses arrived in Yellowknife for their last day of the 2022 Royal Tour and were welcomed by dignitaries.

Visit to Yellowknives Dene First Nation Community in Dettah

Their Royal Highnesses visited Dettah, a thriving Dene First Nation community, located 25 km from Yellowknife, to take part in various community events and experience local culture and traditions. This included a welcome from Indigenous leaders from across the Northwest Territories, an opening prayer, a demonstration of hand games, a drum dance and a feeding the fire ceremony.

His Royal Highness also participated in a discussion with local Chiefs and Elders, while Her Royal Highness visited Kaw Tay Whee School to learn about the school’s culturally responsive programming and its efforts to preserve their language.

Celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Canadian Rangers

At Fred Henne Territorial Park, His Royal Highness met with members of the Canadian Rangers to mark the organization’s 75th anniversary, witness demonstrations and be appointed an Honorary Canadian Ranger.

Visit to a transitional housing centre

Her Royal Highness visited a YWCA transitional housing centre for women and their children that offers a stable, safe and affordable place to call home.

Discussion with climate change experts at Dettah Ice Road

During a walk next to the Dettah Ice Road, His Royal Highness met with local experts to discuss the impact of climate change in the Northwest Territories and the importance of Indigenous-led initiatives to address these challenges.

Visit of the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

At the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, His Royal Highness met with local food producers exploring innovative ways to face environmental challenges in the food production sector in Northern Canada to discuss entrepreneurship in the context of the pandemic.

His Royal Highness also took part in a discussion on Treaty 11, its history and its legacy in the Northwest Territories, as well as observed a demonstration of traditional Inuit sports. Her Royal Highness learned about traditional crafts from local Indigenous artisans.

Celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee at the Ceremonial Circle

Their Royal Highnesses proceeded to the Ceremonial Circle for a Celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, which included a raising of the Canadian Platinum Jubilee flag, a presentation of various plants and flowers – and their symbolism – that will be included in the Northwest Territories’ Platinum Jubilee Garden, and the unveiling of a plaque.

Official Departure from Canada

Their Royal Highnesses were bid farewell by dignitaries. They were honoured with a departure guard.