Sunday, July 31, 2011

The Royal Report for Sunday July 31, 2011 - Can Sarah Ferguson rehabilitate her image?

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York is much maligned in the media for her actions. With last year's cash for access scandal, it seems that she had hit an all-time low. Now that she has a new docu-series and book called 'Finding Sarah' will this help to rehabilitate her public image or contribute to its further decline?

Listen to the episode here: Can Sarah Ferguson rehabilitate her public image?

Publications mentioned

Hello! Canada Weekly No 225 25 July 2011

Hello! Canada Weekly No 226 8 August 2011

Vanity Fair - The Trouble With Andrew by Edward Klein

From My Royal Collection

Finding Sarah: A Duchess's Journey to Find Herself

My Story by Sarah, Duchess of York

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report for Sunday August 7, 2011 at 9:00PM EST (North America).

Topic to be determined

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

William and Catherine, Come Back!

It's been 11 days since I've seen a photograph of William and Catherine in the news. Once they boarded that British Airways plane with no in-flight entertainment, they were gone.  True they have promised to return to Canada, but when? What on earth are we supposed to do until then? Surely we can't survive on mere pregnancy rumors and eating disorder concerns?

Sure I've read stories about them. The ho-hum Diana comparisons. Kate's old car is for sale on eBay. But no physical sightings. They reportedly went to the movies recently and moved into Kensington Palace. I know they're busy, but couldn't they at least step-out to pick out some paint colors?

If I'd only known that it would be the last time I would see them for a while, I would have appreciated it more. I wouldn't have gotten so frustrated with the incessant coverage about Kate's hair. Now that they're gone all I have is the Maclean's Commemorative Edition - The Royal Tour of Canada Souvenir Issue to remember the good times.

I try to remain stoic but every day is a challenge. Progressing through the stages of royal tour withdrawal, I'm currently at Stage 5 - guilt and regret. If only we'd been more welcoming on Canada Day. Maybe there was too little fiddle music at the concert? Why did they have to leave? Was it something we said? However, all hope is not lost. William did say they would return, didn't he? He promised they would. When in doubt, save a copy of the news footage as evidence.

I guess there's nothing left to do other than to face reality. It's a depressing prospect given the lack of exciting royal news. Maybe in the interim someone will abdicate, an illegitimate child will surface or Prince Charles will demand Camilla become queen.

Fingers crossed.

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Day Seven - William & Catherine's Royal Tour of Canada - Slave Lake, Alberta

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tour the town of Slave Lake
Source: British Monarchy Flickr
In a brief, unscheduled stop on their royal tour, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge departed the North West Territories for a stop in Slave Lake, Alberta.

The town, about 280 kilometres north of Edmonton, had been devastated by wildfire on May 15th. The fire destroyed 40% of the town of Slave Lake, making it the second most expensive insured disaster in Canadian history. Damage is estimated at $700 million.

7,000 residents were evacuated with little more than the clothes on their backs. William and Catherine's visit not only boosted morale for the town but highlighted the devastation, bringing the rebuilding efforts of the community back into the public eye.

The Duchess of Cambridge meets victims and emergency workers in Slave Lake
Source: British Monarchy Flickr
The couple toured the devastation, meeting privately with dignitaries, rescue workers and affected citizens. Outside William and Catherine went on an informal walkabout, delighting those who had been waiting, before departing on the last stop of their tour in Calgary, Alberta.

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Day Six - William and Catherine's Royal Tour of Canada - Yellowknife, North West Territories

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sign the visitors book as they attend a session of Youth Parliament at the Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife, Canada
Source: British Monarchy Flickr
On Day Six of their royal tour, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Yellowknife, North West Territories. The last royal visit was in  August 1994, when the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Yellowknife, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit. They had previously visited in 1959 and 1970. Prince Charles visited in 1979 and Prince Andrew and  his then wife Sarah Ferguson, came in 1987.


During the official welcoming ceremony at Somba K’e Civic Plaza, the couple were treated to a song of welcome by Native Canadian drummers performed by the Dene, traditional Aboriginal hand games and “high kick,” an Arctic sport. On this stop William made a memorable, brief quadrilingual speech in English and French, adding his thanks in the languages of the Dene and the north coast of Inuvialuit.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge play street hockey with local residents during a visit to the Somba K'e Civic Plaza in Yellowknife, Canada
Source: British Monarchy Flickr
After watching a brief game of street hockey, William tried his hand but failed at three shoot-out attempts. Catherine, who excelled at sports in school, demurred in participating in a shoot-out and instead dropped the ball in a face-off. She was wearing a wearing a cream linen three-quarter dress by Malene Birger with shoes by L.K. Bennett. They were presented with Canadian Olympic hockey jerseys with CAMBRIDGE on the back, Catherine's sporting the #1 and William with #2.

In the afternoon they joined a Session of Youth Parliament at the Legislative Assembly, learning about the challenges Aboriginal youth face, specifically in keeping young people in school. Later in the day the couple took a 30-minute float plane ride to Blachford Lake. They met members of the Canadian Rangers, the country's volunteer northern home guard. Catherine was named an honorary member of the Rangers. William had previously been named an honorary member, along with his brother Harry, in 2009. The couple posed in Rangers' red sweatshirts for a group photo. William was given a handcrafted patrol knife. Earlier he had received platinum cuff links and Catherine was given a polar bear diamond brooch made from diamonds mined in the territory.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet local residents during a visit to Blachford Lake near Yellowknife, Canada
Source: British Monarchy Flickr
The couple then toured the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning, a program combining traditional Aboriginal learning into a university accredited program. Here they learned about  moose-hide tanning and fish-drying.

At the end of the day, an elder guided them by canoe to uninhabited Eagle Island on Blachford Lake, where they dined on a specially prepared meal of local cranberries, Bannock bread, caribou and white fish. No doubt enjoying a peaceful, brief respite from the whirlwind tour.

Sources: Indian Country, CBC, Newstabulous

© Marilyn Braun 2011 Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

The Royal Report for Sunday July 17, 2011 - Is Catherine Cambridge a style icon?

Since the announcement of her engagement, everything that Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge has worn has set trends and sold out. But is this just media hype or a sign that she's a style icon?

Listen to the episode to find out: Is Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge a style icon?

Publications discussed

People Cover story: 'Will & Kate Conquer America' July 25, 2011

Maclean's Cover story: 'Will & Kate's Canadian Honeymoon' July 18, 2011

Hello! Canada Weekly No 224 18 July 2011

From My Royal Collection

Kate Style: Chic and Classic Look

Diana Style: Foreword by Manolo Blahnik

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday July 31, 2011 at 9:00PM ET (North America)

The topic will be: Can Sarah Ferguson rehabilitate her public image?

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Friday, July 15, 2011

Once upon a time...Catherine Cambridge had privacy

Once upon a time..

Not long ago, a woman married a prince and became a princess err a duchess (though princess Catherine is acceptable). Some still did not know what to call the royal formerly known as Kate Middleton, so to some media outlets she remains Kate Middleton until something else catches on.

Prior to her spectacular wedding, Kate Middleton toiled away for many years, waiting for her prince to decide when the best time was to propose to her. During these years she was criticized for many things, thus developing a thick skin that would serve her well later on.

And so it came to be that her prince decided to propose. Presenting her with his iconic mother's engagement ring, thus guaranteeing no escape from her memory. This made almost everyone happy - photographers, dress designers, souvenir makers and wedding preparations began in earnest. In time we came to know about the cake, the music, who was invited and who had been snubbed. One thing Kate kept to herself was the wedding dress designer. We would have to wait until the wedding day. Like children impatient for Christmas, we speculated and wondered.

Occasionally Kate would appear in public so like Hungarian/Italian/Jewish/Portuguese mothers we could comment on how thin she looked. This concern was overshadowed by how stylish she appeared; her fashion choices flying off the shelves.  As long as she looked good is all that mattered. Or so it seemed at the time.

Finally her wedding day approached and almost everyone was happy. The prince showed up and save for the wedding ring debacle, everything went well. People lined the streets, cheering. She kissed her prince on the balcony as author Andrew Morton waited for a photograph for the cover of his book.

But no sooner was the ring on Kate's Catherine's finger than speculation began on when she would conceive. Some even speculated that she couldn't have a baby. The couple left on their honeymoon while we continued to wonder when an heir would arrive. Suddenly Catherine's body was no longer her own.

The royal tour didn't help matters. Especially when someone wished her well in starting a family, she replied: "Yes, I hope to." Poor Kate Middleton/Princess,/Duchess Catherine. Doesn't she know those four words will come back to haunt her? Now that she's returned to Anglesey, she must think her womb is safe from prying eyes. Nothing could be further from the truth. After all, without official duties, what else is there to do in such a remote location but to make babies?

And each time the Duchess of Cambridge leaves her cozy home people will be on baby-watch, wondering and waiting and speculating. Impatient for an announcement. If only we were writing the next chapter, we might get it sooner. But we're not.

To be continued...

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

The Royal Report for July 10, 2011 - The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Canada

Did Catherine really wear the same jeans three days in a row? Has the Toronto Sun gone too far with a picture of Catherine? What happens when the fashion police show up?

Find out on this episode:

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Canada

Publications discussed and mentioned

The Toronto Star cover story - Cheeky Kate - July 9, 2011

Hello! Canada Weekly No 222 27 June 2011

Hello! Canada Weekly No 223 11 July 2011

Hello! Royal Special Commemorative Edition - William & Catherine's tour of Canada

Maclean's Magazine - Special Commemorative Edition - The Royal Tour

Blogs and links mentioned

World of Royalty Blog

Prince William's Final Speech in Canada

From My Royal Collection

Charles and Diana Visit Canada

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday July 17, 2011 at 9:00PM ET (North America)

The topic will be: Is Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge a style icon?

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Friday, July 08, 2011

Day Five - William & Catherine's Royal Tour - Prince Edward Island

On the fifth day of their royal tour, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Canada's smallest province, Prince Edward Island. The island is named after Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria. Catherine wore a sleeveless crepe dress by Joseph, with a peach/light salmon colored jacket reportedly from Chanel.


Out of the entire visit, this 24 hour stop proved to be the most exciting. The couple met the obligatory dignitaries in the morning at Province House, the Legislator of Prince Edward Island. Catherine, appeared to be channeling Liesel von Trapp in her Sarah Burton/Alexander McQueen outfit.The cream-colored cable-knit sweater dress had a drop waist with blue stripes around the hem, waistline and wrists. The dress featured an tied collar, handing in a sailor's knot around her neck, the nautical theme was appropriate for the couple's activities later on in the day.

At noon Prince William had a chance to display his helicopter piloting skills by participating in a training session for the 'waterbird' emergency landing procedure, which is only done in PEI. He was shown various techniques, including water taxiing and landing, taking off with one engine powered down before testing them himself in a Sea King helicopter at Dalvay-by-the-sea. On land, Catherine with her hair pulled back in a ponytail, wore casual clothes, dark skinny jeans, a navy belted trench coat with a bright red scarf and beige and white deck shoes. She proudly watched her husband, while taking photos to post on Facebook.

After Prince William's helicopter exercise, it was Catherine's turn to demonstrate her skills in a dragon boat race against William. Back in 2007, Kate had been part of The Sisterhood, an all-female dragon boat racing team. Her team lost by a third of a length to Prince William's all-male opposing team. On land the competitive, good-natured couple showed they were good sports by hugging. Thereby treating onlookers to a rare royal public display of affection.

In the evening the couple departed for the North West Territories

Sources: Sun News, The Globe and Mail, Mail Online

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Day Four - William and Catherine's Royal Tour - Québec City, Quebec

Source: Royal Tour website
The Royal Couple arrived in Quebec, city aboard the HMCS Montréal. They joined the crew for morning worship in the chapel aboard the ship. Catherine was wearing a new outfit, an electric blue lace  'Jacquenta' dress by Canadian designer Erdem. This dress is the second one she wore from the designer. On her feet she wore LK Bennett pumps.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meets staff during a visit to the Maison Dauphine centre for homeless teenagers and youths
Source: British Monarchy Flickr
After the service they departed the vessel to head off to La Maison Dauphine, a shelter which offers programs to street youth of Québec. The homeless is an issue close to Prince William's heart. He is patron of Centrepoint, which helps homeless youth in the UK.

The couple then took part in a freedom-of-the-city ceremony at City hall; a ceremony honoring Canada's Royal 22nd Regiment. Prince William delivered a speech in French where he thanked attendees for their patience with his accent. Kate was presented with a bouquet by two-year old Raffaela Cheater who was at the event with her father, David.  He later told reporters: "Kate said to me, 'What a beautiful daughter you have.' " He added: "When I said to her I wished her and William well with starting their own family, she said, 'Yes, I hope to.' " Thus setting the rumor-mill in motion upon their return to the UK.

Source: Royal tour website
Later on in the afternoon William and Kate later joined the Lévis Community Celebration.  Kate had changed into a cream-colored Vanessa sleeveless crepe dress by Joseph. The couple attended the event to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the Lauzon “seigneurie”, the 150th anniversary of the founding of Lévis, and the 10th anniversary of the new City of Lévis.

In the evening, the couple departed Quebec City for a visit to Prince Edward Island.

Sources: The Star, Global Montreal, 2011 Royal Tour website, Yahoo News, People.

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

So, where do you wear a diamond polar-bear brooch anyways?

Many years into the future, and a young woman steps onto Canadian soil. This is her first visit. The first in line to the throne, she has her mother's style and her father's blond hair. On her lapel she wears a polar bear brooch. Journalists of the day rush to research this unusual piece. Canadians are flattered that she is paying a subtle compliment to them. After all, her mother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother had done the same before her.

So, where did this striking piece come from?

Way back 2011, when her parents (now King and Queen) went on their first tour of Canada, her mother was presented with this brooch. A Harry Winston pave polar bear silhouette beneath a semi-circle representing the northern lights. A lovely memento of their visit. As the years go by, Catherine will wear this brooch on future visits to Canada and loan it to her daughter; heiress apparent to the throne (succession laws having been changed by this point).  

Wearing jewels given during previous visits is a royal tradition. It's difficult to gauge exactly when it started but there is a certain charm in knowing that this gift is not gathering dust in the vault. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother was given a maple leaf brooch, which was worn many times by her daughter, the Queen. Her daughter-in-law, William's mother, rarely wore brooches herself and it does not appear that she wore this piece on her own Canadian visits. Instead she seemed to prefer wearing red and white - another royal tradition.

William and Catherine's daughter will also be given her own jewels, representing something exclusive to Canadian history and culture. Yet another striking jewel, which will have limited fashion appeal outside of the country that gifted it to her.  She will then wear it on subsequent visits of her own, eventually loaning it to her own daughter. And so the royal tradition will continue.

Right now if you're wondering, where do you wear a diamond polar-bear brooch?

During future visits to Canada.

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Diagnosis - Catherine Fashion Fatigue

I don't want to sound ungrateful, or anything.

After all, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen Canada for their first official visit. And it's wonderful and an honor to have them in our midst.

I've been following the daily reports of William and Catherine's tour. Enjoying all of the suspense (will Prince William's souffle rise or fall?) as well as the public displays of affection. But I need to get something off of my chest. From all of this coverage I must say that I'm starting to suffer from Catherine fashion fatigue.

I never thought I'd say this but I'm actually starting to look forward to the end of the tour.

From the moment she stepped off the plane in Ottawa to now, all aspect of her clothes have been analyzed. Few reports pass up a chance to mention her appearance. The minute details poured over and tracked by fashionistas. Twitter is filled with tweets about everything from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. The level of interest is impressive and staggering.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the royal updates. But I'm trying hard to understand this fascination. Maybe it's the novelty aspect of it. After all, the royal family hasn't had someone like Catherine in their ranks in a long time. Tall, beautiful and photogenic she has obviously filled a void where royal fashion is concerned. Add to that, her flawless royal performance to date and it's almost insufferable. Thank goodness she lost the boat race, otherwise the perfection would be unbearable.

Judging by the articles, it seems Catherine can do no wrong in her choice of clothes. That is, as long as she wears something new. But even that is poured over in detail, if only to repeat what we already know about it. She's not the first woman to wear the same outfit twice (or three, or four times) and she won't be the last. I'm waging a guess that like Diana, Catherine won't win when it comes to what she chooses to wear .

I think I'm beginning to understand the people who complained about the royal wedding coverage. I enjoyed it but you can have too much of a good thing. And like news reports about the royal wedding, maybe I'll appreciate the tour more once Catherine returns to Anglesey. But right now, enough is enough.

*Waves white flag*

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Monday, July 04, 2011

Day Three - William and Catherine's Royal Tour - Montréal, Quebec

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet children in the cancer ward at Sainte-Justine University Hospital
Via British Monarchy Flickr
William and Catherine left Ottawa and arrived in Montréal, Quebec at the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport for the second half of day three of their tour.

Still wearing the grey Catherine Walker 'Kensington' dress, the couple arrived at Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre at 4:15PM. Amongst the crowds waiting to see them were 20 anti-monarchist protesters from the Réseau de Résistance du Québécois, waving a banner that read "Parasites Go Home." The protesters were outnumbered by the royal fans, and in response to the protesters who chanted 'Down with the monarchy' the royal supporters responded with chants of"Will and Kate!"

As a security measure the couple swiftly exited the car and were surrounded by security guards as they entered the hospital, disappointing the many people who had waited for hours to see them. William and Catherine were greeted by Quebec Premier Jean Charest, his wife Michèle Dionne, Health Minister Yves Bolduc and hospital staff. They were taken on a tour of the neonatal and oncology units meeting young patients and their families in the game room for children. The couple visited with the children, smiling and asking questions. After their visit, the couple were offered a photo as a memento of their visit by hospital staff.
The Duchess of Cambridge takes part in a cooking workshop at the Institut De Tourisme et D'hotellerie Du Quebec
Via British Monarchy Flickr

The Montreal tour continued at the prestigious Institut de Tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec where the couple participated in a one-hour cooking workshop. Wearing chef outfits, William prepared a lobster souffle, while Catherine worked on an amuse-bouche of foie gras.

Later on in the evening the couple departed Montreal for Québec City on board HMCS Montreal.

Sources: The Montreal Gazette, Global Saskatoon

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Sunday, July 03, 2011

The Royal Report for Sunday July 3, 2011 - Diana at 50

July 1, 2011 marked what would have been Diana's 50th birthday. Should we let her rest in peace? Should we still care about her? What is her legacy?

Find out by listening to this episode

Diana at 50 - Her legacy and impact

Publications mentioned

People Magazine - June 27, 2011 Cover story - The Princess Diaries

Newsweek - Diana at 50

From My Royal Collection

LIFE Diana At 50

Thank you to the following people for contributing to this episode:

Deepika Patel
Marina Luce
Cheryl Anderson Brown
Shane Gilreath

Tune in to the next episode of The Royal Report on Sunday July 10, 2011 at 9:00PM ET (North America).

The topic will be: William and Catherine's royal tour of Canada - a recap of events

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Saturday, July 02, 2011

Day Three - William and Catherine's Royal Tour 2011 - Ottawa

Share photos on twitter with Twitpic
Via Governor General's Twitpic
With all of the fuss surrounding the religious wedding ceremony in Monaco, it would be easy to forget that William and Catherine were still on tour in Canada.

While the traditional tree planting in the Royal Grove on the grounds of Rideau Hall is not as glamorous as what the new royal bride, the Princess of Monaco was wearing, the couple did their best to be stoic about it.

This will be the first of many trees that Catherine will plant, she carried it off with elan, as if she had been doing this her entire life. Dressed in a grey Catherine Walker 'Kensington' dress, a favorite designer of the late-Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing the same ring, using the same spade and stopping to admire a tree Charles and Diana had planted on their own first visit, ran the risk of comparisons but thankfully there were few.

The couple planted a Canadian hemlock, a tree with a lifespan of 800 years. According to the Governor Generals office:
"They have chosen it as a symbol of love and marriage and are planting a similar tree that was planted by the emperor and empress of Japan on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary,"
Canadian heritage flickr
Afterwards the couple attended a reception at the Canadian War Museum, meeting with 25 veterans from the Korean War, the Second World War and Afghanistan. The couple also unveiled a massive mural. Painted by Augustus John and commissioned by Lord Beaverbrook, who'd intended it to be part of a collection at a national war memorial art gallery.

The couple continue Day 3 of their visit in Montréal, Quebec.

© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.

Day Two - William and Catherine's Royal Tour - Parliament Hill

Exactly one year ago, Prince William's grandmother attended the Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Like many royal ladies have previously done, the Queen wore red and white, along with a Maple leaf brooch. The large diamond-encrusted maple leaf brooch, was originally presented to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother when she first visited Canada in 1939. The gift of a maple leaf brooch follows a long-standing tradition. In 1901, the future Queen Mary, visited Canada on a seven-month-long tour where she was given an enamel maple leaf spray. In 1923, Queen Elizabeth, the future Queen Mother received as a wedding gift a gold maple leaf brooch set with diamonds.

Via Canadian Heritage Flickr
Fast forward a year and we have another royal lady in Ottawa, on Canada Day, also wearing red and white and the same brooch. Though 56 years separate the Queen and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in age, showing patriotism through fashion never goes out of style.

Catherine cream dress called the Nannette by Reiss, is familiar to many as it is the same one she wore in one of the official engagement portraits by Mario Testino. She paired this with the Queen's Maple leaf brooch, a red hat by Sylvia Fletcher at Lock and Co, topped with maple leaves.  Her straw cream and red fan clutch was by Anya Hindmarch, and in case anyone missed the patriotic point of the outfit, red heels. After the previous day's dark outfits, it was a refreshing change to see show some color.

William and Catherine started their morning at the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec where they attended a citizenship ceremony, no doubt delighting the 25 new Canadians. The visit had a personal touch as a piper played a piece created especially for them called St. Andrews Courtship, inspired by the university in Scotland where they first met.

Via Canadian heritage Flickr
At Parliament Hill, a record-breaking 300,000 people waited in the sweltering head in anticipation of their arrival. William and Catherine arrived on the Hill with an RCMP escort, using the same horse-drawn landau used for previous royal visits. They were welcomed by various dignitaries, including the Governor General and Prime Minister. Throughout the two hour appearance, they were treated to a CF-18 fly-past, and performances by Canadian artists.

The crowds were delighted when William finally spoke, first in French, then in English, conveying the Queen's 'warmest wishes' and emphasizing their pride in the Armed Forces.  He added a personal touch when he noted that his wife's grandfather had trained in Alberta as a pilot.

Canadian Heritage Flickr
After the event the couple went on an informal walk-about with the crowds before departing in a large black SUV. The were not scheduled to attend any other events that day but later that evening they attended the evening show. Catherine, wearing her hair up, looked lovely in a purple jersey Issa dress.

On July 2 they depart for Montréal, Quebec.
© Marilyn Braun 2011

Thank you for enjoying this article. If you use the information for research purposes, a link to credit the work I've put into writing it would be appreciated.