After a wet and windy day in the coastal rainforest yesterday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed inland British Columbia and Yukon for Day 4 of their royal visit.
Prince William and Kate spent most of their day in Kelowna, B.C., before heading to Yukon in the evening.
The royal couple’s schedule began with a visit to the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus, where they were welcomed with a public ceremony in the Central Courtyard, dedicated to a new Aboriginal art installation commemorating the University’s centennial and the 10th anniversary of the Okanagan campus.
UBC deputy vice-chancellor Deborah Buszard said, “Who would have imagined this little campus, 10 years old, and here we are, our first royal visit.”
The pair then headed to the gym, where the Duke and Duchess joined approximately 1,500 UBC Okanagan students to watch an inter-squad game with the UBC Okanagan Heat women’s volleyball team.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said head coach Steve Manuel. “It’s a great honour.”
Much to their delight, the couple were gifted with their very own souvenirs – Team Cambridge jerseys.
In the afternoon, the royal couple were due to head to West Kelowna for a private government-run event at Mission Hill Family Estate. “For them to visit us is a gift that will help the region immensely” said owner Anthony von Mandl. “We just can’t wait.”
Prince George and Princess Charlotte didn’t take in the Okanagan portion of the Canadian trip, but will be at events at the beginning and end of the tour.
Kate and Will are the first royals to visit Kelowna, since Prince Charles, and the late Princess Diana visited 30 years ago.