Charles & Camilla Begin Canadian Visit

On Monday, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived in eastern Canada to begin their 10 day visit there. This is Prince Charles’ 15th visit to the Great White North, and Camilla’s first, despite having ancestral ties to the country.

AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz

The couple landed at St. John’s, Newfoundland and were greeted by Governor-General Michaelle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Native drum dancers, a children’s choir and a military band were part of the welcoming ceremony.

In a speech, Charles said this trip is quite special to him.

“But more special still, if I may say so, is the opportunity to introduce my wife to Canada for her first ever visit,” he said.

The Duchess of Cornwall is descended from a prime minister, Sir Alan MacNab, and the builder of Dundurn Castle in Hamilton, Ontario. She and her husband are expected to tour that castle later in their trip.

“We are both eagerly looking forward to discovering those family roots and of seeing her forbears’ home in a few day’s time,” Prince Charles said.

But while these two are excited about seeing Canada, Canada might not be too thrilled seeing them. Poll after poll show between one-half and nearly two-thirds of Canadians want to abolish the monarchy, even though many do agree it is part of the country’s heritage. According to the Edmonton Journal, this may because “the royal family has been more a source of entertainment than an institution inspiring awe or respect among Canadians.”

Interestingly enough, one poll claims nearly 60 percent of Canadians think Prince Charles should be King. Whether they will allow him to be their King, only time will tell.