01 July,2011 07:41 AM IST | | Agencies
Prince William will be greeted by a flag made in his honour when he and wife Kate arrive in Canada for the start of their first official foreign tour together.
The standard was unveiled yesterday after it was approved by the Queen.
As she took off from Heathrow Airport yesterday, Kate wore a navy blue knee-length dress by French designer Roland Mouret. In a nod to Canada's fashion industry, she wore a navy blazer by Toronto-based Smythe les Vestes
Its design is based on the flag used by Her Majesty when she visits the country, using a banner of the Royal Arms of Canada.
The flag the first to be created by Canada for a member of the Royal Family since 1962 will be raised during the official welcome ceremony in Ottawa.
The pair, both 29, jetted off for their visit yesterday morning aboard a Royal Canadian Air Force flight from Heathrow airport.
They are expected to draw record crowds as they help celebrate Canada Day, open the Calgary Stampede annual rodeo and go canoeing.
Wills is also planning to demonstrate his skills as a helicopter rescue pilot by taking part in a water landing demonstration.
Canadian heritage minister James Moore said of the nine-day visit, "The response we've gotten is overwhelming.
We're already now having to adjust some of our plans from moving the couple in and around the capital here, closing off some streets and moving people around."
William will help celebrate Canada's birthday today on the day his late mother, Princess Diana, would have celebrated her 50th birthday.
A Royal Date
Here is a look at their itinerary as they travel across the country.
June 30: Ottawa
Official welcome with full military honours and a 21-gun salute at Rideau Hall.
July 1: Ottawa/Quebec
Join the masses at Parliament Hill for a flypast by the Canadian Forces to celebrate Canada's 144th birthday.
July 2: Ottawa & Montreal
Meet veterans at a reception and tour the Canadian War Museum, visit a hospital and participate in a cooking workshop.
July 3: Quebec City
Arrive in Quebec City onboard HMCS Montreal. They visit la Maison Dauphine, attend the Freedom of the City Ceremony at Quebec City Hall and mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of L ufffdvis, Que.
July 4: Charlottetown/ Summerside
Prince William co-pilots a Sea King helicopter.
July 5: Yellowknife
They meet with aboriginal elders and youth.
July 7: Calgary
Guests of honour at a reception by PM Stephen Harper
July 8: Calgary
The Royals kick off the 2011 Calgary Stampede Parade and check out exotic plants, birds at the Calgary Zoo
