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News

Royal Tour Official Welcoming Ceremony at Rideau Hall

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June 21, 2011

Their Excellencies to Officially Welcome The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Canada at Rideau Hall 

OTTAWA—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will officially welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Canada, during an official ceremony at Rideau Hall, on Thursday, June 30, 2011. 

In addition to this event, which launches the 2011 Royal Tour,Their Excellencies will co-host a youth reception at Rideau Hall; participate in a Canadian citizenship ceremony at the Canadian Museum of Civilization; attend the Canada Day Noon Show on Parliament Hill; and witness the ceremonial tree planting of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on the grounds of Rideau Hall. They will also travel to Calgary to attend a reception hosted by the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, and his wife, Mrs. Laureen Harper, and to bid farewell to the Royal couple on their official departure from Canada, on July 8, 2011.

The 2011 Royal Tour will take place from June 30 to July 8, 2011. The theme of the tour is “Moving Forward Together: From Past Accomplishments to Current Service to Future Achievements.”

Thursday, June 30

3:15 p.m.
Official Welcoming Ceremony to Canada – Open to the Public
Upon their arrival at Rideau Hall, Their Royal Highnesses will be welcomed by Their Excellencies.  The Prime Minister and Mrs. Harper will also accompany Their Royal Highnesses as they meet with Canadians during their walkabout on the grounds. His Royal Highness will then receive full military honours, which will include the inspection of a guard of honour composed of Canadian Forces members. The ceremony will conclude with remarks by the Governor General, the Prime Minister and His Royal Highness.
Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Ontario
Open to Royal Tour Accredited Media 

6 p.m.
Celebration of Youth Reception
In honour of Their Royal Highnesses, Their Excellencies, the Prime Minister and Mrs. Harper will host a reception celebrating the service of Canadian Youth towards a smart and caring nation. This event will bring together over 120 Canadian youth selected for their work in areas of great interest to Their Royal Highnesses: support for service personnel and their families; conservation for future generations; children fulfilling their potential; changing lives through art and sport; and help and care at home. During the reception, Their Royal Highnesses will have the opportunity to meet with and learn from these dedicated youth who are committed to community service and who strive to build a better nation.

In addition, 22 young culinary professionals and students from across the country will be mentored by Rideau Hall chefs as they assist our culinary team with preparations and service for this evening.
Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Ontario
Open to Royal Tour Pool Media Only 

Friday July 1

10:30 a.m.
Canada Day Citizenship Ceremony
The Governor General will preside over the swearing-in ceremony of 25 new Canadians, in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses and Her Excellency Sharon Johnston.  On this special occasion, the Governor General will deliver congratulatory remarks and present the new citizens with their citizenship certificates.
Canadian Museum of Civilization, Gatineau, Quebec
Open to Royal Tour Accredited Media

Noon
Canada Day Noon Show
Along with thousands of Canadians and visitors, Their Excellencies will join Their Royal Highnesses, the Prime Minister and the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, for the Canada Day Noon Show on Parliament Hill. The show will be broadcast live across the country on CBC, CBC Newsworld, Radio-Canada and RDI, beginning at 12 noon (EDT).
Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario
Open to Royal Tour Accredited Media 

Saturday, July 2

12:40 p.m.
Ceremonial Tree Planting
Prior to their departure from Rideau Hall, Their Royal Highnesses will plant a Canadian hemlock tree in the presence of invited guests. The tree will be located in the royal grove area of Rideau Hall, near the residence. It will be surrounded by trees planted by other members of the Royal Family, such as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, His Royal Highness the Duke of York and Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

The tradition of ceremonially planting a tree during Royal or State visits began with the Right Honourable Earl Grey, governor general of Canada from 1904 to 1911. Since that time, planting ceremonial trees has become a Canadian tradition, symbolizing the living friendship and co-operation of nations. Her Majesty The Queen and members of the Royal Family have planted 16 ceremonial trees on the grounds of Rideau Hall since 1939.
Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Ontario
Open to Royal Tour Accredited Media 

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Media covering the ceremonies and events listed above must have a 2011 Royal Tour accreditation from the Department of Canadian Heritage.

 

Media information:

Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
marie-eve.letourneau@gg.ca

Media Relations
Department of Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1 866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca

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Follow the Royal Tour on www.royaltour.gc.ca