Prince Charles, Camilla Start Canada Visit

November 3, 2009 6:08 p.m. EST

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador (AHN) - British royal couple Prince Charles and wife Camilla started on Monday their 11-day visit to Canada with a trip to Newfoundland. Although the Prince of Wales had been to Canada 15 times, it is the first visit for the Duchess of Cornwall.

It is significant for Camilla not only because it is her first official visit, but because of her Canadian roots since she is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Sir Allan MacNab, the Prime Minister of the then United Province of Canada.

The formal welcome ceremony was held at the Mile On Center downtown, a covered hickey rink, with about 2,000 on hand. Included in the welcoming party were: Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife, Governor General Michaelle Jean and Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams and his wife.

Charles will have several stops in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, after which they will end their Canada tour with a trip to Ottawa on Remembrance Day. Although the royal visit had generated some media mileage, surveys show that many Canadians are lukewarm to the visit of the British royal couple.

Since the couple's visit comes at a time of heightened alert over the swine flu virus, Canadian secretary to the Queen Kevin MacLeod said the British royalty and their team were reminded of the medical protocol required by Health Canada regarding immunization. However, despite the risks, Charles and Camilla engaged in some handshaking, but MacLeod said the couple had been forewarned some Canadians may not wish to engage in a royal handshake due to fears of the H1N1 virus.