Duke and Duchess ‘eagerly await’ Canadian trip as details released

William and Kate’s first overseas trip as a married couple will take them to eight cities as they get to know the Commonwealth nation’s people.

They will travel across the country’s vast open spaces from June 30 to July 8, visiting a range of destinations from Charlottetown on the shores of Prince Edward Island in the east to the remote settlement of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories.

The detailed itinerary for the nine-day trip has not been officially released but one of the highlights is likely to be the couple’s appearance at Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa on July 1.

Calgary, their final leg, coincides with the start of the world famous Calgary Stampede – an annual rodeo, exhibition and festival dubbed the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” which they may visit.

Other cities which will feature include Gatineau, Quebec City, Montreal and Summerside on Prince Edward Island.

America is the last stop for the couple and they will spend their time in Los Angeles and the surrounding area on a three-day official visit supporting Britain’s interests in the US.

A source said: “The couple are very much looking forward to their first joint Royal tour.

“Their purpose is to strengthen the very strong ties that exist between Canada and their royal family and for the Duke and the Duchess to get to know Canada better.”

The Commonwealth country is one of the Queen’s realms – meaning she is not a foreign monarch but the country’s sovereign and head of state.

The country’s air force will also fly William and Kate there and provide all their flights throughout the tour.

The visit had originally been planned as a solo trip for the Duke but after last November’s engagement announcement the Duchess was added to the arrangements.

A St James’s Palace spokesman said the Canadian government had themed the tour “Moving Forward Together”.

The engagements will feature senior citizens, the military, young people and many other individuals as the Duke and Duchess celebrate the country and its people.

Media interest in the couple’s first overseas tour is expected to be intense with coverage by broadcasters, journalists and photographers from across the globe.

William last visited Vancouver aged 15 in 1998 with his father, the Prince of Wales, and brother Prince Harry.

The trip will be Kate’s first overseas tour as a member of the Royal Family but she has a family connection as her grandfather, Peter Middleton, who died last year aged 90, served as an RAF flight instructor during the Second World War training Canadian pilots in Calgary from 1942 to 1944.

It is rumoured the Duchess may pay tribute to her grandfather while in Canada.