William and Kate arrive in Canada to a warm welcome

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The duke and duchess of Cambridge have landed! William and Catherine, that is, have arrived in Canada, beginning their much-hyped North American tour with welcome remarks at Ottawa’s Rideau Hall.

‘Catherine and I are so delighted to be here in Canada. Instilled in us by our parents and grandparents, who love this country, we have been looking forward to this moment for a very long time,’ William told the throng of Canadians who came for a glimpse of the newlyweds.

‘Before we were married,’ he added, ‘we had a longing to come here together.’

The duchess, in a navy-and-cream lace number, got a rock-star reception.

‘We want Kate!’ crowds chanted as the bride greeted fans on the opposite side of metal barriers, accepting roses and bending gracefully to meet a few lucky kids. While Kate’s lovely voice was barely heard in her single days -- she participated in only one post-engagement interview, then recited her vows before a global audience in April -- she piped up after Will spoke.

‘Thank you so much. We are so delighted to be here,’ she said.

We’ll take it! Keep checking back for all the details on the royal tour -- which will eventually stop right here in the Ministry’s hometown.

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-- Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly