Frequently Asked Questions

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will tour Canada from May 20-23, 2012.

Which provinces and cities/communities will The Prince and The Duchess visit?

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit three provinces and four communities during their four day visit:

  • Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown, Oromocto, New Brunswick (May 21)
  • Saint John, New Brunswick (May 21)
  • Toronto, Ontario (May 21 and 22)
  • Regina, Saskatchewan (May 23)

What activities will they attend?

The itinerary can be found here. The itinerary was developed in collaboration with a number of municipalities, provinces and private organizations, as well as other federal departments and Clarence House.

Will there be opportunities for the public to see The Prince and The Duchess?

Yes, there will be opportunities for the public to see The Royal Couple.  The itinerary can be found here. The best opportunities for the public to see Their Royal Highnesses include the following events:

  • Official welcome to Canada and New Brunswick at CFB Gagetown in Oromocto on May 21
  • Victoria Day Celebration in Saint John, New Brunswick  on May 21
  • Arrival at Queen’s Park in Toronto, on May 22
  • Arrival at the Saskatchewan Legislature on May 23
  • Arrival at the First Nations University in Regina on May 23

How was the itinerary developed? Who is responsible for it? Why are certain places and activities not part of the itinerary?

The Government of Canada has an ongoing planning process for Royal Tours. The Government receives requests for visits from members of the Royal Family and from the provinces, territories, cities, and private organizations. These requests are then reviewed in the context of key Canadian celebrations or commemorations and reviewed with the members of The Royal Family and the Government of Canada. Provinces and territories are visited on a rotational basis to ensure a balance across the country. The Department of Canadian Heritage is responsible for the overall management of official Royal Tours in Canada.

What is the theme of the 2012 Royal Tour?

The 2012 Royal Tour is “For Queen and Country:  Service to Canada—A Royal and a National Value.”

In this Diamond Jubilee Year, the Royal Tour of Canada will highlight service as both an enduring royal value of Her Majesty and the Royal Family as well as an intrinsic Canadian value. The service of the Queen and her family to Canada underscores the important bond between the Crown and this country and it is a central focus of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.  Of equal significance will be the focus on Canadians who have adopted service as an inherent value of our society and identity.

The Royal Tour will focus on this record of service and how it plays such a pivotal role in developing the fabric of this country and reinforcing our collective sense of identity.  While taking time to honour the Queen in ways that are most meaningful to each of us in the communities where we live, Canadians should also take time to honour those around us who, through their service, bring credit to us all. 

When was the last official Royal Tour to Canada?

The last official Royal Tour to Canada was in 2011, when The Duke and Duchess and Cambridge visited from June 30 to July 8. Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh toured Canada from June 28 to July 6, 2010.  It was the 22nd official visit of Her Majesty as Queen of Canada. 

How many times has The Prince visited Canada?  When was he last here?

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall toured Canada from November 2 to 12, 2009.  This will be the 16th visit to Canada for The Prince of Wales and the second for The Duchess of Cornwall. For a complete list of Royal Tours in Canada, please visit Previous Royal Tours.

Are The Prince of Wales and The Duchess attending any official receptions? 

The Government of Canada is hosting the following events, which include receptions: official Welcome to Canada at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick on May 21; 1812 Commemorative Military Muster at the Fort York Armoury in Toronto on May 22; and a concert by the Regina Symphony Orchestra at the RCMP Depot Division Drill Hall in Regina on Wednesday, May 23.  The Government of Canada is responsible for the guest list, which comprises Canadians who have made contributions to their neighborhood, community or country. 

In addition, Their Royal Highnesses will attend a reception at the Distillery District in Toronto that is hosted by the Premier of Ontario on May 22, and a reception at Government House in Regina hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan on May 23.

The meals, receptions and other official meetings are important formal activities. Offering hospitality in Canada is an age-old tradition of respect and courtesy.

Where are The Royal Couple staying during this tour?

For security purposes, we cannot release details about the locations where the Royal Couple will stay during this tour.

Will the Government of Canada produce promotional goods or memorabilia for the public?

The Government of Canada will not produce promotional goods or memorabilia for the 2012 Royal Tour; however, please check the CanadianCrown.gc.ca website for Diamond Jubilee promotional items.

Will the Royal Tour include military activities?

The Canadian Forces will be involved in a number of events during the tour. They include the following: the official arrival to Canada and New Brunswick, The Fort York Armoury Military Muster, and the official departure from Saskatchewan and Canada.

Which activities are veterans invited to?

Veterans will be invited to a number of events during the Royal Tour. Most notably, veterans will be among the guests at the official arrival to Canada and New Brunswick and The Fort York Armoury Military Muster. For a complete listing of events, the itinerary can be found here.

Are members of the guard of honour also members of the Canadian Forces?

The guard of honour is composed of members of the Canadian Forces. Some members of the composite guard have served in Afghanistan and have received national honours for their service, such as the Military Valour Decoration, the Meritorious Service Decoration, the Sacrifice Medal, the General Campaign Star, and the General Service Medal.

Will Aboriginal people take part in the Royal Tour?

Aboriginal people will be represented at numerous events; however, one of the highlights of this tour will be a visit to the First Nations University, a unique Canadian institution that specializes in Indigenous knowledge, providing post-secondary education for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students alike within a culturally supported environment.

What is the difference between an official and private tour?

An official Royal Tour is when the Government of Canada has invited a member of the Royal Family to come to Canada.  Costs are shared by the federal, provincial and territorial governments.

A working/private visit is the result of an invitation extended by organizations, associations or provinces/territories directly to members of the Royal Family.  As a result, these organizations or associations assume responsibility for all aspects of organizing and carrying out these visits.  The Government of Canada provides some assistance with customs clearance and security.

When was the last time The Prince of Wales visited communities in New Brunswick?

The Prince last visited New Brunswick in 1996 when he toured Fredericton, Saint John, Miramichi City, and Caraquet

When was the last time The Prince of Wales visited Toronto, Ontario?

The Prince visited Toronto 2009.

When was the last time The Prince of Wales visited communities in Saskatchewan?

The Prince visited Saskatchewan in 2001 when he toured Regina, Moose Jaw, Assiniboia, and Saskatoon.