Prince William and Kate begin last day of Canada tour with visit to family charity

Last day: William and Kate of Cambridge arrive at the social care charity, Cridge Centre for the Family.
PA
Robert Jobson2 October 2016

Prince William and Kate visited a family charity on the final day of their eight day Canada tour.

The royal couple visited the Cridge Centre for the Family - one of Victoria's most well-known charitable institutions and the province's oldest not for profit society.

On arrival William joked about the previous day's fishing in a boat off Haida Gwaii yesterday and the pre-caught fish Kate picked up.

He told British Colombia premier Christy Clark when she greeted him: "We didn't catch anything! It's typical whenever we go anywhere all the best laid plans go to pot."

"That salmon was the biggest fish I've seen! It was a great day," he said.

Once inside the centre they walked through to an outside area where they met with a number of people who had benefited from the centre's many schemes, including women and family services, senior services, brain injury services and the young parent outreach programme.

Children: Kate talks to members of the public after the charity visit.
PA

Among the people they met was 20-year-old Zola Auld who has Down's Syndrome.

Kate chatted with Ms Auld from Victoria and her mother Anne Auld.

"Kate asked me what I like to do and I told her cooking' said Zola.

"She asked me what and I said Italian like pizza and pasta and she said George loves that.'

Gifts: Kate and William receive sport shirts for their children while on a walkabout.
PA

Mrs Auld said the centre has provided invaluable support to them as a family adding 'it's been a dream come true meeting the Duchess".

Afterwards they went outside where a band was playing to unveil the Overcomer's Monument monument dedicated to people who have overcome difficult circumstances.

Last day: The Duchess of Cambridge on a walkabout.
PA

Around 300 clients, residents and beneficiaries of the programme had gathered to greet the couple and watch the unveiling.

Kate and William went on a walkabout as they left the Cridge Centre charity.

British clothes: Kate was wearing an outfit from Zara.
PA

Netusha Danister, 7, and her mum Amalee said, "She asked me 'are you a princess?"

"And I said, yes. Then she asked me about Frozen and said 'what's your favourite character?' And I said 'Elsa' and she liked that."

William and kate were given mini personalised 'Canucks' Vancouver hockey team jerseys from BC Premier Christy Clark.

William said: "Wow, thank you".

Prince William spoke of his delight at being able to introduce his young family to Canada on his last day of the royal tour.

The Duke of Cambridge issued a statement saying he and his wife, "feel very lucky to have been able to introduce George and Charlotte to Canada,"

"This country will play a big part in the lives of our children and we have created such happy memories for our family during this visit," he added.

"Catherine and I are incredibly grateful to the people of Canada for the warmth and hospitality they have extended to our family over the last week.

"We have loved our time in British Columbia and Yukon and will never forget the beautiful places we have seen and the many people who have been kind enough to come to welcome us in person," William said.

"Canada is a country of optimism, generosity and unrivalled natural beauty.

"I hope we have helped all Canadians celebrate what makes this country great. We will see you again soon," he said.

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