Wellington is ready to roll out the red carpet and welcome the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall on Friday.
Prince Edward County officials held a debriefing with vendors Thursday evening at the Wellington Church in preparation for Prince Charles and Camilla’s visit to the Farmers’ Market set for 1:15 p.m. Friday afternoon. The royals began their three-day visit to Canada Thursday with a trip to Iqaluit where Prince Charles and Camilla met with local leaders working to preserve indigenous languages. The royal couple begin their Quinte area visit Friday morning with a stop at 8-Wing CFB Trenton at 11:15 a.m. where they will participate in a search and rescue demonstration and honour the fallen at the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial.
The royal visit to Wellington plans to highlight the work being done to develop and promote the “farm to table” and “shop locally” movement in the County.
Mayor Robert Quaiff said they held the meeting to make sure vendors know security protocol and where street closures will be located as Main Street will undoubtedly be a flurry of activity.
Mayor Quaiff called it an honour to host the future King of England adding he is a bundle of excitement and a bit of nerves with the visit now less than 24 hours away.
He said everyone is ‘buzzing with excitement.’
Mayor Robert Quaiff royal visit 1
For the past month, the County has been busy in preparation for the royal visit.
The mayor noted how the community, Premier’s office and the National Heritage Office out of Ottawa are ecstatic with the condition of the Wellington park and church.
“They said tonight the park just looks amazing,” Mayor Quaiff stated.
Mayor Robert Quaiff royal visit
The itinerary states the royal couple will visit the booths, stop to chat with vendors and artisans at the Market. Mayor Quaiff said the public will have some access to Prince Charles and Camila if they break protocol, which he adds ‘they’re being told they do just about all the time.’
Mayor Robert Quaiff royal visit 2
Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon, Premier Kathleen Wynne and Minister of Agriculture Jeff Leal are also to be in attendance.
Following the market visit the royal couple will make a stop at Norman Hardie Winery and meet local vintners and farmers before heading to Ottawa for the 150th Canada Day celebrations on Saturday.
Quinte News reporter David Foot will be travelling with Prince Charles and Camilla throughout their Quinte area trip. Stay tuned to 800AM CJBQ, MIX 97, ROCK 107 and Quintenews.com for complete coverage of the royal visit.
