8 Wing Base Commander Colonel Colin Keiver escorts Prince Charles into Hangar 6 at CFB Trenton, as part of the 2017 Royal Tour, on June 30, 2017. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)Some wet weather wasn’t enough to dampen any spirits as Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, made a visit to the Quinte Region Friday.
Security was tight around the 8 Wing flightline, with a heavy military police and RCMP presence and numerous members of the English Protection Command roaming the base and escorting the royal couple, who arrived just before noon.
While they arrived at Hangar 6 at CFB Trenton, slightly behind schedule, the royal couple was greeted by a receiving party which included Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Priemier Kathleen Wynne, Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis, Northumberland-Quinte West MPP Lou Rinaldi, Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Chief R. Don Maracle, 8 Wing Commander Colonel Colin Keiver and Wing Chief Warrant Officer Lisa Harvey.
Their Royal Highnesses then met with members of 436 Transport Squadron and learned about their operations of the C-130J Hercules and spoke to officers from 8 Air Communication and Control Squadron, which handles navigation and weather surveillance operations.
Prince Charles took in a search and rescue demonstration at the Canadian Army Advance Warfare Centre, while Camilla met with soldiers and families of her regiment, the Queen’s Own Rifles, stressing the importance of supporting military families.
The royal couple then headed over to the Afghanistan Repatriation Memorial at Bain Park, where they laid wreaths and read names of fallen Canadian soldiers, before greeting members of Quinte West Council.
Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison tells Quinte News it was an exciting day for the city and meant a lot to have them visit the memorial.
They also took time to greet members of the public, who had gathered by the dozens to catch a glimpse of Their Royal Highnesses.
Ronda Moran of Brighton was lucky enough to have a brief moment with the royals and tells Quinte News it was an honour to speak to them, especially just a day before Canada’s 150th birthday.
As the weather improved and the sun began to shine, the royal tour shifted to Prince Edward County and stopped first at the Wellington Farmers’ Market.
Hundreds more people gathered in the small town to greet the Royal Couple who spoke to local farmers, vendors and artisans about how the market helps build a sense of community and promotes the “buy and eat local” movement in the county.
The theme continued as Prince Charles and Camilla moved on to the Norman Hardie Winery, where another hundred or so more onlookers were waiting.
They got a brief overview of the production methods used at the winery , before tasting some local buffalo cheese and other dishes, prepared by local chefs.
Norman Hardie believes his winery was chosen for the tour by Heritage Canada for a number of reasons, including its location, as well as the ethical practices used in production, something important to Prince Charles.
He also noted that his winery sells a lot of product in the UK and may be familiar to those watching overseas.
Hardie told Quinte News following the visit, it was a thrill to host the royal couple.
Also during their winery stop, Camilla spoke to Edward Rose, who shared a unique story with her.
Rose had actually been in the same prisoner of war camp as Camilla’s father in World War Two.
That was the last Quinte stop for the royals, who then zipped back to CFB Trenton in their motorcade and hopped back on the plane to return to Ottawa.
Their Canada Day agenda includes a stop at online merchant website Shopify, as well as taking in the Canada 150 celebrations, before they return home to England, wrapping up the 2017 Royal Tour.
Photos from the Quinte leg of their visit can be seen below.
