Get ready, British Columbia!
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, is making her way to the province for an exciting visit that promises to be a blend of royal tradition and personal passion.
Scheduled from May 3 to May 5, this trip will feature an overnight cruise on the newly launched HMCS Max Bernays, marking a significant milestone as the first new cruise ship to grace the West Coast in a quarter-century.
The highlight of Princess Anne’s visit will undoubtedly be the christening ceremony for HMCS Max Bernays in North Vancouver.
Accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence, she will officially welcome the ship into service before it returns to its home port at CFB Esquimalt.
As the ship sails into Esquimalt Harbour, a ceremonial 21-gun salute from the Black Rock Naval Battery will honor the royal presence.
This visit isn’t just about pomp and circumstance; it reflects Princess Anne’s deep-rooted connections to Canada.
Appointed Honorary Commander of the Canadian Pacific Fleet in 2015, she has a long-standing relationship with the Royal Canadian Navy, which is hosting her during this visit.
The itinerary also includes stops at notable local institutions, such as the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Society and the Maritime Museum of British Columbia.
The Maritime Museum holds a special significance for Princess Anne, as it was established with a donation from her late father, Prince Philip.
Her involvement with the riding society showcases her lifelong love of horses, a passion that led her to compete as an equestrian in the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
It’s clear that her interests are not just royal duties but personal commitments that resonate with her heart.
While specific details about the timing of these events remain under wraps, anticipation is building.
Last year, Princess Anne made two visits to Canada, including a celebration of the 175th anniversary of the 8th Canadian Hussars’ Princess Louise Regiment in New Brunswick and attendance at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conference in Banff.
Damian Cowleywish, a Sarnac police inspector who participated in the Banff conference, recalls Princess Anne’s approachable demeanor.
He described her as charming and down-to-earth, noting how she expressed admiration for Victoria when she learned he was from there.
Such interactions reveal a side of the princess that is both relatable and engaging.
As the days draw closer to her arrival, the excitement among locals is palpable.
Residents are eager to catch a glimpse of the royal couple and participate in the celebrations surrounding the ship’s christening.