From the 17th to the 19th May, 2022, Canada was host to HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. They arrived in Ottawa about 1900 hrs on the 17th, arriving in the Prime Ministers Airbus 310, toured the capital on the 18th, and departed about 1100 hrs on the 19th. During their stay in Ottawa, they had the pick of the weather in that it was blustery and overcast on their arrival, a beautiful sunny day that was warm but not stifling for their visit, and pissing down torrents of rain for their departure. The two events that I covered during the stay were the laying of a wreath and flowers at the National War Memorial and the command performance of the RCMP Musical Ride at the RCMP Stables.
The ceremony at the National War Memorial (NWM) was as expected and without any surprises. They arrived at the east entrance and were brought up to the top of the red carpet in front of the NWM and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the Governor-General. Prince Charles layed a wreath and the Duchess placed flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers after which they stood back and reflected for a moment. After this, they signed the guest book and then were off to other events.
The schedule had an extra event added that morning which was a tour of the Byward Market to talk to some vendors. Now, given the already busyness and complexity of the schedule, adding this was a mistake. The visit to the Musical Ride was supposed to take place at 1300 hours and there were thousands in attendance as well as all the pomp and ceremony that was ready to go. However, because of delays in the previous events, exacerbated by the Byward Market visit, they didn’t show up until about 1430 hours for the tour of the stables. Meanwhile everyone had been waiting in 28 degree sun, without shade for the show to start. By 1500 hrs they were on hand for the show and the Musical Ride began with the exactness and precision one has come to expect from the RCMP. Immediately after the show, they exited and were off to further events.
The next morning they boarded the RCAF Airbus to their next stop, Yellowknife. The rain was pouring down and the entourage drove up to the aircraft and exited, everyone carrying or being covered by umbrellas. Not much opportunity for pictures but I did get one of Charles in the aircraft doorway as he came back to put his umbrella away. So, in my raingear, camera in wet weather cover, using my 500 mm lense, I at least managed to get two pictures of Charles from the lawn of the Canada Reception Centre. Whoo hoo!
To see all the images from the arrival, War Memorial, Musical Ride, and departure, CLICK HERE.
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