Nov 3, 2009, 11:28 GMT
Britain's Prince Charles has been "deeply touched" by the warm welcome he and his wife Camilla, duchess of Cornwall, received on the start of their 11-day tour of Canada.
The royal couple flew yesterday (02.11.09) into the remote coastal town of St John's in Newfoundland where they were greeted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper who said many Canadians were keenly anticipating their arrival.
He told the pair: "Given our long attachment to the royal family, these visits have always been regarded as homecomings by many Canadians. Our home is your home."
The prince then told the welcoming ceremony he was eager to meet Canadians during his busy schedule.
He said: "I cannot tell you how delighted I am to have this opportunity to pay, I can hardly believe, my 15th visit to these shores, and that is by any measure something rather special.
"But more special still, if I may say so, is the opportunity to introduce my wife to Canada for her first-ever visit."
Charles also praised Canada's military for "serving with the greatest possible distinction" in Afghanistan.
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