Royal Watch News

Prince Edward reads to Canadian church congregation

Sep 17, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Prince Edward and Sophie

Britain's Prince Edward read to local parishioners at a church in Canada yesterday (16.09.12).

The Earl of Wessex - who was joined by his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex - read Proverbs 1:20 to 33 to members of the congregation at St. James-on-the-Lines Anglican Church in Ontario, while more people watched a live feed in a neighbouring hall.

The royal couple arrived at the 175-year-old structure in a limo yesterday morning and they met locals and the Archbishop of Toronto Reverend Colin Johnson outside the church.

After the service the prince and his wife met the oldest member of the congregation, 95-year old Helen Curry, and then travelled to the Christian longhouse and Ontario's first European Community in Sainte-Marie among the Hurons.

Staff had prepared a number of displays and events to welcome the royal visit.

Marilyn Hopkins created a white leather coverlet sporting certificates that were signed 'Edward' and 'Sophie' by the respective parties.

She said: 'The visit is amazing. We've had amazing visitors here but this is the first royals.'

Edward and Sophie immersed themselves in local history, and took part in a smudge ceremony - a ritual that takes place to drive out perceived negative energy - with Native Elders.

Chris Walser, part of the Ojibwa Native American tribe, said: 'I hope they take a piece of our culture home with them today.'

The royal couple were also presented with gifts, two miniature birch bark canoes for their two children Louise and James, and the prince later revealed that his visit had been 'great'.

He said: 'We really appreciate it'.

The royal couple are returning to Britain today (17.09.12).