Prince Edward, Sophie wrap up 3-hour visit to Winnipeg

Some Manitobans caught a glimpse ofPrince Edward and his wife, Sophie,and in some caseseven came face-to-face with the royal couple during theirbrief visit to Winnipeg on Wednesday.

The couple, also known as theEarl and Countess of Wessex, checked out theRoyal Aviation Museum of Western Canada and Deer Lodge Centre during their3-hour stop inthe Manitoba capital.

In the afternoon, 54 Manitobans had an opportunityto meet Edward as he awarded them the highest honour in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award program.

Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, visit Winnipeg

8 years ago

Duration 1:55

Some Manitobans caught a glimpse of Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, and in some cases even came face-to-face with the royal couple during their brief visit to Winnipeg on Wednesday."Congratulations to all of you on achieving your gold awards, and I trust that you have enjoyed the experience and you can now look back on it and think it was all worthwhile," he told the recipients.

There are more than 2,100 Manitobans age 14 to 24 taking part in the program, which promotes community service, skills development, adventure and fitness. It was founded by Edward's father, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Edward presented the gold-level awards, which require the highest level of commitment from participants.

"I'm sure there were probably moments when you were doing it you were wondering why you were doing it; if it was anything like mine, it was probably about halfway through the adventurous journey," he said as the audience laughed.

"However, it is a fantastic feeling when you get to the end, and I hope that you can enjoy that."

Prince Edward speaks at Duke of Edinburgh's International Award ceremony

8 years ago

Duration 3:07

Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, speaks after presenting 54 young Manitobans with gold-level awards at the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award ceremony in Winnipeg.

While Edward presided over the awards ceremony,Sophie was greeted by royal watchers of all ages as she touredDeer Lodge Centre on Portage Avenue.

The countess met veterans, residents and staff at Deer Lodge, arehabilitation centre and personal care home founded for returning First World War veterans. It is celebrating its 100th anniversary this month.

Among those who waited outside the centre to see Sophie was Lena Bradshaw, 3,who presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

Toured aviation museum

Edward and Sophie's jet landed at theRoyal Aviation Museum of Western Canada around11:30 a.m. CT. Theywere greeted on the tarmac byLt.-Gov.JaniceFilmon,Premier BrianPallisterand his wife, Esther, andother officials andRCMPmembers.

They thenembarked on a tour of the museum, lookingat vintage airplanes.Theyappeared to take particular interest in anexperimental flying saucer, funded by the United States air force inthe 1950s, that was discontinued due to stability problems.

Prince Edward and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex arrive at the Royal Aviation Museum

8 years ago

Duration 1:46

A brief royal visit to Winnipeg will provide little opportunity for royal watching, although fans of the monarchy may get a glimpse of Prince Edward's wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.

The tour wasfollowed bya private work lunch withFilmonand thePallisters. Officials said themealwould bea casual event, with the menu featuring food from Manitoba.

This was Prince Edward's 38th visit to Canada. It was Sophie'sfirst visit to Manitoba.

Prince Edward, 52, is Prince Charles'youngest brother and ninth in line to the throne, behind Charles, his children and his grandchildren, and middle brother Prince Andrew and his children.

The couple's next stop isRegina,where they are attendingthe Globe Theatre's 50th Anniversary Gala at the Conexus Arts Centre on Wednesdayevening.

High Tea Bakery's royal-themed imperial cookies

8 years ago

Duration 0:28

A brief royal visit to Winnipeg will provide little opportunity for royal watching, although fans of the monarchy may get a glimpse of Prince Edward's wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.