Royal Visit Canada: Prince William, Kate and the kids arrive in Victoria

Thousands of adoring fans greeted Prince William, Kate and their kids in Victoriaonthe first day of themuch-anticipated royal visit to British Columbia.

"Catherine and I are delighted to be back in Canada," William said as he addressed the crowd in front of the provincial legislature.

"We're so pleased that George and Charlotte could be with us in Canada this time around, beginning their own lifetime of friendship with this wonderful country."

The Duke of Cambridge said he and the Duchess were looking forward to meeting as many Canadians as possible during their stay.

"We are very much looking forward to learning about how Canadians are tackling some of the biggest challenges of the day, including the environment, supporting young families, and the mental health of young people."

The first day of the visit was perhaps one of the most ceremonial complete with a 21-gun salute, an official inspection of the Guard of Honour, and the laying of a wreath at the cenotaph.

The rest of their tour will bepeppered with visits at social services centres, wine tastingsand a children's tea party.

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The visit began on Saturday when the couple arrived along with their children promptly at 4 p.m. PTat 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron.

For those interested in royal fashion, the Duchess was wearing Jenny Packham with hat by Lock and Co and a maple leaf brooch a royal heirloom.

The family was greeted byGov. Gen.David Johnston and his wife Sharon Johnston, Prime Minister JustinTrudeauand his wifeSophieGrgoireTrudeau,B.C. Premier Christy Clark and her sonHamish, and B.C. Lt.-Gov.JudithGuichon.

After a brief retreat, the Duke and Duchess made their way to the B.C. Legislature, sans three-year-old George and 16-month-old Charlotte.

Therea full,but not overly-packed, crowd of thousands of people awaited them, keen to catch a glimpse or shake hands with the royal couple. Many had waited for hours to get up close to the action, Canadian flags in hand.

The royal couple were officially welcomed by the Songhees First Nation, whose traditional territory includes the southern tip of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

They also and took ina performance by theVictoria Children's Choir.

Prime Minister Trudeaualso welcomed the Duke and Duchess on their first visit with their children in tow.

"I know you have visited Canada before, but as any parent who has travelled with children knows, it's a whole different experience when you bring your family," he said.

"Getting them back on the plane after a visit to our beautiful West Coast will really be a challenge."

The Governor General and the premieralso offered a few remarks the latter reminding the royal couple that the province's capital city was named in honour of their late predecessor, Queen Victoria.

Lastly, the Duke and Duchess met privatelywith the Governor General and, later, withthe prime minister and his wife back at Government House.

On Sunday, the visit will continuein Vancouver.