A royal affair: Earl and Countess of Wessex arrive in Saskatchewan

The Queen City is rolling out the red carpet for royalty today and tomorrow.

Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, and his wife Sophie Rhys-Jones, the Countess of Wessex, arrived in Regina this afternoon.

This isthe Earl of Wessex's 38th visit to Canada and sixth visit to Saskatchewan. It is the first visit to the province for the Countess of Wessex.

Tonight, the couple is expected to attend the 50th Anniversary Gala for Regina's Globe Theatre, which Prince Edward is the royal patron of.

• Prince Edward and wife Sophie to visit Saskatchewan in June
• VIDEO: 2001: Prince Charles on the prairie
• Prince Edward delights royal fans in Moose Jaw

Premier Brad Wall said it's great to have the couple back in the province.

"I'm grateful they both have a great day today and tomorrow planned and we just want to do our best to welcome them," Wall said.

Wall said the royal visit also serves as a chance for Canadians to connect with their history.

"I think we're reminded when members of the royal family come for a visit, just how important the ties we have are to the commonwealth because of the democracy that it represents," he said.

Prince Edward first visited Saskatchewan in 1978 with his parents, Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh, followed by individual visits in 1994, 2003, 2006, and 2014.

Here is their schedule today and tomorrow:

Wednesday, June 22

• 2:45 p.m.: Arrive at the Regina International Airport. Saskatchewan Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield will greet them.
• 5:30 p.m.: Their Royal Highnesses will arrive at the Globe Theatre's 50th Anniversary Gala at the Conexus Arts Centre.
• 8 p.m.: Prince Edward will deliver the Royal Address.

Thursday, June 23

• 9a.m.: The Countess of Wessex will arrive at the RCMP Heritage Centre to meet with RCMP officers.
• 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Their Royal Highnesses will arrive at Government House. They will take part in a variety of events, including the Sovereign's Medal Presentation and a walkabout on Ceremonial Drive, which the public is invited to.