The Royals help the Globe Theatre in Regina celebrate 50 years

The founding members of the Globe Theatre in Regina were all smiles, welcoming members of the Royal family to the theatre's 50th anniversary gala Wednesday night.

Arriving in Regina earlier on Wednesday, it's the sixth time Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, has visited Saskatchewan.

(It's also the first time in the provincefor Edward'swife Sophie Rhys-Jones, the Countess of Wessex.)

According to Ruth Smillie, artistic director and CEO of the Globe Theatre, this event was a year in the making.

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

Smillie said last year, the Royal family invited her to Buckingham Palace for an evening to honour Prince Edward and Sophie. That's when Smillie asked them to be a part of the Globe Theatre's 50th anniversary celebration.

"He immediately said he could, and his focus is about shining a bright white light on the work the Globe Theatre does," Smillie said. "He has stayed in touch with us and he told me he wants to do whatever he can to help the Globe Theatre."

Smillie said in the 50 years the theatre has been in Regina, the anniversary gala is the first time she's been together with two of the theatre's founding artistic directors; Ken Kramer and Susan Ferley.

Kramer told reporters outside the theatre he had three children, and the theatre was his first.

"And the other two suffered because of it," he joked.

Speaking at the podium, Prince Edward talked about how the Globe Theatre has served the Queen City, adding the vision of the founding members has kept the theatre relevant and vibrant over five decades.

"None of this is possible without that vision, that dedication and creativity that the artistic directors bring to it and to all three of you, thank you for all you have done for the Globe Theatre and Regina and arts in Canada," Prince Edward said.

The Princepraised the audiences who have continued to support the theatre.

"It's pointless unless you have an audience," Prince Edward said.

The Royalvisit continues tomorrow beginning with stops at the RCMP Depot and RCMP Heritage Centre andGovernment House.