The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children have arrived in Canada for a highly anticipated eight-day tour.
William and Kate returned to the Commonwealth country they last visited a few months after their 2011 wedding bringing their family – three-year-old Prince George and his sister Princess Charlotte, 16 months.
The royal couple and their children arrived in a Royal Canadian Air Force jet that landed at Patricia Bay, the home of a maritime helicopter squadron close to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.
Waiting at the bottom of the plane’s steps to greet them was Canada’s young charismatic leader prime minster Justin Trudeau, who last summer invited the Cambridges to visit, and his wife Sophie Gregoire.
But all eyes were on the young prince and princess who are rarely seen in public together and likely to steal the limelight away from their parents.
The tour is Charlotte's first official royal visit, but George travelled to Australia and New Zealand with his parents in 2014 when he was nine months old.
Former teacher-turned politician Mr Trudeau was one of many leading figures who marked Charlotte’s first birthday on May 2 by sending her a birthday gift – a snowsuit and a book, as well as making a 100,000-dollar (£54,000) donation to Immunise Canada on her behalf.
William and Kate are being supported by a 12-strong entourage - three private secretaries, a communications team of four, tour secretary, operations manager, personal assistant, and - paid for privately - a hairdresser and nanny.
Highlights of the trip to Canada's east coast will see William and Kate experience the stunning natural world of the province of British Columbia and the territory of Yukon, where they will go fishing, sightseeing and meet First Nations communities.
As a contrast they will also learn how the country is dealing with social problems like mental health issues, the refugee fallout from the Syrian conflict and drug and alcohol addiction among mothers, during visits to organisations and projects.
William and Kate emerged from the Airbus 310 with their two children. Kate held Charlotte in her arms and William took George by the hand.
Kate, who wore a dress by Jenny Packham, took George's other hand as the couple walked down the steps of the plane to meet the waiting dignitaries.