William, Kate off to Canada

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will celebrate Canada Day in Ottawa, open the Calgary Stampede and go canoeing in the Northwest Territories during their nine day-tour of their future realm before taking off to Los Angeles.

“The response we’ve gotten is overwhelming,” Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore said. “We’re already now having to adjust some of our plans from moving the couple in and around the capital here, closing off some streets and moving people around.”

Canada’s prime minister has even unveiled a personal flag for use during William’s visit. It is the first flag to be created by Canada for a member of the royal family since 1962, when the queen adopted a personal flag for her own use in Canada.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the flag was approved by the queen and William.