Royal blue: Kate steps off warship in another stunning dress as couple arrive in Quebec

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Disembark: On their arrival in Quebec City Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, disembark from Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Montreal, to the waiting crowds

Prince William given freedom of the city and he speaks French to a delighted audience

Heavy police presence as protesters follow the royal couple with Republicans paying for a plane sign reading 'Long Live Free Quebec'

Couple visit homeless charity and speak to unemployed young people

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined sailors on a Canadian warship for a church service today.

The royal couple were included in prayers during the inter-denominational event held in their honour on the deck of HMCS Montreal.



Crowds: Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Catherine look on as they prepare to disembark


William and Kate had spent the night on the frigate as it sailed along the St Lawrence River from Montreal to Quebec City - the next stop on their tour of the Commonwealth country.

The couple slept in the quarters of the warship's head officer Commander Real Brisson - something that is traditionally done when VIPs come aboard.

The room was probably one of the smallest the couple have stayed in but space is at a premium on a fighting warship.


Stunning: Duchess of Cambridge Catherine's simple yet elegant dress was a hit with crowds in Quebec City


When they first boarded last night after a busy day in Montreal they joined the senior officer on his bridge and also met other members of the ship's company.

This morning they sat down to breakfast with officers in the mess and were probably treated to some of the best food the cooks had to offer.


All aboard: The Duchess of Cambridge smiles as she meets members of the band following a prayer service on board the HMCS Montreal in Quebec City


Their visit was praised by Dennis Drainville, the Anglican Bishop of Quebec, one of a number of senior clergy who were part of the service.

He said: 'The significance (of today) for me and for many Anglicans is very simple. We have a long association with the monarchy.

'William will someday by King and because of that his opportunity to come here and be among people - Canadians - and learn about Canada is very important, we are diverse.'


Prayers: Prince William and his wife Catherine took part in a memorial service on board the ship


He added: 'Her Majesty the Queen is one of the most faithful individuals, every year she gives in her message an indication of the Christian values and virtues that are so important to us. William being her grandson I'm sure will carry on that tradition.'

The service held was led by Brigadier-General Karl McLean, Chaplain General of the Canadian Forces, and it echoed across Quebec's Queen's wharf.

When prayers were said for leading figures like the Queen and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Duke and Duchess were also mentioned by the senior cleric.


Making an entrance: Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, disembark from Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Montreal on their arrival in Quebec City



Stepping off: Duchess of Cambridge Catherine took to the nautical theme on the couple's ninth day of their trip


Kate looked stylish in an electric blue Jacquenta dress, by Erdem, the Canadian-born British designer who also designed the navy-blue lace dress that she wore on her arrival into Ottawa on Thursday.

Today's shift gown had a floral lace applique across the shoulders and sleeves and a split skirt.

She accessorised the outfit with beige patent platform stilettos and a matching beige mock-croc clutch bag.


Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, take part in a prayer service on the HMCS Montreal in Quebec City


Royal blue: The electric blue Jacquenta dress is by the Canadian-born British designer Erdem


During the service hymns included 'Eternal Father, Strong to Save' and 'Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer.'

The couple also sang along in French to the hymn 'Je Louerai L'Eternel,' (Praise, I will Praise You Lord).

The congregation were accompanied by a five-piece brass quintet, from the Band of the Royal 22nd Regiment, whom the Duchess congratulated at the close of the service telling them 'Really well played'.


Honoured: Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge talk to Konrad Sioui as they disembark HMCS Montreal


Hats off: Duchess of Cambridge talks to Konrad Sioui as she disembarks HMCS Montreal


After the service the royal couple were piped off the warship as the ships company stood along the edge of every deck and landing.

As they came down the gang-plank a voice called out, from amongst the several hundred who had gathered by the wharf's gates, 'We love you Kate'.

The sailors and their officers then removed their hats and gave three cheers for the couple as they greeted a line of dignitaries waiting on the wharfside.

Among them was Konrad Sioui, Grand Chief of the Council of the Huron-Wendat nation.



As they came down the gang-plank a voice called out, from amongst the several hundred who had gathered by the wharf's gates, 'We love you Kate'


Wearing a colourful hat the First Nations leader gave the Duke a copy of a treaty signed between his people and the British in 1760.

He said: 'I welcomed the Duke and Duchess to Huron land. She wanted to find out about my hat and what it was made from - it's wild turkey and eagle feathers and is made by the women.

'It is the same hat worn in 1760 when the then grand chief made the treaty.'

As the couple made their way into town police were out in force in down town Quebec City.


Grand Chief of the Huron Konrad Sioui said he enjoyed speaking to the couple


More than 150 protesters, some wearing black and waving flags, demonstrated about two blocks from City Hall, where Prince William was due to make remarks before visiting a homeless shelter.

A far larger crowd of supporters, chanting 'Will and Kate.' were allowed closer to City Hall and greeted the royal motorcade with loud cheers when it arrived.

The protesters chanted 'RRQ,' the initials of the anti-monarchist, separatist group, Reseau de Resistance du Quebecois, or Quebecker Resistance Network, which organized the protests in Montreal and Quebec City.


Prince William and Catherine the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, greet youths as they tour la Maison Dauphine , a centre which helps homeless youths


Round of applause: The Duke and Duchess clap as Pierre, young resident of the youth shelter, shows off his juggling tricks


Police set up barriers to keep the protesters away from City Hall, but the demonstrators brought a pickup truck with audio equipment and speakers so their chants could be heard.

They carried signs reading 'Pay your own way' and 'The monarchy, it's over.'

The royal couple met Pierre, a 24-year-old circus skills student, wowed the royal couple by juggling with cigar boxes during their visit to the homeless shelter Maison Dauphine.

The Duke described the juggling as 'awesome' and spent several minutes deep in conversation with Pierre afterwards, asking him how long he had been learning his tricks.


In tune: The Duke of Cambridge admires a guitar as he chats with a young musician at the centre



One of the gang: Kate and William pose with the staff and young people from the Maison Dauphine shelter


Pierre, who, like all of the youths at the centre, prefers to be known only by his first name, admitted he was not a huge monarchist before he met the couple.

With his green dreadlocks, nose ring, inch-wide holes in his ears, tattoos and a 'Ska is Death' T-shirt, he didn’t look much like one either.

He said: ‘I’m not really a big royalist, but it’s special to meet them, a privilege.’


Now you see it: Kate grins as she take part in a magic trick at the centre


Now you don't: The Duchess looks amazed as the trick is completed


Pierre, who has been visiting the Jesuit-run centre for seven years, was living on the streets before the centre helped him find a home and complete his education.

After he had shown off his skills to the Duke and Duchess, the Duke joked: ‘I hope you’re not going to say it’s our turn now.’

Vocal yet vastly outnumbered protesters failed to cause any disruption to the royal couple's events in Montreal on Saturday, other than aggravating some of the pair's supporters.


A princely game: A young man called Steven takes on William at a game of foosball


Royal opponent: It is unclear who emerged the victor from this game... but the Prince looks like he is enjoying it


About 35 protesters, including members of the Quebecker Resistance Network, stood outside Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre in Montreal. They were outnumbered about 10 to one by William and Kate supporters gathered outside the children's hospital where the newlyweds visited cancer patients and the hospital's neonatal care facility.

Republicans also paid for a plane to fly overhead pulling a sign reading ‘Long Live Free Quebec’.

But the crowd greeted the Prince’s attempt to deliver his speech in French warmly while Kate also smiled proudly.


Pomp and ceremony: The Royal couple also attended a ceremony at City Hall in Quebec City on the fourth day of their nine-day tour of Canada


Tiny talks: Kate and William chat with some of their younger fans at the City Hall ceremony


The Prince thanked Quebecers 'for your patience with my accent' and expressed the hope that 'we will have the chance to get to know each other over the years to come.'

After the ceremony, William and Kate, flanked by a security detail, greeted supporters and well-wishers, accepting flowers from a young girl and shaking hands.

The move broke with protocol, as there had been no official walkabouts planned in Quebec because of security concerns.


Demonstration: Kate and William were welcomed by separatist protesters in Montreal objecting to the cost of the Royal tour


Meanwhile, pro-sovereignty protesters had gathered near City Hall but were kept well away from the celebrations.

Police closed a lot of the side streets leading to City Hall, with some people not willing to clear the area where the royal motorcade was to arrive.

One person was taken into custody.

The visit to Quebec City rankles many sovereigntists because the couple plan to visit Citadelle, a fortified residence at the foot of the Plains of Abraham.


Confrontation: Police closed a lot of the side streets leading to City Hall, with some people not willing to clear the area where the royal motorcade was to arrive


Protest: The demonstrations were a rare moment of criticism aimed at the young royals, who have for the most part been welcomed with open arms by Canadians eager to see the glamorous newlyweds


Relaxed: Despite the protests the couple appeared relaxed on their tour

source: dailymail