Visit to Canada 2006 -Edward visits Saskatshewan

HRH The Earl of Wessex began his trip to Canada in Regina, Saskatshewan.  His visit was especially for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and to pick up a Saskatshewan Order of Merit.

Ms. Peggy Harms, of Mandan N.D was one of many Canadians that turned out to meet him at Hotel Saskatshewan.  She even pecked up the courage to ask the prince for an autograph as he arrived at the Hotel Saskatchewan.  The grinning prince, a little surprised, was hustled past 20 well-wishers and reporters into the hotel and Harms didn't get her autograph.  ''I'm still excited!'' Mandan said a few minutes later. ''I won't come down for a long time.'' 

This was Prince Edward's fourth visit to Saskatchewan. He came in 1978 with his parents, again in 1994 and 2003, when he saluted Regina and Moose Jaw on their 100th anniversaries.  Prince Edward later recieved the Saskatshewan Order of Merit.  The order is awarded to Canadian who played exemptional roles in the advancement of their communities and Canadian society.  Prince Edward was awarded a special award for his role and that of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in the role it has played in the lives of Canada's youth.

 Prince Edward's visit to Regina was mostly in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh Awrds and he attended a reception that evening in the hotel saluting youthful recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.  Ms. Tara Rurak, whose daugher received her Duke of Edinburgh Awards noted that her daughter Madison hasd been walking on air for weeks now, and she feels the same thrill.  It's a sense of royalty, and being a part of something that's bigger than us and that's been around forever, and just such an honour," she said.

Prince Edward also stopped in at his patronage, the Globe Theatre in Regina.  The theatre took the opportunity to announce their programme of theatre participation.  Prince Edward enthusically noted that it was a great programme and encouraged youths to join in the group even if they did not intent following the profession.  The Earl of Wessex also made a visit to the Saskatchewan Dragoons in Moose Jaw. He visited the Moose Jaw Armoury and launched with 30 officers.  He also took part in a vehicle demonstration at Burdick Range, west of Moose Jaw.  Dressed in combat fatigues, he listened to Master Cpl. Mackenzie Driscoll explain the equipment.  "I was a little intimidated, but he was very personal and warm and he was interested in what I had to tell him," said Driscoll.  Later Saturday, the prince was to attend the opening of the Saskatchewan Dragoons Museum, attend a regimental dinner at 15 Wing, then leave for Calgary