Updated: Tue Nov. 03 2009 11:54:53
CTV.ca News Staff
Prince Charles says the community of Cupids, N.L., the first English settlement in Canada, is "emblematic of the resilience and determination" with which centuries of immigrants have come to Canada in search of a better, more prosperous, life.
Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, began their 10-day Canadian trip in Cupids on Tuesday with a tour of an archeological dig on the majestic Avalon Peninsula.
Afterward, Charles spoke to an audience gathered at the local United Church of the early settlers, and those who came after, who come to Canada with a vision for "a new life."
"The story of Cupids is in a very real sense the story of Canada," he said. "It is emblematic of the resilience and determination of those who came later to these shores in different times and in different circumstances. The unifying factor, it seems to me, is that they all came with a purpose, a dream to create something new, to build again and, in the process, to contribute to the great and vibrant tapestry which is the Canada of today."
Charles and Camilla were joined by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, his wife Laureen, and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams for the tour of the site, which is located on the site of a plantation that dates back to 1610.
Cupids will celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2010.
The group shivered in single-digit temperatures under cloudy skies as archeologist William Gilbert showed the Royal couple a coin found at the site that experts believe dates back to the settlement's first days.
Charles, a student of archaeology when he attended Cambridge, asked Gilbert a number of questions during the tour.
Afterwards, the Royal couple and their political hosts proceeded to the church for a concert and speeches from Harper and Williams.
Charles said that he and Camilla were "delighted" to visit Cupids.
"The work of Bill Gilbert and his team is of great value, piecing together the social and economic history of those early settlers," he said. "This, ladies and gentlemen, not only enriches our understanding of the past, but crucially provides important lessons and reference points in managing our present and future."
Before Charles spoke, the prime minister praised the community for its warm welcome and remarked on the "rugged natural beauty of a land that has been said to quote: 'demand the spirit of heroes.'"
Williams said he wished the Royal couple a "journey of memorable experiences" in the province.
After the event, the Royal couple left the Church to greet local residents waiting outside, much to their delight.
In the afternoon, Charles and Camilla will travel to Brigus, another centuries-old community, and move on to Hawthorne Cottage, the home of Arctic explorer Capt. Bob Bartlett.
Charles will also visit a community centre, open a new housing project and unveil a plaque commemorating the Royal visit. He will also meet with young entrepreneurs at Memorial University.
The Royal couple's evening will be spent at a reception co-hosted by Lieut.-Gov. John Crosbie and Williams.
Charles and Camilla arrived in Newfoundland on Monday afternoon, and were greeted by a round of applause by people waiting at the St. John's airport.
The two greeted local politicians waiting for them on the tarmac. Both Charles and Camilla were sporting two Remembrance Day poppies on their coats.
The couple was quickly whisked away to their first event, an official welcoming ceremony in St. John's, where they were greeted by Harper, Williams and Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean.
The visit marks the 15th time Charles has toured Canada. However, it is the first time he has visited since his marriage to Camilla in 2005.
The couple will spend a couple of days travelling around Newfoundland before heading on to scheduled stops in Ontario, Quebec and B.C. before winding up the trip in Ottawa on Nov. 12.
During their trip, Charles and Camilla will visit Vancouver's new Olympic Stadium, open Toronto's Royal Winter Fair and participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies in Ottawa.
With files from The Canadian Press
Comments are now closed for this story
Rick in NB, Ste Marie
Boy! A whole day with Harper and Williams together. People were taking bets on who would give the other a wedgie first. And the Governer General was there to deny or give them permission. Long live the kink ; -)
david sawkiw[saskatchewan farmer]
Rumour has it, that when Gilbert showed him that coin found in the dig,, Charlie instinctively slipped it into his pocket...............................................Or was that Steve and a wafer ,,, can't seem to get the rumours straight today....................
The Other Lowell in BC
I find it really hard to get excited about Charles and Camilla. I bet Harper had to drag himself to the gala in Newfoundland in which he had to share the stage with one of his arch enemies, Danny Williams. No singing beatles tunes at that one. Possibly Let it Be might have been appropriate.
Sharon
Why do the Royals wear two poppies?
edb
I guess their visit to Hamilton this Thursday isn't worthy of mention. Nor the fact that Camilla is the great-great-great granddaughter of Sir Allan MacNab who built and resided at Dundurn castle.And of course it would be out of line to mention their visit to HMCS Haida, the last Canadian destroyer to see action in WW2 also here in Hamilton.O well, Toronto media. Just can't force themselves to say the dreaded "H"-word.
Jim in Ottawa
I for one welcome Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. I hope that we will continue to build on and strengthen our historic loyalty to King and Country--for this is what differentiates us from our separatist republican brothers to the south. Prince Charles is an excellent building block in that relationship.
Rick in NB, Ste Marie
Sharon, In 1940s during the war, Newfoundland was a sovereign state, not a part of Canada. I would assume that the Royal couple were wearing a poppy for Canada's lost soldiers and a poppy for Newfoundland's.
Sal
Except for money and linage - what now makes the "royal" family different from the rest of the world?Adultery, divorce, sadness - nothing royal about that.
pdm
Charles & Camilla represent all that is good about Canada. We are a Commonwealth member, with ties to countries around the world for trade and activities such as the Commonwealth Games. We are governed by a Parliament, a democracy. This sets us apart from countries like the US and I think that pleases most Canadians. Having a rich heritage that combines the extraordinary First Nations, the spectacular French and the traditional British makes us the superb country we are. People should recognize, it is not about any one individual, but rather what it represents.
Cameron
I think it's great that the royal visit began in a part of Canada with such a rich heritage.
OttawaKyle
For Sharon:If you look at both poppies, they're different. One is the style used in the UK, and the other is the one we wear here in Canada. So they represent those lost in war by both Canada (including NFLD) and the UK.
Violet Holmes
The Royals are part of our heritage and culture - it was wonderful to shake hands with both of them during their visit today to historic Cupids to help kick off the celebration of the 400 years since English settlers came to Canada. Welcome Charles and Camilla - hope you enjoy your stay with us!
mac
In the middle of of the 'hysteria' over the flu - I am welcoming the stories on the Royal visit - they are a part of our heritage AND I am learning a little bit more about my country - Cupids... who knew that it was 400 years old ! - even the dig at Brigus... long out of school etc its been a treat to learn little snipits of our history that otherwise would have gone unknown if it werent for the visit ! so a bonus ! So lets embrace the visit and welcome 'family' back home ! ...then snip and snipe aftewards.... For all the arm chair critics... an old valuable saying... if you cant say anything nice... then dont say it at all... or .. keep your mouth shut and let people think you are stupid or open it and confirm it !
mean old cat
Monarchy Forever...Republic NEVER!
