British tabloids say Prince William and Kate Middleton will visit Canada in July in their first trip abroad after their April 29 royal wedding.
The Sun reports that the future heir to the British throne and his bride will start their two-week visit on the country's east coast and end it in British Columbia. The visit will reflect Canada's importance within the Commonwealth and the work of its military, the Sun report says.
Monarchist League of Canada spokesperson Matthew Rowe said the trip will likely also involve stops at sites with monarchy-related history. One such location could be the Halifax Town Clock, he said, which was built on the city's Citadel Hill in the late 1700s at Prince Edward's request.
"They are going to be sure to visit every single region," Rowe told CTV News Channel on Monday. "After all, they will one day be our king and queen so it's good for them to have a better understanding of the country."
Rowe believes the couple will stay in a mix of accommodations that include high-end hotels – such as Toronto's Royal York Hotel and Montreal's Queen Elizabeth Hotel – and private residences.
"You may find some unconventional (accommodations) in the agenda," he said. "They will be trying to get the Canadian flavour."
One unnamed source tells the newspaper that Canada was a natural choice as the couple's first destination since the Queen is head of state and the Royal Family enjoys popularity across the country.
The Sun reports that aides are "agonizing" over details of the trip because they know the couple -- and particularly Kate -- will be "under the microscope."
William is understood to be personally overseeing the plans to ensure the itinerary does not overwhelm his new wife, who has agreed to do at least one solo engagement, the report says.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally extended an invitation to the couple last November on the day the couple announced their engagement.
"It would be an honour to welcome Prince William and his bride to Canada in the future and show them the special warmth and cherished traditions that are reserved for members of the royal family," Harper said in a statement.
Prince William last visited Canada in 1998, when he travelled to Whistler, B.C. with his father and brother.
