Tuesday evening, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will touch down in Winnipeg for the final leg of their 2014 Canadian visit.
The couple’s two days in Winnipeg are packed with activities.
Camilla will be treated to a private performance by members of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
While that happens, Prince Charles will come face to face with one of Winnipeg’s most famous residents, Hudson the polar bear.
“Hudson’s the toughest guy so far to deal with,” joked Dwight MacAuley, the province’s chief of protocol. “We’re hoping he behaves himself and does exactly as we want him to do….but it’s going to be really exciting to have the prince feed the polar bear.”
MacAuley’s office has been working tirelessly since the visit was announced.
He is responsible for alerting members of the government and public about protocols ahead of interaction with the royals.
“We’re absolutely delighted and honoured that they’ve chosen to visit on this trip to Canada. Manitoba’s had a great relationship with the royal family,” he said.
Security for the trip is being handled by the RCMP, the Winnipeg Police Service and the royal family’s own protection detail.
The groups have been planning and practicing ahead of the visit, including some motorcade rehearsals.
“We want to make sure we’re all on the same page, we’re all following the same processes and that type of thing,” said RCMP spokesperson Tara Seel. “Those motorcades are great practice to make sure we have it down pat for the day of.”
The exact number of people involved in protecting the royal couple is a closely guarded secret.
"I can tell you there's a lot. But as to specific numbers, I can't do that for security reasons," said Seel.
Charles will present 14 people with the Order of Manitoba before he and Camilla do a walk-about on the north lawn of the Manitoba Legislative Building.
MacAuley said that would offer members of the public their best chance to see and possibly interact with the royal couple around 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21 on the lawn of the legislature.
