Some special visitors came to Manitoba on Wednesday, as the Earl and Countess of Wessex visited Winnipeg.

The youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie toured the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada.

Sophie was accompanied by Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister during a visit to Deer Lodge Centre, a long term care facility, which started out as a hospital for wounded soldiers 100 years ago.

The Countess of Wessex met veterans, volunteers and residents of Deer Lodge Centre.

Hilda Nickel, a resident of 16 years, said she was impressed by Sophie’s kindness and compassion.

“The Countess of Wessex, Sophie, is so down to earth,” Nickel said.  “She shook my hand and we talked about what my room looked like, and how long I’ve been here, how well they look after us.”

One man, Ray Bicomong, kissed Sophie on the hand not once but twice.

He said it is the first time he has ever been in the presence of royalty.

“I think I was heaven,” Bicomong said.

Prince Edward honoured 54 Manitoba students for participating in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award during a ceremony at the Royal Aviation Museum.

The program requires a minimum of 12 months to complete and involves community service, cultural exploration and physical activity.

This is Sophie’s first visit to Manitoba. Prince Edward was last here in 2008.