Royal couple launches Calgary Stampede

Will and Kate scheduled to fly to California after last day in Canada

Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, officially launched the 2011 Calgary Stampede on Friday, the final day of their Canadian tour. The couple joined Prime Minister Stephen Harper and parade marshal Rick Hansen to kick off the event after they travelled to the parade route in a motorcade. In a speech Thursday evening, Prince William said their Canadian visit “far surpassed all that we were promised.” Later Friday, there will be a departure ceremony in honour of the royal couple, complete with an inspection of the guard by William and a 21-gun salute. Will and Kate will then head south to California to start their visit to the U.S.

CBC News