Prince William today said he was delighted to bring his young family to Canada to start their "lifetime of friendship" with the country.

Pic: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive in Canada with their children
royal correspondent(es/wp):
Prince William today said he was delighted to bring his young family to Canada to start their "lifetime of friendship" with the country.
The future King, who was last in Canada in 2011 just after their wedding, said, "Catherine and I are delighted to be back in Canada.
He said he was delighted Prince George and Princess Charlotte could be with them to start "them on lifetime of friendship with this wonderful country."
The Prince spoke of Canada and its people being "much esteemed for its strong values" - praising its armed services, arts culture and environment.
He went on: "We want to meet as many people from as many walks of life as possible."

And he said he hoped to discover how the Canadian people are tackling challenges of the day - including mental health issues of which he is passionate about.
William added he had "Happy memories" of being in British Colombia as a "shy teenager". "A few remember it too well I think," he joked.

Speaking to a huge crowd opposite Victoria's Parliament the prince delivered some of his address in French.
He joked, "It's a little rusty bear with me."
George and Charlotte were not at the official welcome and had been dropped off at Government House where the royals are staying on route.

Canada's Governor General David Johnston spoke of his delight that the royals had come as a family on the royal tour.
He said: "You've come back as a family and we couldn't be happier for you
"We are delighted to welcome Prince George and Princess Charlotte to Canada. May it be the first of many visits.”

The Prince joked that he hoped his children were not "tearing up" the Governor's House in their absence as he met well-wishers.
The prince and his wife made a beeline for fellow parents and accepted gifts for their children.
Kate told one Royal fan, the mother of a six month old girl, that parenthood would "get easier" after she grew older.
Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister, used his speech to highlight the family feel of the trip, the first overseas tour for the family as a foursome.

"As any parent who has travelled with children knows, it's a whole different experience when you bring your children with you," he said, to cheers.
"Let me caution you from my own experience, if they are anything like our kids, getting them back on the plane after a visit to the beautiful west coast will really be a challenge."
They were greeted by cheers from thousands of well-wishers as they stepped out of their car, waving before stepping forward to greet Governor General David Johnston and his wife Sharon, Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie, Lt-Gov of BC Judith Guichon and Christy Clark, premier of BC.