It has been tremendously exciting to see William and Catherine touring Canada and California.

It is incredibly beneficial to have the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as other royals, visit this side of the pond. The United Kingdom is an important nation, not just as an economic and political ally, but also because it is a part of the fabric of life in both Canada and the U.S. I hope that in years to come they will also do an extensive tour of the United States!

As exciting as it has been for all of us, it must be remembered that it was a tour of epic proportions for Prince William and his new bride Catherine, who, despite the intense media glare, has done extremely well! Catherine’s role as a royal has been threatened with the specter of Diana, but nothing sticks. The new Duchess of Cambridge is her own woman, bringing a delightfully confident and genuinely happy air to her new position.

If this tour is any indication of the future of the monarchy, then we can all rest easy.

Here is a look back at the very first royal Cambridge tour:

Canada

June 30

The Duke and Duchess touch down in Ottawa in the Canadian province of Ontario and head to the National War Memorial for wreath-laying. Then it was on to Government House for the official welcome to Canada ceremony.

After a walkabout Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor-General David Johnston gave speeches welcoming the royal couple. Afterwards they attended a youth barbecue and reception in garden of Government House.

July 1

William and Catherine arrived at the Canadian Museum of Civilization for a citizenship ceremony. They continued to Parliament Hill by landau for Canada Day celebrations.

July 2

After a tree planting at Government House, it was on to the Canadian War Museum for a reception with veterans, war brides and families.

The Cambridges departed Ottawa and arrived at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, continuing on to Sainte-Justine University Children’s Hospital to the meet children and parents. The couple then travel to the Institut de tourisme et d’hotellerie du Quebec for a cooking workshop and reception.

July 3

The Cambridges arrived in Quebec City. They attended a prayer service aboard HMCS Montreal. Afterwards, they visited residents of La Maison Dauphine, a center that helps homeless youths, which was followed by a military ceremony and the 375th-year celebration of the city of Levis.

July 4

William and Catherine visited Province House in Charlottetown. Afterwards there was a Waterbirding demonstration at Dalvay by the Sea. The Duke demonstrated the technique used to make a controlled the descent and landing over water in a Sea King helicopter. Catherine watched proudly and took pictures with her personal camera.

After the demonstration, William and Catherine competed against one another in a Dragon boat race across Dalvay Lake.

After the high-spirited race, the Cambridges took a break at Dalvay by the Sea Resort; there was a presentation to the winning team, the smudging ceremony, and cultural performances.

July 5 & 6

The Cambridges arrived in Yellowknife, located in the Northwest Territories. There they visited Somba K’e Civic Plaza for a prayer drum song and dance. There is a demonstration of Dene games and Arctic sports, then a spot of green-thumb activities as they plant shrubs. After a plaque unveiling, there is a game of street hockey in which the Duke happily participated. His wife cheered him on, excusing herself from the activity due to her high heels.

At the legislative assembly, a session of Youth Parliament was held. The couple attended a reception there before departing by float plane for Blachford Lake.

Upon their arrival at Blachford Lake, they were greeted by federal Defense Minister Peter MacKay, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq, Brig.-Gen. Guy Hamel of the Canadian Forces’ Joint Task Force North, and members of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group. William and Catherine toured the Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning and met with students and elders, who offered a tour of their organic gardens. The Cambridges then took a calm canoe ride, much more placid than their Dragonboat race!

Thursday, July 7

At the conclusion of their Yellowknife visit, the Duke and Duchess flew to Calgary where they were greeted in a white-hatting ceremony. That evening, they toured the 21st Century Research and Innovation Centre.

William and Catherine headed to the BMO Centre for a reception hosted by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Soon after the Cambridges ditched their formal duds for casual chic for Calgary’s annual stampede and rodeo. The couple donned their cowboy hats – William’s grandparents did the same when they first visited Canada as a young royal couple – and officially launched the Calgary Stampede Parade.

The Duke and Duchess toured the ENMAX Conservatory/Calgary Zoo and took in environmental preservation displays. William, as patron of the homeless charity Centrepoint, then went with his wife to meet homeless youth privately. The couple then continued on to attend an Alberta government reception. Alberta was named for William’s ancestor – Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Louise, whose middle name was Alberta.

After a wreath-laying ceremony at Calgary Rotary Challenger Park, William and Catherine returned to the Calgary International Airport to prepare for their departure to Los Angeles.

California

Prince William, the president of BAFTA gave a speech at the gala. The BAFTA event was held to spotlight emerging British talent and to build partnerships between Hollywood and new British actors.

The Duke polished his boots and saddled up to play a charity polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo Club. The match was held to benefit the American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry, while the Catherine distributed the prizes.

William was also on hand to help promote Tusk USA, the American branch of Tusk Trust, of which he is patron.

As the Cambridges wrapped up their tour, the Duke and Duchess paid a visit to Inner-City Arts, an L.A. program that helps disadvantaged and homeless children through art. They continued in their charitable vein and helped put together care packages for military veterans and their families transitioning to civilian life.