Prince William, Kate and the kids say goodbye to Canada
The royal tour of B.C. and Yukon wrapped up Saturday in Victoria.
Prince William and Kate, along with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, departed from Victoria Harbour seaplane terminal mid-afternoon.
"Catherine and I are incredibly grateful to the people of Canada for the warmth and hospitality they have extended to our family over the last week," William said in a written statement.
"We have loved our time in British Columbia and Yukon and will never forget the beautiful places we have seen and the many people who have been kind enough to come to welcome us in person."
The float plane circled southern Vancouver Island before dropping the family off at Victoria International Airport.
The royal couple finished their visit by meeting with social service agencies, which have featured prominently in their schedule since they arrived last Saturday.
The day started shortly after 10 a.m. PT with a visit to the Cridge Centre for the Family.
The organization offers a variety of services for those in need, including housing and respite care for children with disabilities.
The couple met with families who use the services at the Cridge Centre, and were presented with Canucks jerseys for George and Charlotte.
The royal couple then met with staff of the Kelty Mental Health Resources Centre, which helps connect B.C. children and their families to resources and to gain access to services.
At 11:45 a.m., the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sailed into Victoria Harbour from Ogden Point on the tall ship Pacific Grace with the Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS) and Jack.org.
Both organizations work with youth — SALTS helps build life skills through sailing and Jack.org focuses on mental health.
In honour of the royal visit, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday announced Canada's official gift of a $100,000 to be divided equally between two nonprofit groups: Prince's Charities Canada and the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia.
"In keeping with tradition, I am honoured to mark the visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with a gift that will help both Indigenous youth as well as newcomers to Canada realize their dreams," Trudeau said in a statement. "Canadians have a real affection for the Royal Family, which was once again very much on display during this tour."
Prince George and Princess Charlotte were only present in public at the official departure at the Victoria Harbour seaplane terminal.
