Soldiers dazzled by 'charming' Kate

The Duchess of Cambridge carries a tray of hors d'oeuvres during a visit to the Quebec Tourism and Hotel Institute in Montreal (AP)
12 April 2012

The Duchess of Cambridge charmed Canada as she won over old soldiers and young servicemen with her common touch.

Kate was described as being "all smiles" despite having a "tough role" as the newest member of the Royal Family.

And in scenes reminiscent of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Duchess and her husband the Duke brought tears of joy to the eyes of a cancer victim.

There were two firsts for Kate on Saturday which she completed with William without a hitch - tree planting and the ubiquitous unveiling ceremony. But despite having to get to grips with the rigours of foreign tours Kate also spoke of how she was having a "wonderful" time in Ottawa with some of those she met.

Robert O'Brien, 74, a former army colonel who served with UN Peacekeeping forces, met the royal couple at a reception for military veterans and described the Duchess as a "charming young lady who has assumed this high responsibility and is thriving".

Kate in turn praised the one person who is patiently helping her adjust to her new life - William - telling the former officer: "I'm very, very lucky, he looks after me as much as possible."

The royal couple began their day by fulfilling one tradition associated with royal tours to Canada whose origin goes back decades - tree planting. The newlyweds followed in the footsteps of a long line of royal couples who have shovelled earth on to tiny saplings as a living memento of their visit to the Commonwealth country.

During the ceremony the royal couple planted an Eastern Hemlock in the shadow of the Pin Oak planted by William's parents on June 21, 1983 - his first birthday.

During the ceremony they met wheelchair-bound Terry Joyce, 47, a former computer expert from Ottawa. As Mr Joyce struggled to his feet and leant against a walking frame William, 29, told him to sit down and relax and when Kate arrived she shook him warmly by the hand saying: "Let's get you out of the sunlight Terry."

After the couple left, Mr Joyce, who lives in the Bruyere Hospice, burst into tears and was comforted by his doctor. He said: "This has given me a tremendous lift. It goes to show that we have a wonderful monarchy and we really need people like this. I was told a week ago I would be meeting them and I have been looking forward to it ever since. It has been one of the best days of my life."

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