LOVE ON TOUR

They came to Canada as newlyweds - and the nation enthusiastically said 'I do' to Prince William and Kate

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Welcome to Canada - the honeymoon capital of the Commonwealth," Governor General David Johnston joked to the 300,000-strong crowd on Parliament Hill as he officially welcomed royal newlyweds Prince William and Kate on July 1, 2011. "Your journey across our fair dominion marks the beginning of your journey into the hearts of Canadians."

And so it began - not just a royal tour but a lasting connection. Though they have visited only twice together, the Prince and Princess of Wales have forged a close bond with Canadians, captivating us with their warmth, humility and genuine desire to understand the country and its people. In William, many see a future King whose values align with their own - fairness, empathy and quiet strength. And in Kate, who has been through so much this past year, they see fortitude, transparency and compassion.

INSTANT CHEMISTRY

Fresh from their April 29 wedding, the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thrilled a nation on their first overseas tour as husband and wife. Their nine-day itinerary took them from the capital to Montreal, Quebec City, Charlottetown, Yellowknife and Calgary - each stop offering a window into Canada's cultural richness and geographic diversity.