Prince William and Kate brave severe weather to touch down in Canadian wilderness

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Robert Jobson27 September 2016

Prince William and Kate braved torrential rain and strong winds as they touched down in Canada's wilderness today.

The royal couple decided to press ahead with their trip to Bella Bella, a remote village in the heart of Great Bear Rainforest, known as the Amazon of the North.

They had a rocky flight experiencing strong turbulence on route to the tiny one strip airport.

Dressed casually, Kate sported a Holland and Holland jacket and Zara jeans and was wearing earrings by Pippa Small, a Canadian designer.

Wet and windy: The Duchess of Cambridge arrives under an umbrella at the Heiltsuk First Nations community in Bella Bella
Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror/PA Wire

The couple were driven straight to their first engagement in a motorcade.

Their children - Prince George and Princess Charlotte - remained at Government House, Victoria with their nanny.

Royal visit: William and Kate visited Bella Bella during their eight-day tour of Canada
Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Some of the royal couple's planned activities had to be scrapped - most notably a float plane tour of the area the couple had been hugely looking forward to.

Officials felt as the area was covered in cloud there was little point as the visibility was very poor.

Meet and greet: The Duchess of Cambridge meets chiefs from the Heiltsuk First Nations community in Bella Bella
Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Despite drastic changes both William and Kate, were said to be "hugely excited" about the visit.

Royal aides said the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were still determined to make the most of their visit despite the severe weather warning.

"It is still a beautiful place in the rain and everyone is prepared to get wet," said a Kensington Palace spokesman.

Bad weather: The couple were forced to change their itinerary after severe weather
Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

The area was recently named as Canada's commitment to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QQC), a unique network of forest conversation initiatives involving all 53 countries of the Commonwealth.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were greeted with a traditional welcoming ceremony - which was moved inside a community centre instead of being outside.

They received a rapturous welcome from the small Heiltsuk First Nation community whose claim to the lands in the area were recognised by Queen Victoria in the form of a staff, presented to the people by a representative of the monarch.

Welcome: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are greeted with a traditional welcoming ceremony by the Heiltsuk First Nations community in Bella Bella
Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

In a community hall or "big house" filled with the Heiltsuk people William and Kate were honoured as "people of standing" – with important men known as as Hemas and the women Umaks.

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Lining an open space in the community centre’s hall were around 12 hereditary priests in their colourful ceremonial costumes with long flowing headdresses made from animal pelts.

The Duke and Duchess were greeted by each in turn before a welcoming dance was performed and musicians played drums.

A spokesman for the community said: “The welcoming dance performed was for royalty and is seen on very special occasions.

“It is performed every time there’s anybody the community want to welcome and bring into the community as a sign of good faith.”

Later the royal couple will travel to nearby Mcloughlin Bay where the rainforest will be officially committed to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy during a brief ceremony.

The Royal visitors will also have an opportunity to see one of the new walking trails being constructed in the area.

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