Immigration Minister Jason Kenney described the ceremony, which took place at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in nearby Gatineau, Que., as a historic occasion.
“You will (take the oath) for the first time in the history of Canadian citizenship in the presence of one of her heirs, who we hope will — in the fullness of time — become one of her successors, as the King of Canada.”
As he accepted his flags, Kumar said the prince asked where he was from. When he replied India, Catherine exclaimed she was planning to go there too. For Mr. Kumar, having the royal couple preside over his new citizenship was even better than icing on the cake.
“To be in this special ceremony — it is like the whole cake is all icing.”
But the real highlight of the day came when Prince William thanked the afternoon crowd of more than 300,000 people for their warm welcome to Canada.
He hailed the sacrifices and successes of the men and women of the Canadian Forces, who are in the midst of winding down their combat mission in Afghanistan, where they have fought alongside British troops for nearly a decade.
“This draws to a close an episode of which all Canadians can be immensely proud,” Prince William said to a chorus of frenzied cheering.
“Our armed forces have always led the world in rallying to the defence of freedom, from Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach through Korea and the Falklands and Balkans to Kandahar province, the sacrifice of Canadians has been universally revered and respected.”
He also saluted the courage, strength and determination of those Canadians in Manitoba, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Alberta who are working to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of devastating floods in those provinces.
