Royal visit kicks off today

Several dignitaries will be on hand Tuesday to welcome Prince Charles and his wife Camilla to the province.

Governor General Mary Simon and her husband Whit Fraser will deliver remarks at the official ceremony welcoming Their Royal Highnesses to Canada on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will attend the official welcome ceremony at Confederation Building.

Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote will also be in attendance.

There will be several events including military honours including the breaking of the personal flag of The Prince of Wales for use in Canada, and an inspection of a guard of honour.

The ceremony will also feature a prayer in Inuktitut and Mi’Kmaq music, as well as live performances showcasing the province’s rich tradition of song and story at the Confederation Building.

In the spirit of reconciliation, there will be a solemn moment of reflection and prayer in the Heart Garden at Government House.

Heart Gardens are created in memory of all Indigenous children who were lost to the residential school system, in recognition of those who survived and to honour the families of both.

Parking restrictions will be in place for all visitors and public service employees at Confederation Building Complex on Tuesday.

Restrictions will be in place for the following parking lots:

• Parking in front of East Block at 100 Prince Philip Drive will be closed Monday, May 16, and Tuesday, May 17;

• Parking at the rear of East Block near the House of Assembly entrance will be available to permit holders for Zones A, B, C, invited guests and persons with disabilities only; and

• Parking at the eastern parking lot, near the College of the North Atlantic campus, will be prohibited as the lot is reserved for the Canadian Armed Forces Gun Salute and members of the public who require accessible parking to view the Royal Visit proceedings in front of Confederation Building.

Residents in the area are advised to be prepared for noise stemming from the ceremony and gun salute between 1:55 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17.