Kate Middleton and Prince William reportedly endured a turbulent flight to arrive at Great Bear Rainforest as part of their tour of Canada, with the royal couple's flight said to be so bumpy that there was talk of diverting it to Port Hardy.

British Columbia lived up to its reputation for wet weather as gusty winds and heavy rainstorms caused the cancellation of scheduled boat trips, as well as an aerial tour over the Great Bear Rainforest.

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Upon their arrival at Bella Bella airport, Prince William gave a passionate speech about the natural world. "When we protect our rivers, oceans, atmospheres, or like today,our forests, we are telling our children that their future prosperity cannot be disconnected from the health of the natural world.

"Her Majesty is immensely grateful to you, and the people of Canada, for the leadership you have shown in making this contribution. I have no doubt that other Commonwealth nations will be inspired by what you have achieved here."

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge may have visited the world's largest temperate rainforest during a torrential downpour but it did not dampen their spirits as they watched a youth performance, while Kate Middleton stopped to chat to local chiefs from the Heiltsuk First Nations community.

The Duchess was wearing Zara jeans, a jacket by Holland and Holland and earrings by Canadian designer Pippa Small.

"We have sat here patiently awaiting your arrival your Royal Highnesses," Hereditary Chief Jim White said as he shook hands with the royal couple. "You have graced us with your presence.''

According to Global News, the royal couple left Prince George and Princess Charlotte behind in Victoria while they toured Bella Bella, before travelling to Mcloughlin Bay to see new walking trails being created in the area. A Kensington Palace spokesman said Kate and William were "prepared to get wet" as they took refuge from the heavy rain.

The Great Bear Rainforest covers 6.4 million hectares on British Columbia's coast and 26 separate First Nations live there. It is home to many rare animals, including the Kermode (Spirit) bear, a species revered by local Native American culture. They are called spirit or ghost bears due to their light-coloured coats.

Kate Middleton Prince William