Kate Middleton and Prince William to take children on royal tour of Canada

Princess Charlotte will take her first royal overseas tour with her brother Prince George as the children accompany their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on an official tour of Canada.

The trip, which has been co-ordinated between Kensington Palace and the Department of Canadian Heritage has been adapted to ensure that it incorporates a 'family-friendly' programme of events including a range of outdoor activities.

A source told The Mail Online: "We are told the children are coming and the itinerary is being co-ordinated accordingly. There will be a heavy focus on nature, the outdoors and at least one private day factored into the trip.

"We're hearing hiking, walking and outdoor pursuits will feature while the family is in British Columbia."

The trip will also allow time for some father-son bonding with Prince William keen to take George on a fishing trip.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is a father-of-three, will meet personally with the family during the trip.

"Our prime minister loves this part of Canada and he's keen for the Cambridges to see it," the source said. "He spent some of his early life in British Columbia, and he and his own family holiday in Tofino. He's taken a keen interest in the itinerary, which is being finalised at the moment."

In March (2016) the royal couple left their children at home as they embarked on their first official tour of India, which included a trip to the iconic Taj Mahal, a trek in Nepal and a welcome to Mumbai by the stars of Bollywood. But during their trip they frequently spoke of how much they were missing their children.

This time, the royals are not prepared to leave the children behind. "They really can't bear the idea of leaving Charlotte and George at home," the source added.

The Royal couple embarked on their first official tour to Canada as newlyweds after their wedding in 2011. Their next trip will coincide with the 150th anniversary of independence of the Commonwealth country.

A palace spokesman said: "The Duke and Duchess hold very happy memories from their visit in 2011 — their first overseas tour as a married couple. They are really looking forward to seeing other parts of this beautiful country and having the opportunity to meet many more Canadians along the way."

The royals recently went on a family getaway to France for their annual summer break.