Prince George and Princess Charlotte win hearts as they wave goodbye at end of Canada royal tour

Prince George and Princess Charlotte have remained the focus of attention during the royal tour of Canada and as the family said goodbye after their first official foreign tour together, the children won everyone's hearts through a fond farewell.

At the culmination of a successful eight-day tour of the country, the family arrived at Victoria Harbour Airport and took a float plane out of the city at 4pm local time.

Thousands of well-wishers and royal watchers lined the harbour of Victoria, to bid William and Kate and their children a fond farewell.

Wearing his trademark, shorts, jumper, shirt and knee length shorts, Prince George stepped from a people carrier and immediately began waving enthusiastically at the crowds of people, first with one hand and then with both, as his parents looked on smiling.

Charlotte, who wore a dress and cardigan also waved as she stood on a jetty with her parents.

Nine-year-old Daniel Brachman, representing nature organisation Power to Be, presented a posey of flowers to Kate. Brachman then held his palm up to the prince for a high-five, but was shut down by the three-year-old.

The schoolboy said afterwards: 'It was really excited to meet them; I wish that I asked them something but it was still really exciting. I tried to high five him [Prince George] but he didn't want to."

Canadian PM, Justin Trudeau, also fell foul of the Prince who previously refused his high five. The little prince did, however, shake the hand of Governor General David Johnston after some prompting from father, Prince William.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made their way along a paved walkway to their sea plane and past a guard of honour from the Royal Canadian Navy.

The Governor-General of Canada, David Johnston, and his wife Sharon and Christy Clark, the current premier of British Columbia, all came to say goodbye.

As the royals headed towards the plane, daring George made a run for it as soon as William let go of his hand, reaching the first step before the Duke turned him back for a final photo opp.

Once on board the seaplane, wearing blue ear defenders, the future king pressed his nose against the window of the plane as he took one last look.

It's thought the family trip to Canada will be the last official overseas tour for the children for some time, with the tour of Canada reportedly described as a 'one-off'. While Prince George did accompany his parents to New Zealand, the Prince and Princess are unlikely to do so for several years so they can enjoy a "normal childhood", reports the Mail Online.

Expressing their gratitude to the Canadian people for the warm reception they received during their eight day royal tour, The Duke of Cambridge issued a statement just hours before the royal family were due to depart.

"Catherine and I are incredibly grateful to the people of Canada for the warmth and hospitality they have extended to our family over the last week. We feel very lucky to have been able to introduce George and Charlotte to Canada. This country will play a big part in the lives of our children and we have created such happy memories for our family during this visit."