Royal visit attracts separatist protests

BRITAIN’S Prince William and his wife Kate faced protests by French-speaking separatists yesterday after arriving in Quebec City on a Canadian navy frigate that sailed down the picturesque St Lawrence Seaway.

The newlyweds are on the fourth day of a nine-day trip to Canada in what is their first official overseas trip since their April 29 wedding.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge encountered small but vocal protests in Montreal, the French- speaking province’s biggest city, on Saturday after being cheered by tens of thousands the previous day in Canada’s largely English-speaking capital, Ottawa.

William and Kate sang hymns as they took part in a bilingual interfaith prayer service on the deck of the HMCS Montreal which docked in Quebec City after an overnight trip from Montreal. They then headed ashore for a meeting with residents of La Maison Dauphine, a centre that helps homeless youths.

Police were out in force in downtown Quebec City. More than 150 protesters, some wearing black and waving flags, demonstrated about two blocks from City Hall, where William was due to make remarks.

A far larger crowd of supporters, chanting “Will and Kate” were allowed closer to City Hall and greeted the royal motorcade with loud cheers when it arrived.

The protesters chanted “RRQ,” the initials of the anti-monarchist, separatist group, Reseau de Resistance du Quebecois, or Quebecker Resistance Network, which organised the protests in Montreal and Quebec City.

Police set up barriers to keep the protesters away from City Hall, but the demonstrators brought a pickup truck with audio equipment and speakers so their chants could be heard. They carried signs reading “Pay your own way” and “The monarchy, it’s over”.

They leave Canada for a three-day trip to California on July 8.