Royal tour: Prince William, Kate Middleton arrive in Canada with their kids in tow

​TORONTO: Britain's Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, arrived in Canada on Saturday for their second official visit, received by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a military airport in the western province of British Columbia.

"Canadians have tremendous affection for the royal family," said Trudeau, who was received by the British and Canadian head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, at Buckingham Palace early this year.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge brought their children, Prince George, 3, and Princess Charlotte, 1, on the week-long trip. It was the first time the couple have brought their children on an official visit to Canada.

William and Kate were scheduled to attend a ceremony at British Columbia's legislature with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

William is the second in line to succeed his grandmother Queen Elizabeth, who is also Canada's head of state. He and Kate last officially came to Canada in 2011.

The couple is expected to travel the country to attend more than 30 engagements, including meetings with aboriginal communities. Their visit is scheduled to end on October 1.

The prince and his wife first visited Canada five years ago. This time they will take in the natural beauty of Canada's Pacific coast, heading as far north as the rugged Yukon territory, and will also meet with indigenous people.

The royal couple's son Prince George, who is three, and his 16-month-old sister Charlotte will stay with their nanny in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.

Royal fever has taken hold in Victoria, where the provincial parliament has been decorated to welcome the British couple.

The kids will stay at a luxurious Victorian mansion that is the home of the governor general, the queen's representative in Canada.