Royals visit Kelowna

KELOWNA– It was a brush with royalty for some lucky Okanagan residents Tuesday afternoon.

Their Royal Highnesses, The Earl and Countess of Wessex,  were in the valley as they continued their working visit to British Columbia.

Queen Elizabeth’s youngest son and his wife were here to pay tribute to our brave first responders and some hard working young people.

The Countess of Wessex was at Mission Hill Winery presenting The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – Gold Award, to 22 deserving youth from British Columbia and Alberta.

To achieve the gold award, recipients must complete five sections of the international youth award program.

Volunteer service, a skill, physical recreation, an adventurous journey and a residential project.

The Countess praised the recipients for their dedication to an award which often takes about two years to achieve.

The Earl visited Cedar Creek Winery where fire fighters and other first responders gathered.

Guests at the reception were treated to a live Rap Attack demonstration by an Initial Attack Crew.

The Earl, accompanied by BC Lieutenant Governer Judith Guichon, chatted with guests before departing.

The Royals wrapped up their BC visit with a dinner at the Mission Hill Family Estate in honour of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Charter for Business.