Prince Edward and wife Sophie spend afternoon in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG — The Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, arrived in Winnipeg Wednesday.

The couple landed at Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada tarmac at 11:25 a.m.

After stepping out of the plane into the rain, the Royal couple shook hands with numerous people, including Premier Brian Pallister.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex toured the museum and had a private meeting with the lieutenant-governor and Pallister.

Prince Edward will take part in a ceremony at the aviation museum to honour 50 young Manitobans who have achieved their gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

“It was very cool,” one of the students told Global News.  “I’ve never met a royal before so that was exciting. He was really down to earth.”

At the same time, the countess is heading to Deer Lodge Centre on Portage Avenue to meet veterans, residents and staff. The personal care home is currently celebrating its 100th year of service to veterans and the people of Manitoba.

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WATCH: Royal couple tours the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada Wednesday afternoon

1:38 Royal couple tours the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

“Manitobans have a long, proud relationship with members of the Royal Family and we are both delighted and honoured the earl and countess have chosen to include Manitoba in their visit to Canada,” said Pallister  in a media release.

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The last time members of the Royal Family were in Manitoba was in May 2014, when Prince Charles and Camilla came to visit. This is Sophie’s first visit to Manitoba. Prince Edward was last here in 2008.