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Royal Visit 2016: Symbolism of the Black Rod ceremony

Click to play video: 'Prince William to add fourth ring to B.C.’s Black Rod in special ceremony'
Prince William to add fourth ring to B.C.’s Black Rod in special ceremony
WATCH ABOVE: Prince William has never seen the Black Rod, but he's agreed to do something very special with it while he's here. Chris Gailus reports – Sep 24, 2016

On Day 3 of the royal visit, after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tour Bella Bella and the Great Bear Rainforest, they’ll head to Government House in Victoria for a special ceremony.

READ MORE: Full coverage of the royal visit

The Black Rod was created strictly for the British Columbia Legislature to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II‘s Diamond Jubilee.

READ MORE: Highlights from Day 2 of the Royal Visit – Will and Kate visit Vancouver, B.C.

It has three symbolic silver rings on it, signifying the government of B.C., the government of Canada and Westminster. On Monday, The Duke of Cambridge will be adding a fourth and very culturally significant ring representing First Nations.

Watch below: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge take part in Black Rod ceremony

Click to play video: 'Duke and Duchess of Cambridge take part in Black Rod ceremony'
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge take part in Black Rod ceremony

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, the leader of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, said Monday he won’t be taking part or supporting the Black Rod Ceremony. He believes the federal government has made little progress improving the lives of First Nations, while the provincial government pushes ahead with projects opposed by aboriginal groups, such as liquefied natural gas developments and the Site C hydroelectric dam.

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READ MORE: Royal Visit 2016 – BC Indian Chiefs snub Black Rod reconciliation event

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Watch above for an interview with the legislature’s Sergeant at Arms about the role he played in creating the Black Rod as a master carpenter, some of the most interesting details about the rod and the significance of William’s gesture.

Watch below: Global’s ongoing coverage of the Royal Visit 2016

With files from The Canadian Press

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