The Duchess of Edinburgh, in her capacity as Colonel-in-Chief of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment and Patron of Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals, has embarked on an official visit to Canada spanning from the 4th to the 8th of November 2023. During the initial days of her visit, the Duchess’s primary focus has been on participating in a series of military-related events.
On the 4th of November, the Duchess had the privilege of observing her military affiliations as they vied for The Countess of Wessex Cup. This prestigious annual competition, established in 2012, encompasses a wide range of military skills, including navigation, observation, open water rescue, and challenging obstacle courses.
On the 5th of November, the Duchess of Edinburgh honored the occasion by participating in a Service of Remembrance at St. Catharine’s Cenotaph. Subsequently, she made a visit to the Lake Street Armories, where she had the privilege of meeting with the soldiers belonging to the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, as well as their families. In recognition of her longstanding and dedicated service to the Canadian military, the Duchess was presented with The Canadian Forces’ Decoration.
During her visit, the Duchess of Edinburgh had the opportunity to explore the Iniskillin Winery, an establishment of international renown. The winery has garnered accolades for its exceptional ice-wines and is celebrated for its pioneering contributions to the Canadian wine industry. Notably, in 1975, the founders of Iniskillin were granted the first winery license in Canada since the era of prohibition, underscoring their significant role in shaping the nation’s winemaking landscape.
Later in the evening, the Duchess of Edinburgh graced a formal dinner event held in support of the Lincoln and Welland Regimental Foundation. The elegant gathering took place at the Queen’s Landing Hotel, situated in the picturesque setting of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
