QUEBEC CITY — Prince William and Kate thrilled hundreds of adoring fans with an unscheduled walkabout Sunday in a city that was the site of the key British victory in the conquest of the French — a historical event not forgotten by French-speaking separatists protesting nearby.
The newlyweds were on the fourth day of a nine-day trip to Canada. Their visit hit a nerve among French-speaking separatists. Prince William and Kate had a private lunch at the Citadelle, a fortified residence where the British flag was raised at the end of the pivotal 1759 Battle of Quebec, when British forces defeated the French to seal the conquest of New France.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge encountered small but vocal protests during their visit to predominantly French-speaking Quebec, following protests in Montreal.
“What they’ve seen in Quebec, in Montreal the last two days is, for them, just part of the rich fabric of Canada and in no way detracts from how much they respect and admire the country,” said the couple’s spokesman, Miguel Head. He added that the newlyweds have been impressed by the welcome they’ve received.
“They’ve very much fallen in love with the country,” Miguel said.
