TORONTO — A British tabloid is reporting that Prince William and Kate Middleton will visit Canada this summer.
The Sun reports that the future heir to the British throne and his bride will arrive in July, three months after their scheduled April 29 wedding.
The couple will start their two-week visit on the country’s east coast and end it in British Columbia, the Sun reports, quoting unnamed sources.
One source tells the newspaper that Canada was a natural choice as the couple’s first destination since the Queen is head of state and the Royal Family enjoys popularity across the country.
The visit will also reflect Canada’s importance within the Commonwealth and the work of its military, the report says.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper formally extended an invitation to the couple in welcoming the announcement of their royal engagement last November.
“It would be an honour to welcome Prince William and his bride to Canada in the future and show them the special warmth and cherished traditions that are reserved for members of the Royal Family,” Harper said in a statement.
The Sun reports that aides are agonizing over details of the trip because they know the couple - and particularly Kate - will be under the microscope.
William is understood to be personally overseeing the program to ensure it does not overwhelm his new wife, who has agreed to do at least one solo engagement, the report says.