A brush with royalty

Earl of Wessex's NOTL visit very brief, prince to attend private function at winery

Eddie Chau
Published on May 09, 2008

While his visit to Ontario is not for another month, Prince Edward's trek through Niagara-on-the-Lake will be quicker than a hiccup.

The Earl of Wessex is scheduled to visit the province from June 5 to 9. Lt. Gov. David Onley will host a luncheon to welcome him and will accompany the prince to various events across the province.

Other stops in Ontario include Toronto, Kingston, Aylmer and St. Thomas.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce executive director said Prince Edward will be in Niagara-on-the-Lake for only three hours to attend a private dinner at Stratus Vineyards June 6. Thomson said she hasn't heard of any stops in between.

Lord Mayor Gary Burroughs said the town has been in discussion with Prince Edward's handlers but other than that no formal welcome session is scheduled at this time.

"We're still waiting to confirm things about his visit," Burroughs said.

The Earl of Wessex is the third son and youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II. He's now known as the Earl of Wessex after his marriage to Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999.