Prince Charles says the community of Cupids, N.L., the first English settlement in Canada, is "emblematic of the resilience and determination" with which centuries of immigrants have come to Canada in search of a better, more prosperous, life.
Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, began their 10-day Canadian trip in Cupids on Tuesday with a tour of an archeological dig on the majestic Avalon Peninsula.
Afterward, Charles spoke to an audience gathered at the local United Church of the early settlers, and those who came after, who come to Canada with a vision for "a new life."
"The story of Cupids is in a very real sense the story of Canada," he said. "It is emblematic of the resilience and determination of those who came later to these shores in different times and in different circumstances. The unifying factor, it seems to me, is that they all came with a purpose, a dream to create something new, to build again and, in the process, to contribute to the great and vibrant tapestry which is the Canada of today."
Charles and Camilla were joined by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, his wife Laureen, and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams for the tour of the site, which is located on the site of a plantation that dates back to 1610.
Cupids will celebrate its 400th anniversary in 2010.
The group shivered in single-digit temperatures under cloudy skies as archeologist William Gilbert showed the Royal couple a coin found at the site that experts believe dates back to the settlement's first days.
Charles, a student of archaeology when he attended Cambridge, asked Gilbert a number of questions during the tour.
Afterwards, the Royal couple and their political hosts proceeded to the church for a concert and speeches from Harper and Williams.
Charles said that he and Camilla were "delighted" to visit Cupids.
"The work of Bill Gilbert and his team is of great value, piecing together the social and economic history of those early settlers," he said. "This, ladies and gentlemen, not only enriches our understanding of the past, but crucially provides important lessons and reference points in managing our present and future."
Before Charles spoke, the prime minister praised the community for its warm welcome and remarked on the "rugged natural beauty of a land that has been said to quote: 'demand the spirit of heroes.'"
Williams said he wished the Royal couple a "journey of memorable experiences" in the province.
After the event, the Royal couple left the Church to greet local residents waiting outside, much to their delight.
In the afternoon, Charles and Camilla will travel to Brigus, another centuries-old community, and move on to Hawthorne Cottage, the home of Arctic explorer Capt. Bob Bartlett.
Charles will also visit a community centre, open a new housing project and unveil a plaque commemorating the Royal visit. He will also meet with young entrepreneurs at Memorial University.
The Royal couple's evening will be spent at a reception co-hosted by Lieut.-Gov. John Crosbie and Williams.
Charles and Camilla arrived in Newfoundland on Monday afternoon, and were greeted by a round of applause by people waiting at the St. John's airport.
The two greeted local politicians waiting for them on the tarmac. Both Charles and Camilla were sporting two Remembrance Day poppies on their coats.
The couple was quickly whisked away to their first event, an official welcoming ceremony in St. John's, where they were greeted by Harper, Williams and Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean.
The visit marks the 15th time Charles has toured Canada. However, it is the first time he has visited since his marriage to Camilla in 2005.
The couple will spend a couple of days travelling around Newfoundland before heading on to scheduled stops in Ontario, Quebec and B.C. before winding up the trip in Ottawa on Nov. 12.
During their trip, Charles and Camilla will visit Vancouver's new Olympic Stadium, open Toronto's Royal Winter Fair and participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies in Ottawa.
With files from The Canadian Press
