OTTAWA - The crowds that have come out in droves for the chance to catch a glimpse of Prince William and Catherine Middleton have included not just aging monarchists, expat Brits and youngsters with dreams of meeting a real-life prince and princess.
They also comprise high numbers of Canadians in their 20s and 30s, many of whom are admittedly star-struck by the couple and have a new appreciation for the monarchy as a result.
Chantelle Komm, a 20-something Ottawa resident, attended the royal couple's visit to the National War Monument in downtown Ottawa, then raced on her in-line skates to Rideau Hall to catch them as they were officially welcomed to Canada on Thursday.
Komm, wearing a bike helmet festooned with British and Canadian flags, said she's intrigued by the positive example the royals are setting for other young people.
"Seeing William and Harry grow up and to see them take their responsibilities as they enter into adulthood seriously, is a message for all of us as we grow up and we decide whether we are going to take responsibility for how we're going to make the world a better place," she told CTV.ca.
"I think they're seriously thinking about how they're going to use the monarchy in a more transformational role into the future."
However, Komm admitted there's a part of her that simply wants to be a princess.
"I think for the women we all secretly want to be Kate," she said with a laugh.
Micah Melnyk, a young man from Ottawa, said there's a certain attachment to the royals among his group of friends. In fact, a number of them were up at 5 a.m. cooking a full English breakfast on the day of William and Kate's wedding.
He told CTV.ca he believes that interest is largely due to the fact people feel they can relate to the royals.
"To me it's the fact they're humble. They come across as that. There's an excitement about them but at the same time they don't seem to let it get to their heads and that's kind of why I enjoy them."
The fact that Kate came from "non-aristocratic roots," he said, also helps other commoners to connect with her, and to the royal family.
The couple has made young people a major focus of their tour. They attended a youth barbecue at Rideau Hall on Thursday, and will join in dragon boat races in P.E.I. and play street hockey with youngsters in Yellowknife.
Throughout their visit William and Kate will also be meeting with those who are "preparing for the many challenges and promises of the future: focusing on Canada's youth," according to their official itinerary.
Alan Doyle, lead singer of the Newfoundland-based Celtic rock band Great Big Sea, said Canadians have latched onto the couple and seem to have a renewed excitement about the monarchy.
"I think the duke and duchess have sort of breathed new life into an old franchise," he told CTV.ca, before performing for the royal couple on Friday.
"It feels like for the first time in a while there's a new face to put on the nickel or something. I think people are excited to have someone new."
Sean McCann, also a member of Great Big Sea, said he believes it's partly due to the fact the couple is attractive, young, newly-married and, well, rich. In short, he said, they're massive celebrities.
"I'm not a monarchist at all but these two people, they're good looking people, young people, they're unavoidable on television. They are the biggest stars on the planet. These people are massive celebrities," he said.
