The 2010 Royal Tour to Ottawa begins with the arrival of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at the Canada Reception Centre in the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.

They are welcomed by the Minister-in-Attendance, the Honourable John Baird, P.C., M.P., Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and other dignitaries.

Tour of the Canadian Museum of Nature Followed by a Walkabout – Public Event
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh begin their visit to the nation’s capital by touring the newly restored Canadian Museum of Nature. They are accompanied by the Honourable James Moore, P.C., M.P., Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages,

The Queen unveils a plaque dedicating The Queens’ Lantern. This spectacular glass addition replaces the original tower of the Victoria Memorial Museum Building, built in 1910 to house this natural history museum. The Lantern is dedicated to The Queen and her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, after whom the building was named.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh honour the tireless efforts of volunteers and Canadians for preserving this 100-year-old building – a designated national historic site.

Unveiling of Statue of Oscar Petersen Followed by a Walkabout – Public Event
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh arrive at the National Arts Centre – one of Canada’s foremost showcases for the performing arts – to honour Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson.

The Queen unveils a life-sized bronze statue of the late jazz pianist, crafted by Canadian sculptor Ruth Abernethy.

Oscar Peterson played for audiences around the globe, including The Queen and
The Duke of Edinburgh during the 2002 Golden Jubilee celebrations in Toronto.

The Queen also meets Mr. Peterson’s widow, Mrs. Kelly Peterson, and daughter, Ms. Celine Peterson.

After the unveiling, you may have an opportunity to see The Queen and
The Duke of Edinburgh as they proceed on a walkabout and hear The Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir perform.

Tree-Planting at Rideau Hall
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh plant a tree at Rideau Hall, the Governor General’s official residence, to commemorate their tour to Canada. The grounds of Rideau Hall are graced with more than 120 trees planted by members of the Royal Family, heads of state and other dignitaries. A bronze plaque at the base of each tree indicates the name and title of the person who planted it and the species and date. This will be the fifth tree The Queen has planted at Rideau Hall.

Private Reception with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa
The Duke of Edinburgh meets with members of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, of which he is Colonel-in-Chief. This military unit traces its history back to 1866, and it continues to serve Canada at home and abroad. This reception highlights and honours the past and present contributions of this long-serving regiment.

Audience with the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
The Queen has an audience with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Unveiling of Diamond Jubilee Window/Bust for the Senate
The Queen unveils the design for the Diamond Jubilee Window for the Senate of Canada, the upper chamber of the Parliament of Canada. The Window will commemorate Her Majesty’s 60 years of service as Queen, to be celebrated in 2012, and that of Queen Victoria’s, celebrated in 1897.

The Queen also unveils a design for a carving of The Queen for the Senate Foyer. The Senate Foyer is the ceremonial entrance to the Senate Chamber where the sovereign or her representative, the Governor General, addresses Parliament. This image of The Queen will be installed alongside the other five of Canada’s sovereigns (Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII and George VI) who have reigned since Confederation.

Garden Reception
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh host a garden reception at Rideau Hall.