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Canadian Armed forces prepare for royal visit at Esquimalt base

The Princess Royal will arrive via the HMCS Max Bernays
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Princess Anne watches the march past during the 8th Canadian Hussars Exercise of the Freedom of the City of Moncton Parade in 2023. The Princess Royal will be in Victoria May 3-5 and will arrive via the HMCS Max Bernays. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ron Ward)

The Princess Royal will be receiving a grand entry when she arrives to Greater Victoria.

On Saturday, May 4, Princess Anne will be receiving a 21-gun salute as she arrives at Her Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard at Canadian Forces Base in Esquimalt, in the vicinity of Duntze Head. She will be onboard His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Max Bernays, returning to Esquimalt, B.C. for the city’s Battle of the Atlantic commemoration. The boat arrived in Esquimalt on April 15 and his heading to North Vancouver to get commissioned before returned to Vancouver Island.

The 21-gun salute, which includes the firing of these ceremonial canons, presents no harm for public safety as blank ammunition is used. For residents interested in watching the salute, it will be visible from Fort Rodd Hill and Esquimalt Lagoon.

On Wednesday, May 1, CFB will be holding a 21-gun salute dress rehearsal. The practice is scheduled for two hours, and neighbouring municipalities may hear gunshots, depending on environmental factors.

The Princess Royal has a full itinerary during her time on Vancouver Island, including a visit to the Maritime Museum of BC Collection and Archives on Saturday, May 4 and the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association facility in Central Saanich on Sunday.

READ MORE: The Princess Royal has full schedule during 3-day trip to Greater Victoria