The 150th Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival in May will have a royal flavour — Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has accepted an invitation to attend.
The invitation was sent to the prince about two years ago, said Victoria Highland Games Association president Jim Maxwell.
“We’re very excited,” Maxwell said.
“It takes time to happen, but the stars aligned.”
The 53-year-old prince is the third child of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
He will be “chief of the games,” and will be involved in many activities.
The games are set for May 18 and 19 at Topaz Park, with related events beginning May 11. Maxwell said the prince will take part in opening ceremonies both days.
He said one reason Prince Andrew decided to come here could be his affection for the province.
“My understanding is that he really likes British Columbia. He’s also likes things that deal with youth, and we have a lot of youth, like Highland dancers and pipers.”
Prince Andrew is scheduled to give out some of the awards for the Highland-dance competition, Maxwell said.
Last year’s games drew a crowd of about 20,000 during its run, a total that Maxwell expects to top this time. “I think with a royal we can expect well over 20,000, even if it’s raining.”
Spectators can look forward to an international field, with participants coming from Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and the United States.
There will be a Canadian Invitational Drum Major Championship, a sheep dog trial, sheep-shearing demonstrations, the Kilted Mile Run and a whisky-tasting school. Also on the agenda is haggis hurling and “heavy events” such as the caber toss.
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