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IQALUIT
From official events to the unscripted walk into a grocery store in the territorial capital, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, thrilled Iqaluit residents with their presence.

Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, seated left, and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, attended the Premier's Community Feast at St. Jude's Anglican Parish Hall in Iqaluit on Sept. 13. The event featured drum dancing, throatsinging and a demonstration of Arctic sports. - Jeanne Gagnon/NNSL photo

The Royal couple visited Iqaluit on Sept. 13 and 14 as part of a seven-day trip to Canada.

Residents had a chance to shake hands with the Earl and Countess and take some photos at the Premier's Community Feast in a packed St. Jude's Anglican Parish hall on Sept. 13. The royal couple enjoyed country food as well as throat singing, drum dancing and a demonstration of Arctic games.

Earlier in the day, a few shoppers at Iqaluit's NorthMart were likely surprised, but thrilled, to meet the royal couple as they briefly visited the grocery store.

The day began with the sound of bagpipes and Mounties dressed in red serge as Prince Edward participated in part of a ceremony at the Nunavut legislative building. Four RCMP members and one civilian employee received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, and three Mounties -- one with 20 years of service and two with 30 years -- got the long service awards. Eight RCMP members received the Commanding Officer's Commendation.

"For those of you who received theirs (Diamond Jubilee medal) today, it's very very much appreciated the thing you do in the service of the Crown and going that extra mile," said the prince.

He extended his congratulations to those who received the commendations for their response to last year's First Air crash in Resolute.

"It's quite a different reality to face the real thing. You rose to that challenge," he said.

An RCMP constable also received the honour for his work during the Road to Nowhere apartment building fire in March 2011.

The royal couple then toured the newly rebuilt St. Jude's Anglican Cathedral, where a number of Queen's Diamond Jubilee medals were presented.

The cathedral choir performed "God Save the Queen" in Inuktitut.

"Congratulations to all of you for the hard work you put into the rebuilt of your cathedral," said Prince Edward.

Anglican Bishop Andrew Atagotaaluk said the royal visit was a double honour for them.

"Not long ago we had the privilege and joy of celebrating the opening of this new cathedral," he said. "And not long after, his Royal Highness came and visited the cathedral and that is a means a lot to us. It's sort of an extra blessing on what has happened and taken place in this place."

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