A Hamilton Parish resident was treated to a royal surprise on her visit to Yukon last week, when she bumped into Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Olivia de Frias and her friend Susan booked their holiday in springtime to Whitehorse, the Canadian territory’s capital, to see the Northern Lights.

When they arrived on Monday, September 27, the ladies discovered the town abuzz with activity in preparation for the arrival of Will and Kate two days later, as part of their tour of Canada.

The duo awoke early on Wednesday and joined the crowd of well-wishers on Main Street awaiting the arrival of the royal couple, whose children Prince George and Princess Charlotte stayed with their nanny in Victoria. “We were standing out in the cold for about an hour, but it was all worth it,” said Ms de Frias, an executive assistant at KPMG.

“They were very happy and smiling, and stopped to speak to several people. They seem down to earth and they don’t look down on anyone.”

The holidaymakers passed flowers to the Duchess’s lady-in-waiting, before Will and Kate moved on to see local attractions including the MacBride Museum of Yukon History.

“He looked taller than I thought he would be, and she looked prettier in person,” said Ms de Frias of Will and Kate, her favourite royals, along with Prince Harry.

“I never expected that I’d have the chance to see them. Everybody was pretty hyped, and it was definitely a pleasant surprise.”