Royals William and Kate to embark on multi-city tour of Canada, U.S.

LONDON -- Prince William and his bride will travel thousands of miles from Canada's north to Southern California on their first official overseas trip, royal officials said Monday.

William and the former Kate Middleton will visit several cities in Canada from June 30 to July 8, taking in the country's north, south, east and west.

Palace officials said the couple, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will visit Canada's capital, Ottawa and the surrounding region; Montreal and Quebec City in the francophone province of Quebec; Charlottetown and Summerside on Prince Edward Island; the Northwest Territories capital of Yellowknife and the oil boom town of Calgary, Alberta. Their Alberta visit coincides with the opening of the city's world-famous rodeo event, the Calgary Stampede.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he hoped the visit would foster bonds between the couple and his country, just like those between William's grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and Canada.

The queen is the head of state in Canada, a member of the British Commonwealth of former colonies, and she has in the past referred to it as her second home.

The couple's trip to Canada will be followed by a July 8 to 10 stop in Los Angeles and the surrounding area.

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Bob Gillies contributed to this report from Toronto.