About the Author: Katie Szymanski is an Information Resource Center Assistant at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Canada.

As we’re gearing up to celebrate Canada Day - the country’s birthday - an excitement is building in the Canadian capital. On July 1, Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will attend the Canada Day festivities in Ottawa on their first official Royal Tour visit overseas!

The buzz created surrounding the Royal Tour is reminiscent of when Canada was host to another first official visit in 2009 — that of President Obama. For example, after an impromptu visit by President Obama, a local bakery did huge business in Canada-themed maple leaf cookies. Word on the street is that the bakery is now preparing something special for the Royal Tour.

Excitement is also growing at the U.S. Embassy. Young Embassy family members recently gathered to create their own royal-themed fascinators (stylish hats) in red, white, and blue. One of our own… more »