The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have celebrated Canada’s birthday with its people, paying tribute to the country with words - and an outfit worthy of the nation.

William and Kate were guests of honour at the annual Canada Day celebrations where hundreds of thousands gathered in the capital Ottawa to mark their homeland’s 144th anniversary.

In a speech to the crowds the Duke told them how he and his wife were “excited” by the prospect of becoming “part of the Canadian family” as they travel around the country during the next eight days.

The second-in-line to the throne said: “To be here on Canada Day - a day of unity, a day of coming together as families, and as a nation – is even more special for us.”

William also paid tribute to the efforts of the country’s Armed Forces who fought in the First World War at Vimy Ridge, on Juno beach during the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944 and numerous conflicts since.

And he told the audience he brought with him the “warmest good wishes” of the Queen, his grandmother and their sovereign, who had attended last year’s Canada celebrations.

Kate’s tribute was reflected in the wardrobe she chose for the day which – in keeping with the day’s theme – was in the national colours of the Commonwealth country, red and white. Her dress was the same one that featured in her official engagement pictures with William, taken by celebrated photographer Mario Testino.

Kate’s jaunty red hat which featured a maple leaf was by Sylvia Fletcher at Lock and Co and she also wore the Queen’s Maple Leaf brooch – the national emblem of Canada. William spoke parts of his speech in French, as he had done when the couple first arrived and he gave a short address at the Governor General’s official residence.