The lady in red: Kate stuns in dazzling £1,000 Preen dress at historic ceremony of reconciliation with Canadian First Nations 

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The Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning in a red Preen dress when she joined Prince William for an historic reconciliation ceremony with Canadian First Nations groups last night.

After a dress down day in the rain forest, Kate was the epitome of glamour in at a reception for political and civic leaders from across British Columbia at Government House in Victoria.

The Princess turned heads in a £1,000 Thornton Bregazzi dress with the royal family's diamond maple leaf brooch, given to the late Queen Mother by her husband, King George VI, to mark the state visit to Canada in 1939. It was another homage to the Canadian flag after doing the same on the day she arrived, wearing a £4,000 Alexander McQueen statement frock in red and white, the national colours of Canada. 

She and William mingled with 200 guests in the ballroom of the grand house, the monarch's official residence in the province of British Columbia. But before the reception they joined around 25 people, including First Nations representatives, in the drawing room for a ceremony designed to heal the wounds of conflict between indigenous people and the government.

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Lady in red: The Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning in a red Preen dress when she joined Prince William for an historic reconciliation ceremony with Canadian First Nations groups last night

Centre of attention: After a dress down day in the rain forest, Kate was the epitome of glamour at a reception for political and civic leaders from across British Columbia at Government House in Victoria

Shining example: Kate accessorised with a stunning broach paying homage to the Canadian flag and a matching red clutch bag as she turned heads at the reception

Respectful: The Duke and Duchess stand together at the glitzy reception, part of an eight-day royal visit to Canada

Happy times: There was no shortage of smiles from the Duke and Duchess, who mingled with 200 guests in the ballroom of the grand house, the monarch's official residence in the province of British Columbia

Diplomacy: Before the reception they joined around 25 people, including First Nations representatives, in the drawing room for a ceremony designed to heal the wounds of conflict between indigenous people and the government

Royal hand shake: Kate, wearing her £1,000 Preen dress, shakes hands with an athlete at the glamorous reception

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We don't know about you but we think the Duchess of Cambridge has been knocking it out of the park so far on her Royal Tour of Canada.

She arrived in style in a blue dress by Jenny Packham, went casual but cool in Zara jeans and Penelope Chilvers boots and who couldn't help but covet her incredible red and white embroidered dress by Alexander McQueen?

And last night we have to say Kate did it again. She looked dreamily elegant in a full skirted red midi by Preen by Thornton Bregazzi which she styled perfectly with red suede heels and her sparkling maple leaf brooch.

We love the slightly asymmetric cut of the neckline, draped bodice and the fit and flare silhouette. The sleek up do and minimal jewellery only add to the chic effect of this timeless look. Well done Kate!

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Assisted by two chiefs, William, 34, added a ring of reconciliation to the Black Rod, a ceremonial staff of British Columbia's Legislature modelled on the one used in Parliament in London.

Created in 2012 for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, it is adorned with three rings, representing the province, Canada, and the link to the UK. William added a fourth ring – engraved with eagle feathers and a canoe – to symbolise First Nations in the province.

In a yellow leather jacket, Grand Chief Edward John of the Tl'atz'en helped hold the Black Rod as Chief Shane Gottfriedson handed William the ring.

He stood in for one of the most influential Indian chiefs in British Columbia who snubbed the ceremony in protest at the treatment of his people by the Canadian government.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, leader of 115 First Nation tribes in British Columbia known as the Union of BC Chiefs, said he wad boycotting the ceremony because it was a charade.

'With the deepening poverty of our communities, remembering the missing and murdered indigenous women and girls and the ongoing negligence of indigenous child welfare policies across this country, in good conscience, I cannot participate in the Black Rod Ceremony,' Grand Chief Phillip said in a statement.

Turning heads: Kate looked stunning in her red dress and maple leaf brooch, paying homage yet again to the Canadian flag after the red and white patterned dress she wore on her first day in the country

Royal brooch: The Princess turned heads in a £1,000 Thornton Bregazzi dress with the royal family's diamond maple leaf brooch, given to the late Queen Mother by her husband, King George VI, to mark the state visit to Canada in 1939

Above board: William and Kate have met First Nations representatives on their tour but have avoided publicly discussing some social issues, including the high level of suicides among indigenous people

Ceremonial: Assisted by two Indian chiefs, William, 34, added a ring of reconciliation to the Black Rod, a ceremonial staff of British Columbia's Legislature modelled on the one used in Parliament in London

Colonial link: Created in 2012 for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the rod is adorned with three rings, representing the province, Canada, and the link to the UK

Leader: In a yellow leather jacket, Grand Chief Edward John of the Tl'atz'en helped hold the Black Rod as Chief Shane Gottfriedson handed William the ring

Shining bright: The Duchess of Cambridge's smile lit up the room during the colourful event in British Columbia 

Kensington Palace officials declined to comment on the controversy,

William and Kate have met First Nations representatives on their tour but have avoided publicly discussing some social issues, including the high level of suicides among indigenous people.

In Britain the couple have launched a campaign to highlight the high rate of suicide among young men and to encourage preventative measures.

In Bella Bella earlier, the couple were given a rapturous reception by First Nations people.

William praised them for helping to save one of the worlds most important rainforests.

Yesterday, strolling side by side, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge explored the natural beauty of Canada's Great Bear Rainforest on day three of their royal tour.

After battling wind and rain early in the day, the royal couple enjoyed some dry weather for the walk through a wooded glade in the rainforest, which stretches some 250miles along the coastline of British Columbia.

Kate, 34, dressed down for yesterday's engagements in Zara jeans and what looked to be her trusted pair of Penelope Chilvers boots. She stayed warm and dry in a Holland & Holland safari jacket, believed to cost £400.  

Earlier the couple were greeted warmly by the indigenous Heiltsuk people as they arrived on the remote island community of Bella Bella. 

In a joyous ceremony, the royals were welcomed as 'hemas', a hereditary chief, and ‘umaks’, a woman of high rank or standing as they received a number of gifts from the First Nation hosts.  

Afternoon stroll: The royal couple were joined by a guide as they explored the Great Bear Rainforest, where they unveiled unveiling a plaque

Ceremonial dress: Kate shakes hands with a flamboyantly dressed indigenous person as they put on a show for the royals

Showstopper: Kate looks fascinated by the performance as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watched the local children as part of the traditional welcome

Sharp shooter: A local man takes aim with the traditional bow as part of the impressive performance put on yesterday

Cheeky smile: Kate shows of her pearly whites in a wide smile as she meets one of the elders in Bella Bella yesterday

Thankful: The Prince, a vociferous environmental campaigner, yesterday thanked the people in the region for protecting one of the world's largest rainforests 

When in Rome: The duchess was later seen sporting a traditional 'dancing vest', which she was gifted by the Hieltsuk people

Tender moment: Kate affectionately rests her hand on William's knee as the couple are welcomed by the Heiltsuk people

Battling the elements: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived on the remote Canadian island community on Monday

Baby shower: Draped in traditional First Nation blankets, Kate and William admire traditional vests they were given for George and Charlotte

William and Kate were shown one of the most precious items owned by the community, a royal staff with a silver crown head given to the present chief’s great-grandfather by Queen Victoria. 

It was awarded to the Heiltsuk people as a sign of honour with, as folklore has it, a message saying: 'This is a mark of respect. If your people need anything then you must ask my government.' 

In a ceremony that went on for an hour longer than planned, the couple were treated to traditional dancing by groups of brightly-dressed young children who clearly entranced the smiling duchess.

They also watched while a large group of women, revered in the Heiltsuk community as 'life givers', danced what was known as 'A ladies' welcome' to the sound of drums and chanting.

Then it was time for the gift giving.

Chief Marilyn Slett told them: 'On behalf our nation we welcome you and we thank you for being here as part of the healing that we are undertaking. As part of our....feasting system we would like to give our guests a gift.'

First the blankets and then the 'dancing vests' - worn by men, women and children during traditional celebrations - were placed over the couple' shoulders. 

Walk on the wild side: William and Kate enjoyed a short stroll through a wooded glade in the Great Bear Rainforest near Bella Bella on Monday

Oar-some: After unveiling a plaque, the royal visitors were given canoe paddles to commemorate their royal tour to Canada

Look out below: The Duchess of Cambridge pauses to point out something to her husband as they explore the vast rainforest on Monday

Guided tour: Led by a local guide, the royal visitors are given a tour of the stunning Great Bear Rainforest in Canada

Canopes? The Duke and Duchess were led through the rainforest, and enjoyed some drier weather on the outing

'We use these blankets to wrap the spirits of our ancestors around you and to unite your spirits together with ours,' they were told.

'In our way our blankets encompass the sprites of our ancestors, our history and our culture, our stories of who we are and where we come from.'

The blankets were printed with the outline of a grizzly bear, trees to represent the forest that surrounds the Heiltsuk community and local flora and fauna.

'The design represents all life, not just animals but us as humans. There is no hierarchy in the importance of life, we are all dependent on one another,' Chief Slett said.

They were then handed miniature dancing vests for their children - one in white for Charlotte and another in black for George, and examined them delightedly.

William and Kate were also given a traditional doll by a woman carrying a baby for Charlotte.

The duchess looked delighted as she watched the performance by young schoolchildren from the community

The Duchess of Cambridge meets chiefs from the Heiltsuk First Nations community. Right, chiefs from the community

William and Kate spent time speaking with members of the local community as they received gifts in Bella Bella

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge smiled throughout the ceremony, which lasted an hour longer than expected

The blankets were printed with the outline of a grizzly bear, trees to represent the forest that surrounds the community

 The couple were told 'the design represents all life, not just animals but us as humans'. Pictured, wearing the blankets

The royal couple, seen centre, listened to elders explain the significance of their gifts during the ceremony

William could be seen jokingly pretending to take the little child instead, which he then clucked affectionately under the chin.

They were also given a painted drum for George and urged them to bring him back to the community to learn 'how to free the spirits of the drum'.

The couple also sat listening to several speeches from senior members of the Heiltsuk community about the battle to protect and nurture their traditional lands.

'We face many threats to our way of life and the work of our ancestors. Wide ranging energy projects, super tankers in our pristine waters....are all things we fight today,' said Chief Slett.

She also praised William's late mother, Princess Diana, as a 'humanitarian and a world advocate'.

'She remains in our hearts,' she said, as Kate clapped.

Speaking earlier, one of the elders of the community, Edwin Newman, said he was keen to use the visit to impress on William and Kate the history of his people and 'how we connect with the land and connect with the ocean'.

He said: 'We farm the ocean, that is our living. We do have rights. All these restrictions that they are putting in place are an infringement on our rights. This is not just about bears, it is about the people here.

In a speech later, Prince William praised Canada's conservation efforts and said they would inspire other countries

William and Kate were gifted 'dancing vests' by their hosts, which they appeared to be wearing as they explored

Smiling with delight, Kate thanked her hosts at the ceremony before exploring the community with her husband

William and Kate leave the elders' lodge after attending a traditional welcome ceremony

'As long as the sun rises, as long as the trees grow, this land is under our stewardship and we will continue to protect it. It is under our stewardship.'

He said that Queen Victoria's staff, so proudly kept by the Heiltsuk people, represented her acknowledgement of their people's sovereignty.

And Prince George and Princess Charlotte were not forgotten, with presents of a small black dancing vest and doll for the little royals, who had stayed back in Victoria, the family base, with their nanny.

The couple were urged to return with their three-year-old son so that he could be taught 'how to release the spirit of the drum'. 

They later enjoyed a short stroll through a wooded glade in the Great Bear Forest, as they made their way to plaque unveiling ceremony that formally marked the natural wonder becoming part of the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy network.

Stretching over 250 miles along the central and north coast of British Columbia, the Great Bear Rainforest is the planet's largest intact temperate rainforest. 

The duke and duchess clap during the ceremony at the 'big house' in the centre of the Hieltsuk community

Kate arrived in a safari inspired rain coat, left, which she took off to reveal a blue check shirt and jumper, right 

William and Kate are greeted with a traditional welcoming ceremony by the Heiltsuk First Nations community in Bella Bella

The duchess opted for a more practical look, teaming the beige safari jacket with a pair of trusted mid-length boots

Chiefs from the Heiltsuk First Nations community welcome the royal visitors to Bella Bella, British Columbia

The royal couple were delighted by the performances of local children as part of the ceremony

Smiling as they sit side by side, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are welcomed by the Heiltsuk First Nations community

The couple also sat listening to several speeches from senior members of the Heiltsuk community

The royal couple were given a traditional welcome inside the community hall or 'big house' of the Heiltsuk nation

It is the only place in the world where you can see the Kermode - or Spirit - bear which is noted for its white fur, as well as well a whales, sea otters, dolphins and sea lions. 

The Kermode bear is considered sacred by the T'simshian people. Other wildlife includes coastal grey wolves, grizzly bears, cougars and orcas. 

The fords, glaciers, mountains and granite cliffs of the rainforest have been virtually untouched for thousands of years. 

The royal couple followed a path along a new wooden walkway that led to a fast flowing river whose banks were covered with dead salmon that had returned to the waters to spawn.

The air had a strong stench of rotting fish and Kate pointed at the hundreds of seagulls bobbing up and down in the waters hoping for a fresher meal than the decomposing salmon.

And the plaque unveiling ceremony featured a first – a coat to keep the memorial dry, following a day torrential rain.

The Great Bear Rainforest was recently named as Canada's commitment to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QQC), a unique network of forest conversation initiatives involving all 53 countries of the Commonwealth.  

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge battled the elements as they travelled to the remote island community of Bella Bella

Kate, 34, managed to see the funny side as she struggled to open an umbrella while stepping off the small private plane 

William and Kate touched down in a private plane following an hour-long flight, and were met by driving wind and rain

In a speech later William said: 'The Commonwealth has at its heart always been about the values that bind its people...... When we protect our rivers, oceans, atmospheres, or like today,our forests, we are telling our children that their future prosperity cannot be disconnected from the health of the natural world.

'Her Majesty is immensely grateful to you, and the people of Canada, for the leadership you have shown in making this contribution. I have no doubt that other Commonwealth nations will be inspired by what you have achieved here.'

There was concern overnight that the couple's trip to the remote island community was in jeopardy due to the inclement conditions: high winds, choppy seas and heavy, driving rain.

But aides worked quickly to adapt their programme, cancelling a tour of the beautiful region by float plane and arranging for a boat to take them from the small airstrip to the jetty where they were welcomed by the First Nations people.

‘It is still a beautiful place in the rain and everyone is prepared to get wet,’ a spokesman for the couple said. 

The couple endured a somewhat rocky flight with the twin propeller flight experiencing strong turbulence on route to the tiny one strip airport.