Sophie, Countess of Wessex, spent Friday morning in Edmonton before heading to Fort McMurray to visit the disaster zone.
During her time in Edmonton, the wife of Prince Edward – who was in Calgary Friday – attended the official opening of the Light Horse Park in Old Strathcona.
The Countess landed in Fort McMurray around noon, where she was greeted by Gov. Gen. David Johnston and Wood Buffalo Mayor Melissa Blake.
A bus tour took the group through the city and received commentary from fire Chief Darby Allen.
At the neighborhood of Beacon Hill, Sophie got off the bus and gazed at the devastation caused by the wildfire that blazed through the community in May.
Following the tour, Sophie took part in a ceremony awarding the community of Wood Buffalo a commendation from Johnston. She also took the time to meet several first responders personally.
“She certainly seemed very impressed with the team and the organization in the face of such tragedy,” health minister Sarah Hoffman said.
The royals will wrap up their trip Saturday with a gala reception at the National Music Centre in Calgary.
With files from Bill Fortier and The Canadian Press
