Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, wave to the crowd from the balcony at Dundurn Castle in Hamilton, Ont., on Thursday. (Nathan Denette/Canadian Press)

It was a royal day at The Royal.

Toronto's annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair — known to everyone in the city as The Royal — was officially opened on Friday by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Charles and Camilla arrived at the fair in a horse-drawn open carriage, greeted by a large, enthusiastic crowd seated in the Coliseum.

Many had lined up early both to see the royal couple, as well as take advantage of free admission to the fair on the opening morning.

The royal couple toured the exhibition, billed as the world's largest indoor agricultural show and international equestrian competition.

After officially opening the 87th edition of the fair Charles met with local farmers, while Camilla was taken to visit the canines taking part in the kennel show.

The couple later headed to the airport and departed for Victoria, kicking off the next leg of their 11-day tour.

The royals spent some of their time in Ontario meeting business leaders and musicians, as well as touring Dundurn Castle in Hamilton, home to one of Camilla's ancestors.

The couple has already visited Newfoundland and Labrador and will end their tour Nov. 12 in Ottawa.

With files from The Canadian Press