Reaction to Charles and Camilla's royal visit to Canada

Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are on the third day of their tour of Canada to mark the Diamond Jubilee - the 60th year of Queen Elizabeth's reign.

Their itinerary of their four-day visit is a busy one. After arriving Sunday evening in New Brunswick, the  couple spent Monday visiting CFB Gagetown and touring historic Saint John, where, among other things, Prince Charles played a bit of road hockey with some young children. In Toronto Monday night, they took in a Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay. On Tuesday, Prince Charles presented the Jubilee medal to six people for "distinguished service to the Crown in Ontario" - the first stop of seven before the couple flies to Regina Monday night.

Throughout their visit, members of the CBC Community have sent their best wishes for the couple and sent their photos of Charles and Camilla.

• "I happened to be passing by the Royal York (in Toronto) last night at about 8:30 p.m. Charles and Camilla were leaving their hotel for the fireworks I assume. I saw them from about 10 feet away. Perfect timing! He waved to the crowd and said a few words. Extremely friendly, nice, and genuinely happy to see his Canadian peeps," said TWENTYtwelve.
  
  
• "I hope they have a lovely time visiting Canada," said Meggsy.
  
  
• "Awesome! Ball Hockey! He shoots he scores! Would have liked to see that. I hope their stay in Canada is enjoyable. God Save the Queen (& future King)," said Ez Rider.

But the royal visit has also prompted comments from those who would rather see the end of Canada's role as a constitutional monarchy. Many of the complaints revolved around the money required for such a visit.

• "The projected cost for this short trip is $1.2 million, paid for by the Canadian taxpayer. This, in the face of some very good social programs shut down because of austerity. Let the royals pay their own way if they wish to visit Canada," said elijahblue.
  
  
• "A waste of money and time on an archaic and irrelevant institution," said Durandal.
  
  
• "All the cost involved in planning, security, and then actually coming here, for the sake of four days? What a waste of taxpayer money. Enjoy the trip, if you actually have time to see anything," said  J of the P.
  
  
• "I couldn't care less. These people are not my superiors, I am not their subjects," said MarsBolt.
  
  
• "So ridiculous. Princes, princesses, kings and queens belong in fairy tales, not the 21st century," said MacStephens.
  
  
• "In this day and age the monarchy is sticking it to the lower classes with their existence. Nothing good ever comes from exalting a bloodline as if they were descendants of some super race. They should keep a low profile while so many of us have been affected by the greed of the powers that be or start intervening on our behalf," said gapper50.

Other members of the Community felt that this tone in the comments was unbecoming.

• "It may well be that in the future we will decide to abandon our ties to the British monarchy, but it is difficult to ignore the fact that our country has a huge traditional link to the royals. I love the photo of the joyful people waving at the royal couple in Fredericton. They obviously enjoy the chance to greet Charles and Camilla. I honestly don't see the need for the mean-spirited comments on this site. What do you gain by insulting so many people?" said Land-Fan.
  
  
•  "Why is it that whenever Canada does anything that resembles celebrating its history or making reference to any symbols of that history that people always get upset? Most of the population here has ties to the British. What's wrong with celebrating that? The Queen's 60 years as our monarch? Or the fact that people like the royals in general?" said Militaryman.

Kiltedguy had this to say:

"Is it really necessary to spew such outright hatred at a family that cherishes this country? Do you honestly believe that they're just blowing smoke when they say that "Canada feels like home?" The Queen Mother, when she spoke of this country would always say "dear Canada," or "lovely Canada." They share a bond with us that they don't share with any other country of the realm. Or in the world.

"Why? Because of us, because of the strength and beauty of the land, the open space, the warmth and hospitality of the people. But look at us now.

"Childish quips and inane insults from supposed adults who see only the cost of something and never the value. Rebellious defiance at being 'ruled' when no such thing exists. Insulting their parentage and their looks. Absolutely childish antics for no other reason than who they are."

Thank you, as always, for following our coverage. Please feel free to comment on or challenge any of these points and continue the conversation below.