Four lucky locals meet Wills and Kate

Karen Waller shaking hands with Duchess Kate. Photos and story submitted.

Four North Bayites; Karen Waller, her daughter Maddy Waller and nephew Graeme Vaananen joined Greg Kolz (former North Bay resident now living in Ottawa) on Parliament Hill for the July 1st Canada Day celebrations.

After a long 9 hour wait to greet the royals in Ottawa, their patience and stamina paid off as they had the unique experience of greeting both the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William & Catherine) as well as the Prime Minister and Governor General.

Greg Kolz scouted out the most strategic location and spent Thursday night camped out on Parliament Hill reserving a standing space. The other members of the group joined Greg at 5:30 am. Nine hours later (at 2:30 pm), their goal of meeting the Royal couple was attained as they had the opportunity to meet them face to face.

Kolz posted on his Facebook page at meeting the Prince he had wished him a 'Merry Christmas'.

"As he pointed at me his reply was "Merry Christmas? That's Brilliant!"... he went on to assure me that he had made the same mistake before himself," posts Kolz.

Once William and Kate were whisked away and the ceremony was complete, the huge crowd (300,000 plus), dispersed.

Afterwards, members of the Press, both national CBC, CTV and international ­ Australia, Japan, USA interviewed both Kolz and Waller asking about their encounter in meeting the famous Royal couple.

Indeed, it was a chance of a lifetime.