William & Kate dubbed parasites

Outspoken Canadian politician compares Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to circus performers ahead of their forthcoming tour of the country

Prince William and Kate were dubbed "parasites" yesterday as an outspoken Canadian politician plunged their first overseas tour into controversy.

Prince William and his new bride Catherine chose Canada for their first official trip abroad as a married couple, which is due to take place between June 30 and July 8.

But a month before their arrival a member of the National Assembly of Quebec launched a derisive attack on the Royal couple, complaining that Canadians would have to foot much of the bill.


Amir Khadiru00a0said the visit by William and Kate was a waste of public funds and dismissed claims that their visit would promote tourism in the country


Amir Khadir, an Iranian-born member of the left-leaning Quebec Solidaire party described monarchy as "a parasitic system that was inherited from ancient times".

He said, "A nation worthy of the 21st century has no need for a monarchy or people with a bloodline."

Dismissing claims from the Quebec government that the couple's visit would help promote tourism, he added, "If this is a tourist attraction, I would at least appreciate it if the stakeholders involved knew that we are bringing them here kind of like we do with circus tours."

He then told a newspaper, "What a waste of public funds - all of this to welcome these parasites. If we were welcoming someone because they had great ideas or because they did remarkable things, fine. But it galls me that we're doing this for someone with blue blood in their veins."

Outrage
His comments were immediately condemned by senior officials in the French-speaking province, with deputy premier Nathalie Normandeau demanding Khadir apologise.

The province's Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Pierre Moreau added, "Being at odds does not excuse being impolite."

The Duke and Duchess are due to visit Quebec for two days as part of their trip, which Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore said would cost Canadian taxpayers just under $2 million (Rs 9 crore).

Moore said security would be beefed up for the visit, with Quebec nationalists expected to stage protests

In the past
In November 2009, Prince Charles and Wife Camilla Parker Bowles also went on a visit to Canada. The two toured the country for 11 days and 12 cities including St. John's, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria. During her cisit, the Duchess of Cornwall received great praise and gifts from the people of Canada.

Wills-Kate will also visit the Calgary Stampede "Rodeo's richest, roughest ride". They can enjoy the thrill of bucking bronco and bull riding contests while touring Canada.u00a0