Royal honour: B.C. mayor proclaims July 22 ‘Prince George of Cambridge Day’

Prince George, B.C., has issued a special proclamation to honour the young prince that shares the city’s name.

Mayor Shari Green has proclaimed July 22 ‘Prince George of Cambridge Day,’ the same day Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, ring in the first birthday of their child.

“The city of Prince George is both proud and honoured to share the same name as Prince George of Cambridge,” the mayor of the northern city wrote.

Related: Year of milestones on Prince George's birthday

The B.C. city enjoys a long and special history with the royal family.

“From the city’s incorporation in 1915, a centennial we will celebrate next year, to Charles and Diana’s visit in the 1980s, to Queen Elizabeth II officially opening the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) in the 1990s, Prince George has a connection to the monarchy,” Green said.

The city is inviting the Duke, Dutchess and wee Prince George to visit the city next year to mark its 100th anniversary, as well as the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

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  In this photo taken on Wednesday July 2, 2014 to mark his first birthday, Prince George walks, during a visit to the Sensational Butterflies exhibition, at the Natural History Museum, London. The prince turns 1 on July 22. (AP / John Stillwell