CHARLOTTETOWN -- A debate on Canada's future at a youth parliament inside Prince Edward Island's historic legislature drew a royal audience Tuesday in Charlottetown.

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla took in the debate involving 15 young people as they discussed a resolution that calls on Canadian youth to build on the work of the Fathers of Confederation.

The city is celebrating the 150th anniversary this year of the Charlottetown Conference, which led to Confederation in 1867.

Charles asked the students if being pages in the legislature helped them gain a better understanding of the workings of government and encouraged them to enter politics.

The royal couple arrived at the legislature in a steady rain and shook hands with people who were waiting outside to see them.

"It's a wonderful honour for Prince Edward Island to have the royals visit," said Myrtle Jenkins-Smith, who shook Camilla's hand.

"It's history in the making."

Charles and Camilla attended Charlottetown's Victoria Day festivities on Monday night after spending most of the day in Nova Scotia.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have a full day of events schedule in Winnipeg on Wednesday before wrapping up their four-day visit.

Charles is also scheduled to make a speech Tuesday in Charlottetown when he receives an honorary Symons Medal for his contribution to Canadian society.

A number of stops planned for the royal couple's tour of the Charlottetown area reflect the prince's interests.

Charles is scheduled to meet students at Holland College who are involved in urban development and sustainability projects. He is also meeting with representatives of the Canadian Institute of Forestry to help develop a partnership between the organization and the prince's Duchy of Cornwall.

Known for his love of the outdoors, Charles visits new trails at Bonshaw Provincial Park later Tuesday.