CHARLOTTETOWN - Tourism promoters in Prince Edward Island are abuzz over reports that the "Anne of Green Gables" novel may have inspired Prince William and Kate Middleton's upcoming trip to the province this summer.
The Daily Mail in the U.K., quoting an unidentified source, recently reported that the new Duchess of Cambridge wanted to make a stop in the province during the royal visit in July because she was a fan as a child of the book written by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
"We do hope that Kate is a big Anne fan, that there is some truth to that," said Brenda Gallant, marketing director for the P.E.I. Department of Tourism.
"It would be exciting to have her here to experience the beauty of the Island as Lucy Maud Montgomery saw it."
Montgomery's fictional story about a redheaded orphan girl adopted by an elderly farm couple is set in P.E.I.
Since it was written in 1908, it has sold more than 50 million copies and in some countries, like Japan, was even placed on school reading lists.
Gallant said details of the visit are still being finalized. It is Middleton's first visit to Canada.
Gallant said a report about the Duchess of Cambridge's fascination with Anne, even if unverified, presents an excellent marketing opportunity for the province.
She said it wouldn't be difficult to put together an Anne itinerary of sorts for the newest member of the royal family, if that's what she wanted.
"We have so many Anne products here on the Island -- Green Gables House, the Homestead," she said.
"You could meet descendants of Lucy Maud Montgomery or attend the 'Anne of Green Gables' production."
The curtain will rise on the newest version of the "Anne of Green Gables" musical on June 30, the same day the royal couple are set to arrive in Canada.
Dan Wall, a publicist for the Confederation Centre in Charlottetown, said they could make a couple of front row seats available on short notice.
"I don't know if anybody knows what their itinerary is yet, but I certainly hope that P.E.I. Tourism is all over those reports about Anne," he said.
"We would be thrilled to have them and know they would enjoy it."
The couple's visit will also include stops in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Quebec and the Ottawa region.
