Thousands of people gathered at the National War Memorial in downtown Ottawa and outside Rideau Hall to secure the best spots to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge before they made their first public appearances in Canada Thursday afternoon.

The first people to line up were Lionel Leston and David Diakowich, two men from Winnipeg, who secured their front-row spot at the National War Memorial at 5:30 a.m.

The pair says they arrived so early because they wanted to be the first people to shake hands with the Royals.

"We've never been to the nation's capital before. We didn't know what this event would bring, the kind of people, or how early people got here. So, we just figured, you know, it's probably best to get here early. Early bird gets the worm," said Diakowich.

Nine-year-old Tia McGillivary, from Hawkesbury, had her own reason to visit the National War Memorial this morning.

She was clutching a picture she drew for Kate of Anne of Green Gables. McGillivary says she drew the picture because she knows it's one of Kate's favourite novels.

While many from Ottawa have come out to see Prince William and Kate, others have travelled from across Canada and as far away as Texas.

"I just moved to Austin. I drove up on Monday. I've been waiting for this event ever since we found out she (Kate) was coming. I've been like checking out her itinerary," said Gay Isber, who made a crown to give to Kate.

After doing a walkabout at the National War Memorial, Will and Kate went to Rideau Hall where other Royal fans started lining up this morning.

"I miss Diana and I thought, well, I'd really like to see Will and Kate. They're the younger generation and you know, it's just so exciting," said Royal watcher Peggy McCann, who wore a Canada-themed hat with a photo of Will and Kate's wedding on the front.

"I'm excited to see our future King and Queen. I'm excited to see what Kate is wearing because she always looks very beautiful," said Andrea McCaffrey.

"We're not going to miss this. It's really important, and they look so much in love and they look so happy and we just wish them all the best," added Donna McCann.

The Royal couple has a busy two days planned in Ottawa. After public appearances and a barbeque with Canadian youth on Thursday, they will attend a citizenship ceremony on Friday before heading over to Parliament Hill for Canada Day celebrations at noon.

With files from CTV Ottawa's John Hua and Claudia Cautillo