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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate, were caught up in the middle of a silent political protest on their visit to Haida Gwaii, B.C. Friday morning.

Part of the royal itinerary for the day involved the royal couple paddling in a traditional Haida canoe to the Haida Heritage Centre and Museum.

While in the canoe, the royals were surrounded by a group of people, many of whom were wearing traditional Haida hats and bright blue shirts saying “No LNG.”

There is also a Facebook group encouraging local residents to stage peaceful protests throughout the day today by holding “No LNG” signs and wearing shirts with respectful messaging.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward Photo by Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward Photo by Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock

On Tuesday, Ottawa approved the controversial $36-billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project on Lelu Island near Prince Rupert, B.C. The project will see 19 million tonnes of liquefied gas shipped to markets in Asia every year.

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Environmentalists and First Nations have denounced the Pacific NorthWest LNG project due to concerns over climate change and salmon habitat, while pro-development advocates, including the B.C. government of Christy Clark, have called it a key economic driver for the country as a whole.

WATCH: Global BC reporter Aaron McArthur talks to the protesters

2:18 LNG protesters in Haida Gwaii use royal visit to highlight cause LNG protesters in Haida Gwaii use royal visit to highlight cause

Clark, a big proponent of the LNG industry who was on hand for the LNG announcement on Tuesday, is expected to attend the opening of the new Haida Gwaii Hospital and Care Centre in the Village of Queen Charlotte later this afternoon.

With files from the Canadian Press