Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., is set to roll out the burgundy carpet Thursday for Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

The royal couple will pay an afternoon visit to Niagara College on Taylor Road, off the Queen Elizabeth Way, to celebrate the opening of its Wine Visitor and Education Center.

Details of the visit, part of a whirlwind 12-city tour of Canada by the famous couple, have not been announced, but word leaked out this week when the college sent out invitations.

President Dan Patterson said he had to keep quiet until the prince’s itinerary was worked out. “It’s been one of the best-kept secrets in Niagara. We never knew if it was actually going to come together,“ he told the Standard in St. Catharines.

Though the college and its viticulture program will be in the spotlight, Charles and Camilla apparently will bypass the historic village several miles from the campus, which at various times has played host to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and Prince Edward.

Many residents and business owners in the village are sure to be disappointed, said Niagara-on-the-Lake Mayor Gary Burroughs.

But as a member of the college board, Burroughs will get his moment with the prince.

“I have my invitation and all that. I’m looking forward to it.”