Prince William and Kate Arrive in Los Angeles
After their eight-day stay in Canada Prince William and Catherine Middleton arrived in Los Angeles July 6, 2011 for a weekend visit.The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at Los Angeles International Airport, where they were greeted on the tarmac by dignitaries such as California Gov. Jerry Brown and his wife Anne Gust, as well as British Ambassador Sir Nigel Elton Sheinwald.
Kate was wearing a blue-gray drape dress, and William wore a dark suit with a purple tie.
After hands shakes and chatting they got into a dark Range Rover with European-style plates and headed off in their motorcade onto the crowded highways of Los Angeles.
Royal Fever In Hollywood
Royal fever hit Hollywood long before they landed Friday afternoon.In anticipation of tons of media as well as many onlookers, police closed the street outside the British Consulate-General residence in Hancock Park, where the royal couple are staying during their visit.
Neighbors also signed keep-away orders, giving police permission to arrest any paparazzi on the spot if they try to photograph the royals while on private property.
"Our primary concern is to protect the rights and privacy of the residents as well as the safety of the royal couple upon their visit here to the United States," LAPD spokeswoman Mitzi Fierro told the Los Angeles Times. "If they trespass on property where we have a signed trespass letter, they will be arrested immediately."
Very Busy Schedule
Just like in Canada William and Kate have a very busy stay planned. The first item on their agenda was an evening business event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel supporting U.K. trade and investment.Later, they were to shake hands with California politicians and other high-profile figures at a reception hosted by British Consul-General Dame Barbara Hay at her Hancock Park residence.
Designed by renowned Los Angeles architect Wallace Neff, the 7,247-square-foot Mediterranean-style property has seven bedrooms and bathrooms and is close to trendy West Hollywood.
Hay, who has held her position since 2009, hosts a celebrity reception for BritWeek each year in April.
This visit, however, is seen as a working visit, not as a time to mingle with the rich and famous.
"The palace is really playing down any big introductions to A-list stars," ABC News royal correspondent Katie Nicholl said on "Good Morning America." "These tours are fun but hard work. It's really about forging ties between America and Great Britain."
The duke and duchess' closest brush to Hollywood royalty will come Saturday night July 9 when they attend a red carpet, black-tie British Academy of Film and Television Arts dinner at L.A.'s Belasco Theatre.
Among those expected to attend are:
- Nicole Kidman
- Jennifer Lopez
- Tom Hanks
- Jack Black
Other reported by E! Online include:
- Kristin Chenoweth
- Ginnifer Goodwin
- Dana Delany
- Derek Hough from "Dancing with the Stars."
Prince William (who's also the president of BAFTA) will give a speech at the gala, which is focused on spotlighting emerging British talent and building partnerships between Hollywood and up-and-coming British actors.
Prince William is expected to play in a charity polo match on Saturday at the Santa Barbara Polo Club to benefit the American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. Kate will be giving out the prizes.
Since most events on their schedule are private, invitation-only affairs, this is probably the best opportunity for the general public to get a glimpse of the couple.
However it won't be a cheep glimpse - it's gonna cost you $400 for a ticket in the stands and $4,000 for V.I.P. seats, which include a private lunch created by Food Network and one of my favorite chefs on that network chef Giada De Laurentiis.
The menu includes sweet corn lasagna with blistered tomatoes, pea pesto and beef tenderloin crostini. Yummmm :)
The Third Day
The third day Sunday July 10, 2011 begins with more philanthropic work, starting with an event to support Tusk USA, an organization that raises funds for African wildlife.
Afterwards the duke and duchess will visit Inner-City Arts, an L.A. program that helps disadvantaged and homeless children through art. (This engagement is of particular concern to the duchess -- the palace noted that she's "extremely interested in how the arts can help young people unlock their potential.")
On their final afternoon in the States, they are scheduled to attend an event for military veterans transitioning to civilian life and their families at Sony Pictures Studios, where they'll help put together care packages. The event, titled "Hiring our Heroes Los Angeles, is hosted by ServiceNation: Mission Serve.
Then it's back across the pond to Britain for a much-needed rest.
