The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Touch Down in the Big Apple & Kate in Beulah London for Dinner
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge touched down at JFK airport in New York this evening, marking the beginning of a three-day trip during which they are expected to take the US by storm.
The couple arrived at The Carlyle in a motorcade and were greeted with a warm welcome. Very unusually they turned to pose for pool photographers who had travelled over from London to cover the trip.
Excitement has reached fever pitch among royal fans in New York over the past number of days. The UK ambassador to the US Peter Westmacott said, "The Duke and Duchess have captured the hearts and minds of people around the world." This is very much evident in the US where the couple receive enormous media coverage. Indeed, the Duchess is already the fourth most featured person to grace the cover of People - the USA's largest magazine. Reporter Simon Perry revealed, "She's been on the cover 26 times, more than any US celebrity apart from Brad Pitt."
It's a very exciting trip for William and Kate, too. It is the first time either of them has visited New York City. A spokesperson for the couple said they were both looking forward to it "immensely". As parents, it will be one of only a handful of times they have been away from Prince George; given the busy itinerary and brevity of their stay it was decided he would stay in Bucklebury with his grandparents.
The trip will see a variety of engagements including a stop at the White House where Prince William will meet with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, underscoring the special relationship between Britain and America. However, there will be no time for sightseeing, despite reports to the contrary, as the Cambridges are catching a scheduled flight back to London on Tuesday night, immediately after a gala dinner to raise money for their university St Andrews.
The Duke and Duchess were accompanied by an entourage of eight: William and Kate's private secretaries Miguel Head and Rebecca Deacon, two press officers, a special adviser, PA, Kate's hair dresser Amanda Cook Tucker and a UK policeman.
Our go-to royal photographer James Whatling shared a photo from The Carlyle just before the royal arrival.
James Whatling Twitter Feed
The prestigious Carlyle Hotel became known as "The New York White House" during the administration of President John F. Kennedy who owned an apartment on the 34th floor for the last ten years of his life. It's long played host to royals including Princess Diana, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Below we see the late Princess leaving The Carlyle in December 1995, almost exactly nineteen years ago.
A look at 'The Carlyle Suite' which includes twice-daily housekeeping, a fully-stocked mini bar and Kiehl's toiletries.
The Carlyle
CBC news video journalist Steve D'Souza shared photos of fans outside the hotel via Twitter. Two people in this photo drove all the way from Idaho to see William and Kate.
Victoria Murphy Twitter Feed
According to one onlooker Ashley Marie people were "shoving, pushing and freezing". A little overexcited perhaps?
Livelovelaughvr Twitter Feed
The Duchess wrapped up in a stylish bespoke coat by her go-to maternity brand Seraphine. The maroon and black tweed garment is called the 'Marina' (with thanks to the wonderful What Kate Wore who shared the image and info via Twitter).
Seraphine via What Kate Wore
It's interesting to see Kate selecting a maternity style at this stage in her pregnancy, as during her first pregnancy she had pieces she already owned altered and bespoke garments made. It was an excellent choice for the arrival and another gorgeous coat to add to her collection. The Duchess wore a fitted black dress underneath.
The Duchess ordered several pieces from the brand to see her through her first pregnancy and the months that followed in style. Séraphine founder Cecile Reinaud discussed her delight upon discovering Kate was a fan last year: "The Kate effect is huge and we have been enjoying a 400% growth in sales since it became public that Kate bought Séraphine dresses back in April 2013". Below we see HRH in the £46 fuchsia Jolene Dress for the first official portrait of Prince George taken by Michael Middleton.
Kate wore striking diamond earrings we've seen many times before. They were a wedding gift from Prince Charles.
You can watch a video from the arrival
at YouTube.
#460116884 / gettyimages.com
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Following a quick change, Their Royal Highnesses left the hotel for a private dinner for American friends of The Royal Foundation hosted by long-term supporter Sir Martin Sorrell, the chief executive of the WPP advertising group.
#460116884 / gettyimages.com
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Following a quick change, Their Royal Highnesses left the hotel for a private dinner for American friends of The Royal Foundation hosted by long-term supporter Sir Martin Sorrell, the chief executive of the WPP advertising group.
Also in attendance were supporters of The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
The private event is expected to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charitable foundation. A select number of hedge fund managers and financiers were invited to dine, beginning with cocktails, followed by dinner an hour later. Despite rumours no one has been charged for the event, however it is expected that those present will donate generously.
The Duchess looked radiant in the black fit and flare Amara dress by Beulah London from the SS15 Collection. The classic staple dress is described as "a flattering, feminine silhouette made from intricate lace will make the perfect outfit for every occasion". It is available to pre-order for £650 on the website.
What do you think of Kate's looks in New York thus far?
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Also today, Kate will not be attending a reception at the Empire State Building. Despite conflicting reports, it seems she was never slated to attend this one.
Max Foster CNN
Speaking of the Empire State Building, it sparkled in red, white and blue to welcome the royals.
Empire State Building
A photo of Kate arriving for a meeting and reception for patronage The 1851 Trust was published in the Sunday Express. The Duchess wore the Alexander McQueen Flared Wool Coat from Remembrance Sunday. It can be viewed on the My Small Obsessions Facebook Page.
Tomorrow is a busy day for the couple. William will travel to Washington DC while Kate will join New York's First Lady Chirlane McCray to vist a child development center. In the evening, the couple will attend an NBA game!
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