The day we have been talking about for what seems like a lifetime is finally here… this afternoon, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge touched down in New York City. Where I live.
Before I get into the royal arrival, some operational notes if you will. I am thrilled to say that I will be Royal Central’s eyes and ears on the ground here in NYC for the royal couple’s visit. However, it will not be anything to the level I was able to do during Harry’s US tour last year; in fact, it might be almost on-existent at times, but I will be doing my absolute best of course! I will do a daily recap of events and be tweeting and snapping as much as possible, so stay with me and Royal Central on Twitter.
The Duke and Duchess arrived in the Big Apple at 4:37pm at JFK airport after a slight delay with their British Airways flight on the other end of the pond, and checked-in at The Carlyle, a famed luxury hotel on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The Carlyle is actually a part of Rosewood Hotels, which opened an incredible property in London last year – The Rosewood. The Carlyle has special significance, as it was the place Princess Diana called home when visiting New York City. Obviously there were plenty of fans waiting outside (I was not one of them).
via @EmilyNash of The Sun
Of course, Kate looked flawless in a deep purple Seraphine maternity coat as she and William arrived at The Carlyle and fans and media got a two second glimpse outside. I cant tell you this, I look nothing like that when I get off the plane at JFK from Heathrow, that’s for darn sure.
The arrival was the only “public appearance” for the royal couple today, but have no fear – the next two days are absolutely packed with engagements. Tonight, they will attend a private dinner reception for the American Friends of the Royal Foundation at the home of advertising mogul at the home of Sir Martin Sorrell. So, what’s on tap this week?
Tomorrow, Prince William will make the quick jump down to our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., for the International Corruption Hunters Alliance conference where he will make a keynote address. While there, he will also meet with President Obama (whom he and Catherine met in London following their honeymoon in 2011). Simultaneously, Kate will visit Northside Center for Child Development in Harlem with the First Lady of New York City. You may recall her brother-in-law made a splash in Harlem during his visit last year. Then, it is off to the Consul General’s residence for a lunch with members of the British Community in New York from culture, arts, hospitality, and business sectors. The Duchess will then take a break while The Duke returns to New York City and makes his way to Consul General Danny Lopez’s residence for a Conservation reception that Hillary and Chelsea Clinton will attend; co-hosted by the Royal Foundation and Clinton Foundation. To end the day, it will be perhaps my favorite engagement of them all – it’s off to Brooklyn for a Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers NBA game. Where there is the possibility of a Cambridge/Beyonce and Jay-Z photo opp. The game will support the on-going collaboration between the Royal Foundation, United for Wildlife and the NBA.
Tuesday is full-on, starting with an emotional and somber visit to the National 9/11 Memorial. Something tells me this will be the biggest events of the program – it means the most to the people of New York City, and the location lends itself to the opportunity for the biggest public crowds. The rest of the day will see the duo attending an engagement at The Door for the CityKids Foundation, a Creative industries reception supporting the UK government’s GREAT campaign, an Innovation is GREAT event with Shutterstock at the Empire State Building (Prince William only), and last but not least a glamorous gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrating St Andrews University 600th anniversary.
So much royal my head is going to explode. I. Cannot. Wait.
Keep Calm and Harry On 