Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall to Visit USA Next Month

It was announced this morning that The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will undertake a visit to the USA in March at the request of the British government. Charles and Camilla will visit this great nation March 17 – 20, to be exact, and make stops at our capital, Washington D.C. and Louisville, Kentucky (just under a 2 hour flight away).

It’s like, why don’t the royals just move here already? They caan’t get enough. Harry, William and Kate (+ one crumpet in the royal oven) – all in an official capacity in the last two years. Weddings, bachelor parties, c’mon guys, why are you so obsessed with us?

All jokes aside, it is wonderful to see another high ranking royal visit hit this side of the pond in such a short time span. The Oval Office hasn’t seen this much royal action probably ever – Prince William in December, his father in March.

According to the official release, the visit will heir Royal Highnesses will undertake various engagements promoting the UK’s partnership with the United States in areas such as sustainability and climate change, youth opportunities, corporate social responsibility and promoting historical and cultural links. That last one is perhaps my favorite, and the most mainstream, as the UK and US have always maintained a “special relationship” since well, we broke up a couple hundred years ago.

In particular, the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta is a highlight of not only the “special relationship” calendar year, but THR’s visit next month. The Prince of Wales will mark the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta during a visit to the National Archives where he will view the “Charters of Freedom” and the 1297 version of the Magna Carta, which is embodied in the American Bill of Rights and the Constitution. Magna Carta is not only a highlight on this side of the pond for 2015, but is being widely celebrated throughout Britain all year.

Looking forward to welcoming another royal duo to this side!

PS – I will not be covering the visit as I will be lounging on a beach in our furthest state – Hawaii. I know, you feel so awful for me.

Whirlwind Royal Day in the City with William and Kate

Well, that was a case of the head spins! Whirl”wind” literally – in case you missed it, today was absolutely ghastly in New York City. I’m talking water up to my ankles style rain. But as usual, they did not slow down The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The final day of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to the USA began with a somber stop at the National September 11 Memorial where the couple paused in remembrance at the reflecting pool where the South Tower once stood (and Kate placed white roses) before making their way inside to visit the newly opened National September 11 Memorial Museum. Having visited the museum earlier this year, I can tell you that it is one of the most overpowering experiences I have ever had. I am from the area and will never forget every moment of that day and the days that followed. For that, this engagement was my favorite – I knew it would be coming in. Even as we pulled up to the site, my eyes welled with tears. The fact that William and Kate visited – and stayed outside for several minutes in the horrific downpours – really tugged at my heart strings. While The Queen, Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall have visited the memorial before, it is ever more developed since then.

William and Kate then visited The Door, not too from far from the memorial, to witness the work they carry out with the CityKids Foundation. The couple toured the organization and took in performances from the youngsters. Another nod to his late mother on this NYC trip, Princess Diana was very involved with the CityKids Foundation and Prince William remarked it was the highlight of their visit.

Back-to-back GREAT receptions took the remainder of the afternoon, the first, a Creativity event attended by both The Duke and Duchess and the second, Innovation attended by Prince William. The GREAT Britain campaign is the British Government’s most ambitious international marketing campaign ever and showcases the very best of what Britain has to offer, in order to encourage the world to visit, study and do business with the UK. The Royal Family has given strong support to the campaign since its inception in 2011 and there have been GREAT events throughout many recent royal tours. Prince Harry attended GREAT events during both South America tours and  participated in a GREAT event with Prime Minister David Cameron in New York last year, while the Duchess of Cambridge attended a reception in 2012 to highlight the excellence of the creative industries.

The Creativity is GREAT reception hosted by NeueHouse brought out some very well known names in the creative industries, including Sir Patrick Stewart, OBE – who had a few laughs with The Duchess and Creative Director of J Crew, Jenna Lyons, with whom Kate had a seemingly lovely conversation (Kate even wore J Crew jeans last night when she met Bey and Jay). Harvey Weinstein who was particularly keen to meet Prince William and is behind the new Paddington Bear film, had a few moments to converse with The Duke.

At the event, British Ambassador to the United States Peter Westmacott spoke of the creative industries influence in Britain while the royal couple looked on, laughed and smiled. The Ambassador highlighted that film tourism (of which Kate and Georgina Chapman of Marchesa spoke about how her husband, Mr. Weinstein, loves making films in England) is booming – visits to Glencoe in Scotland after Skyfall are up 40 percent! Even Sir Patrick Stewart remarked, “It is certain that seeing the best of British talent on their home stages, many Americans make the trip to London, Stratford and Chichester to get an even wider taste of what British entertainment has to offer.”

Prince William joined The Mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, at The Empire State Building for an innovation event hosted by Shutterstock. In addition to taking in the iconic view from the 86th floor observation deck, Prince William attended a techology-themed reception and presented the winners of the GREAT Tech Awards with trophies.

Last but certainly not least – a fancy smancy gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrating the 600th anniversary of St Andrews. Which is now beginning… but as you will see from above, I’m exhausted, soaked and spent, so it’s off I go to dream of the next royal visit. More later!

Case of the Mondays, What? Royals Take On America

Today was nothing short of EPIC. Kate had NYC falling at her perfectly dressed feet, William showed up in D.C. to conquer America back in the name of Her Majesty (okay, that didn’t actually happen but whatever) and sitting courtside at a NBA game across from Beyonce and Jay-Z. AND THEY MET. And declined an offer for free nachos. I’m sorry, WHAT?! I really don’t often use the word “epic” but I’m pretty sure the word was created for moments like that.

William spent the first half of his first full day stateside with his first-ever visit to Washington D.C. where he had his second-ever meeting with President Barack Obama, to whom he confessed that he was so excited when George was born, he forgot to ask if it was a boy or girl! And yes, it will be a surprise for the second baby as well. Royals in the White House – just what this Yankee likes to see! The highlight of William’s visit to the capital was to speak at International Corruption Hunters Alliance conference, a cause extremely close to his heart and the focal point of his visit. He noted that he was “inspired by my grandfather and my father, who have championed international conservation for over fifty years.” William even blogged for The Huffington Post about his strong feelings on the subject.

While her other half was away, Kate began her day in Harlem at the Northside Center for Child Development, Harlem with the First Lady of New York City, Chirlane McCray. The center fosters the healthy development of children and families by providing high-quality mental health and educational services – a cause both The Duchess and First Lady’s hearts are champions of. To get in the holiday spirit, they took part in gift-wrapping and craft making with children, who adorably thought that Kate was Princess Elsa from Frozen! Which, I can tell you firsthand was the mood of the day: FROZEN. OMG, NYC SO COLD. (Which, BTW William said later in the day that he “loved.” No, Will, NO).

Photo Credit: British Consulate, New York @UkinNewYork

Then, Kate made her way to midtown to the residence of Her Majesty’s Consul General to New York, Danny Lopez, for a lunch with members of the local British community making contributions in the cultural and business sectors, including Welsh actor Matthew Rhys and Mashable CEO Peter Cashmore.

The residence had a brief break before both The Duke and Duchess attended a Conservation reception there (last minute change of plans as Kate originally was not due to attend). The reception was in recognition of the conservation work carried out by Tusk and United for Wildlife partners: Wildlife Conservation Society; Conservation International; and The Nature Conservancy. Secretary Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea Clinton, were present for the event and spoke to the crowd. In Prince William’s speech, he stressed that “Time is running out, but this room reminds us that time is definitely not running out.”

The wildlife conservation spotlight then led the couple to another borough – Brooklyn, for a NBA game, or “off to shoot some hopes or whatever it is the Americans call it,” according to William. Talk about throwing the royals out of their element! The game played between the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers was in support of the partnership between the Royal Foundation, United for Wildlife and the NBA. King [LeBron] James? SMH, it’s all about the future king and his future queen. Oh, and the fact that they met Bey and Jay courtside. And they were so cute, so enthusiastic throughout their time watching the game. It was purely precious.

via @UkinNewYork

GAME OVER BYEEEE! Oh wait, there’s still tomorrow.

Welcome to America, William & Kate!

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.