- Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were sat courtside for Monday's Brooklyn Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers game
- Singer Beyoncé, donning white-and-black shirt and pencil skirt, and Jay-Z were seated directly opposite them
- Power couples were introduced in public view during second half of the Cavaliers' 110-88 win over the Nets
- Royals later met Cavaliers' LeBron James who gifted them cupcakes and two jerseys - one for Prince George
- NBA has recently announced partnership with William’s United for Wildlife organisation and a coach program
- Kate donned glamorous grey coat by US designer Tory Burch with jeans; William wore a blue suit and red tie
- She and Mrs Clinton bonded over motherhood, with latter explaining how she used to sing to baby Chelsea
- Wills and Obama joked about the birth of Prince George and discussed the UK and US's 'special relationship'
- Couple expected to visit National September 11 Memorial Museum and Memorial Reflection Pools later today
Having
met with the President and a possible future president of the United
States on the first leg of their American visit, it seemed only fitting
that they should finish the day by rubbing shoulders with pop royalty.
The
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge came face-to-face with Beyoncé and
husband Jay-Z at a Brooklyn Nets game in New York last night, capping
off a day of firsts for the Royal couple.
Earlier
that day, Prince William joked with Barack Obama during his first visit
to the White House's Oval Office, where he held talks with the
president before giving a speech at a World Bank anti-corruption
conference.
He
then flew back to New York to be reunited with his pregnant wife, and
together the couple attended a reception at the British Consul General's
residence to recognize the work of The Tusk Trust and other partners of
William's charity United for Wildlife.
During
the event, Kate spoke with US Secretary of State – and potential
presidential candidate - Hillary Clinton about the benefits of singing
to babies and her visit earlier in the day to a children's center in
Harlem.
The royal couple then finished the day in style, rubbing shoulders with U.S. pop royalty at their first NBA game.
As
the crowd cheered and took photos, Prince William and Kate - who
looked chic in a grey coat by U.S. designer Tory Burch, skinny jeans and
black heels - were seen greeting Beyoncé and Jay-Z during the second
half of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
They
beamed as they exchanged words with the couple, before returning to
their courtside seats next to basketball legend, Dikembe Mutombo, where
they were handed a box of popcorn and bottles of water. Beyoncé and
Jay-Z, meanwhile, sat down in their own seats directly opposite them.
Kensington
Place courtiers had previously arranged with NBA officials that the two
couples would meet during the third and fourth quarters of the game at
the Barclays Center, which also starred basketball royalty: the
Cavaliers' LeBron James, dubbed 'King James'.
After
the Cavaliers trounced the Nets 110-88, the royal couple were led
backstage to meet the sport's biggest superstar. Down in the Vaults, a
basement hospitality suite, they were introduced to James, who had
brought them a gift-wrapped box of cup cakes from his hometown, Akron,
Ohio.
Today,
the royal couple are expected to visit the National September 11
Memorial Museum and the Memorial Reflection Pools, before attending The
Door in NYC and the CityKids Foundation, to learn about their work on
positive youth development and social learning using art.
They
will then attend the Creativity is GREAT Reception at NeueHouse,
celebrating the British talent in the creative industries of New York,
in association with the UK Government's GREAT campaign, before Wills's
attends another reception at the Empire State Building.
Royalty meets pop: The Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge, and Beyoncé and Jay-Z, came face-to-face at a
Brooklyn Nets game last night
Pre-arranged encounter: Kensington
Place courtiers had already arranged with NBA officials that the two
couples would meet during the third and fourth quarters of the game.
Above, another perspective of the royal couple's encounter with Beyonce
and her husband, Jay-Z
Greeting: As the crowd cheered, Prince
William and his pregnant wife, Kate - who looked chic in a grey coat by
US designer Tory Burch, skinny jeans and black heels - were seen
greeting the singer and rapper before the second half of the Cleveland
Cavaliers game
Beaming: Pregnant Kate beams as she exchanges words with Beyoncé, who was donning a black-and-white shirt and a pencil skirt
Security detail: There were numerous
members of security in attendance as the royal couple met two
high-profile figures in the pop world
Drawing a crowd: The couples' meeting
attracted attention from people across the world - especially those in
the Barclays Center (above)
Engrossed: Beyonce is pictured
engrossed in conversation with Kate, while Prince William and Jay-Z
exchange several words courtside
In public view: The singer clasped her
hands together as she spoke to the Duchess, who earlier met
disadvantaged children in Harlem
Center of attention: Following the
meeting, the royal couple returned to their courtside seats next to
basketball legend, Dikembe Mutombo
Capturing the moment: A crowd of photographers surround Prince William and his wife Kate as they meet Beyonce and husband Jay-Z
Courtside seats:
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were at the home of the Brooklyn Nets
to mark a unique partnership between the National Basketball Association
and the couple's Royal Foundation. Above William points out something
to Kate during the game
Watching the
action: The royal couple, traveling without their son, were seated next
to 7ft 2ins basketball star, Dikembe Mutombo (right)
Discussing the game: Kate leans in to her husband during the game at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, which the Cavaliers won 110-88
'Oooh!':
William and Kate appear to be captivated by the on-court action, even
gasping at one point (right) alongside Dikembe Mutombo
Sharing a joke with Mutombo: All eyes at the Barclays Center were on the Cambridges as they watced the second half of the match
Close:
Kate plays with her hair as she chats to her husband during the game
between the Brooklyn Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers
Applause:
The royal couple applaud as the watch the game at the Barclays Center
in New York last night following several official events
Finally,
this evening, Wills and Kate will attend the University of St. Andrews
600th Anniversary Dinner at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
They will then fly back to England, where they will be reunited with their son, Prince George.
Yesterday
had been a day of firsts for the royal couple and they declared
themselves impressed by their first NBA game. 'It was good, really good.
Our first time,' the Prince told the 6ft 8in 29-year-old star after a
day of contrasts. 'I went to the White House for the first time. It was
quite daunting.'
James
asked William what size shoes he wore. 'Half the size of yours,' he
replied. Kate was pictured bursting into fits of giggles and brushing
her hair back from her face as her husband pointed at the sportsman's
huge feet.
The
superstar also presented the couple with Cavaliers jerseys, a maroon
one for Prince George - who has not accompanied them on their overseas
trip - that said 'George 1' on it and the other, a yellow one that said
'Cambridge 7'.
Kate
held the yellow one and William the maroon one. Earlier, James had
backed protests over the deaths of black men at the hands of white
police men, wearing an 'I Can't Breathe' T-shirt during the warm up. But
there was no mention of the controversy when he met the royal couple.
Couple: The
Duke puts a protective hand on his wife's knee (left) before pointing
out something to her (right) during Monday's game
All smiles: Jay-Z places a hand around
his wife's waist as they return to their seats after meeting the future
King and Queen of Britain
Star guests: Singer Beyoncé and her
husband, rapper Jay-Z are seen at last night's game between the Nets and
the Cavaliers in Brooklyn
In good spirits: Beyoncé is pictured
smiling at husband Jay-Z prior to the game. They were later served an
array of snacks, it is reported
Meanwhile,
although it remains largely unknown what was said between the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge and Beyonce and Jay-Z during their courtside
encounter, an eyewitness told People magazine that Jay-Z 'wished Will and Kate "Merry Christmas"'.
Before
the royal couple's basketball appearance, William and Kate - who is
nearly five months' pregnant - met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and
Senior Vice President of Community & Player Programs, Kathleen
Behrens, for a photo call.
The
Duke, who had spent the day meeting with President Barack Obama,
attending a formal reception and addressing a World Bank anti-corruption
conference, couldn't resist picking up a basketball as he arrived at
the arena, joking: 'I think I should be spinning this on my finger.'
The
6ft 2ins royal also craned his neck to meet towering 7ft 2in star
Mutombo and remarked: 'At last someone who is taller than me!'
The
couple - who are expecting their second child in April - were at the
home of the Brooklyn Nets, who were playing the Cleveland Cavaliers, to
mark a unique partnership between the National Basketball Association
and the couple's Royal Foundation.
Refreshments:
Prince William is pictured speaking to an arena employee as his
pregnant wife looks on during the high-profile game
Snacking:
The future British King was seen tucking into some popcorn, before
offering his wife the bag, during the Brooklyn Nets game
Making a new friend: The couple later offered the bag of popcorn to Mutombo, who grinned as he accepted the courtside snack
Gifts:
Backstage at the game, the royal couple were given a yellow #7 jersey
with the word 'Cambridge' on it as a gift from the Cavaliers, as well as
a smaller red jersey for their one-year-old son, Prince George. Prince
William and Kate are expecting a second child in April 2015
Backstage: The Duchess of Cambridge smiles as she poses with the two jerseys, her husband and LeBron James during Monday's game
A personal peresent: Down in the Vaults, James handed the couple a gift-wrapped box of cup cakes from his hometown, Akron, Ohio
Having
a laugh: James asked William what size shoes he wore. 'Half the size of
yours,' he replied. Kate was pictured bursting into fits of giggles and
holding her hand protectively over her five-month baby bump as her
husband pointed at the sportsman's huge feet
A perfect view: The royal couple,
seated alongside Mutombo, watch as LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland
Cavaliers takes to the court
Courtside view: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge watch as LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks at his teammates
Reaction: Mutombo, who stands at a whopping 7ft 2ins, opens his mouth wife and jolts backward as he reacts to the game action
Arrival: Fans scream and take photos as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at the court following a reception in New York
An exciting
day: It had been a day of firsts for the royal couple and they declared
themselves impressed by their first NBA game. 'It was good, really
good. Our first time,' the Prince (pictured, right, being papped by
fans) told 6ft 8in 29-year-old James after a day of contrasts
Appearance: Prince William and his
wife - who is nearly five months' pregnant - are pictured on the big
screen during the Nets game
There had been speculation that the
couple might appear on the so-called 'kiss cam' - but their faces were
simply shown during play
Crowded arena: The royals arrived at
the court during the second half of the game between the Cleveland
Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets
The
NBA will support the charitable foundation's work with United For
Wildlife. It also plans to work with the Royal Foundation’s Core Coach
program, an initiative which aims to help young people join the next
generation on inspirational coaches.
Mutombo
is a Congolese- born American, now known for his humanitarian work. He
is widely lauded as one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive
players of all time, winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
four times. He was also an eight-time All-Star.
He has now been made an ambassador for United for Wildlife, alongside basketball players Serge Ibaka and Al Horfor.
After
their brief photocall with the former professional player and senior
executives from the NBA, the Duke and Duchess - who is nearly five
months' pregnant - enjoyed a private dinner.
The
royal couple's appearance at the game reportedly caused much
excitement among players, including James, who was pictured donning an
'I Can't Breathe' T-shirt as he warmed up for the game as part of the
widespread Eric Garner protests.
The
protest, dubbed #RoyalShutdown, came almost a week after a grand jury
refused to indict white police officer Daniel Pantaleo for the chokehold
that killed black father-of-six Eric Garner. It has led to an
increased NYPD presence around the stadium to ensure the royal couple's
safety.
Basketball fans: Beyoncé and Jay-Z,
who were seated courtside opposite the royal couple, were also the
subject of much media attention
Watching: The couple smile as they
watch the game, which was won by the Cavaliers (110-88) with the help of
superstar LeBron James
Shooting: In this shot, taken from a
distance by a spectator, Beyonce is seen watching the action at the
Barclays Center in Brooklyn
Meeting a basketball king: The royal
couple pose with James following the game in Brooklyn, New York, which
the Cavaliers won 110-88
Regaining her
posture: Kate brushes her hair back from her face as she regains her
posture following a joke about James's shoe size
Making an effort: The royal couple
speak to basketball players and members of the press after receiving a
box of cupcakes from James
Amused: James (left) is pictured
laughing with New York Yankees' CC Sabathia (right) as they look at
Sabathia's phone after the game
Joking around: The pair were in good
spirits after Cavaliers' 110-88 win against the Nets, which was attended
by British and pop royalty
Getting stuck in:
Prince William (pictured posing with his wife, Kate, who is nearly five
months' pregnant) couldn't resist picking up a basketball as he arrived
at an NBA game at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, joking: 'I think I
should be spinning this on my finger'
Photo call: Prior to the game, the 6ft
2ins royal also craned his neck to meet towering 7ft 2ins star, Dikembe
Mutombo. Above, (l-r), Mutombo, Kate, William, NBA Commissioner Adam
Silver and Sr Vice President, Community & player Programs, Kathleen
Behrens
Chatting: The couple - who have
traveled to America without their one-year-old son, Prince George - were
at the home of the Brooklyn Nets, who were playing the Cleveland
Cavaliers, to mark a unique partnership between the NBA and the couple's
Royal Foundation
All smiles:
The NBA will support the charitable foundation's work with United For
Wildlife. It also plans to work with the Royal Foundation’s Core Coach
programme. Left, William couldn't resist picking up a basketball while
Kate (right) looked chic in a designer grey coat
Earlier on Monday, James toldESPN
it was an honor to play for royalty. 'It's a huge honor,' he said. 'The
stuff that you read about, people like them are only in books growing
up. And to hear that they're coming to town to see me play and they want
to see me do what I do best, it's a huge honor.'
Kevin
Garnett and Deron Williams were also among four Nets wearing the shirts
before the game in support of the family of Mr Garner, who died July 17
after a police officer placed him in a chokehold when he was being
arrested for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes.
Prince
William and Kate's appearance at last night's game follows their joint
attendance at a reception at the British Consul General's residence to
recognize the work of The Tusk Trust and other partners of William's
charity United for Wildlife.
During
the event, the Duchess spoke with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
about the benefits of singing to babies and her visit earlier in the
day to a children's center in Harlem.
Speaking
beside a brightly-lit Christmas tree, former First Lady Mrs Clinton,
who was dressed in a red coat and patterned scarf and clearly knew a
lot about the Duchess’s visit, told her: 'We’re trying to encourage more
people to sing…because the research suggests that it’s beneficial'.
Striking a pose: After their brief
photocall with the former professional player and senior executives from
the NBA, the Duke and Duchess - who is nearly five months' pregnant -
enjoyed a private dinner. Above, the couple are pictured posing with Mr
Silver
Star:
The royal couple's appearance at the game has reportedly caused much
excitement among players, including LeBron James. The Cavaliers star was
pictured donning an 'I Can't Breathe' T-shirt as he warmed up for the
game as part of the Eric Garner protests
Kyrie
Irving (right) was also spotted wearing an 'I Can't Breathe' T-shirt
before this evening's game. The message is a reference to a grand jury's
recent decision not to indict a white police officer in the death of
black New York man, Eric Garner. Left, LeBron James warms up
Demonstrators: The protest, dubbed
#RoyalShutdown, comes almost a week after a grand jury refused to indict
white police officer Daniel Pantaleo for the chokehold that killed
black father-of-six Eric Garner. Above, demonstrators hold up signs
outside the stadium
Response: Mr Garner died July 17 after
a police officer placed him in a chokehold when he was being arrested
for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes. Above, NYPD officers are seen
trying to stop protesters from entering a Target store near the Barclays
Center in Brooklyn
Refusing to move: A protester holds up
a sign reading, 'Hands up!', in reference to another shooting involving
18-year-old Michael Brown
Playing dead:
Eric Garner protesters are seen participating in a 'die-in' during a
demonstration outside the Barclays Center on Monday
She
added that she often sang to her daughter Chelsea - who gave birth to
her own daughter, Charlotte, on September 26 - when she was younger, but
that there came a point when Chelsea was a toddler that she would say
to her mother: 'No sing, no sing!'
Earlier
in the evening, the pair were pictured beaming as they shook hands in
the lobby alongside Prince William and Mrs Clinton's daughter, Chelsea,
at the start of the event, hosted by the Clinton Foundation.
The
Duchess had not been due to accompany her husband to the reception as
royal aides had allowed time for her to relax, aware that she might find
the trip tiring. But Kate has clearly fully recovered from the severe
sickness that blighted the first months of her pregnancy, and decided
she wanted to do as much as possible during the two-day visit.
For
much of Monday, Kate and her husband - who are visiting America without
their young son, Prince George - were separated as she visited the
Northside Center for Child Development in Harlem, while Prince William
met with President Barack Obama in the White House's Oval Office.
Speech: Prince William (second right)
and his wife, Kate (far left), were reunited as they joined US Secretary
of State and ex-First Lady, Hillary Clinton (far right) and her
daughter, Chelsea for a reception at the British Consul General's
Residence in New York on Monday
Greeting: During
the event, Kate spoke to Mrs Clinton about the benefits of singing to
babies. Above, Prince William (second right) and his wife, Kate (far
right) are seen shaking hands with Mrs Clinton (far left) and her
daughter, Chelsea (second left) during the reception
Shaking
hands: Speaking beside a brightly-lit Christmas tree, Mrs Clinton (far
left), who was dressed in a red coat and clearly knew a lot about the
Duchess’s visit, told her: 'We’re trying to encourage more people to
sing…because the research suggests that it’s beneficial'.
Meeting: She added that she often sang
to her daughter Chelsea - who gave birth to her own daughter,
Charlotte, on September 26 - when she was younger, but that there came a
point when Chelsea was a toddler that she would say to her mother: 'No
sing, no sing!'
Official
reception: The event was held to recognize the work of The Tusk Trust
and other partners of William's charity United for Wildlife
Bonding over motherhood: The Duchess
of Cambridge - who is nearly five months' pregnant - speaks with Hillary
Clinton during the event
Protecting wildlife: The Duke
(pictured speaking during the reception) told gathered guests: 'I'm
pretty exercised – to put it mildly – about the plight of some of the
world's most iconic species. These species are being illegally butchered
in the name of trinkets and medicine'
Departure: Prince William was seen
sporting a less formal red-and-blue checkered shirt as he left the
British Consul General's Residence
But
on Monday evening, the Duke continued a day of high-powered campaigning
against the illegal wildlife trade as he flew back to New York from
Washington DC, where he had met Obama and addressed a World Bank
conference, and was reunited with his wife.
At
the official residence of the British Consul General, Danny Lopez, the
Duke chatted to supporters of wildlife charities in a room so packed the
guests were standing shoulder to shoulder. The reception was co-hosted
by the Duke and Duchess’s Royal Foundation and the Clinton Foundation.
Prince
William told the guests: 'I'm pretty exercised – to put it mildly –
about the plight of some of the world's most iconic species. These
species are being illegally butchered in the name of trinkets and
medicine.
'It's
easy to blame others for the problem – demand in South East Asia, not
enough protection on the ground, and so on. But, if I may say, we could
start with looking closer to home.
'Our
own nations still have thriving black markets in these products, and we
have to raise the game at home as well as abroad. But it's not all doom
and gloom. You’re the lights at the end of the tunnel.
Leaving: The couple attended the event
at the British Consul General's Residence to recognize the work of The
Tusk Trust and other partners of William's charity United for Wildlife.
Above, William, Kate and Chelsea (right) leave he residence following
the reception
Recovered: The Duchess, who is almost
five months pregnant, had not been due to accompany her husband to the
reception. But Kate is clearly fully recovered from the severe sickness
that blighted the first months of her pregnancy, and decided she wanted
to attend
Chatting: The Duke (pictured speaking
to Chelsea with Kate) continued a day of high-powered campaigning
against the illegal wildlife trade by flying back to New York from
Washington DC, where he had met President Barack Obama and addressed a
World Bank conference
Protective: At
the official residence of the British Consul General, Danny Lopez, the
Duke chatted to supporters of wildlife charities in a room so packed the
guests were standing shoulder to shoulder. Above, William places a
protective hand on his pregnant wife's back
Speaking with guests: The Duchess of
Cambridge speaks to guests in this photo posted on Twitter by the
British Consulate in New York
Future King: William speaks with
another a guest at the reception during the second day of his trip to
America with his pregnant wife
Arrival: On Monday, the British
Consulate tweeted: 'TRH have arrived at the British Residence for a
reception supporting their charity'
'What
all of us in this room represent, and tens of thousands of people out
there, is solid purpose – a determination not to let our generation be
the one that let this catastrophe occur. Time is running out, but this
room reminds us that support is not running out. We can be
optimistic.'
Earlier
on Monday, 32-year-old Kate, who is five months' pregnant, made a huge
impression on a class of children in Harlem - who thought she was a
princess from the Disney film Frozen.
The
Duchess's audience of three- and four-year-olds mistook her or
fictional royalty from the blockbuster film, according to an official at
the Northside Center for Child Development, where she had the first
official engagement of her three-day trip to New York.
Outside
the building on Fifth Avenue, the future Queen crouched down on the
sidewalk and accepted a bouquet of the bright red flowers from a crowd
of waiting children, before she went inside and chatted to them while
helping out with an art project.
The
youngsters, who receive support from a Harlem-based mental health
center, welcomed Kate to their institution with the cry ‘Princess’,
promoting their royal visitor to smile with delight.
Princess? Earlier Monday, 32-year-old
Kate, who is five months' pregnant, made a huge impression on a class of
children in Harlem - who thought she was a princess from the Disney
film Frozen. Above, the Duchess smiles as she accepts a bouquet of
flowers from a child
The Duchess's audience of three- and
four-year-olds mistook her or fictional royalty from the blockbuster
film, according to an official at the Northside for Child Development,
where she had the first official engagement of her three-day trip to New
York.
Flowers:
Outside the building on Fifth Avenue, the future Queen crouched down on
the sidewalk and accepted a bouquet of the bright red flowers (pictured)
from a crowd of waiting children, before she went inside and chatted to
them while helping out with an art project
ouching a princess: One little boy is pictured reaching out for Kate's hand as she walked past the assembled children in Harle
Frozen
tells the story of Anna's adventures with an iceman, his pet reindeer
and a snowman, to find her sister Elsa whose icy powers have condemned
the kingdom to winter. Kate did not have Elsa's flowing blonde hair or
blue eyes but the children did not seem to mind.
She
was accompanied by writer and poet Chirlane McCray, the First Lady of
the New York City, at the public appearance, where she also wrapped
Christmas presents for the children before heading off for an intimate
lunch at the British Consul General’s official residence.
Rose
Ann Harris, director of early childhood services at the Northside
Center for Child Development said: ‘They thought she was the Princess
from Frozen. When they heard she was coming they thought it was Elsa -
we said a Princess and they got a Princess.'
She added: 'The visit meant everything to the children, they were thrilled and it acknowledges all the hard work of the staff.’
The
Duchess, who was described on her son Prince George's birth certificate
as Princess of the United Kingdom, sat down at a tiny table where the
three and four-year-olds were decorating picture frames with stars and
tinsel flowers.
All smiles: The youngsters, who
receive support from a Harlem-based mental health center, welcomed Kate
to their institution with the cry ‘Princess’, promoting their royal
visitor to smile with delight. Above, Kate visits a pre-school class at
the New York-based center
It's a snip: Kate helps volunteer Mary
Dawkins wrap up a fairy doll for the children. She apparently has a
passion for present wrapping
Getting stuck in: The Duchess is seen smiling as she wraps presents at the Northside Center for Child Developement in Harlem
The group of nine children all have developmental problems, from issues with their language development to motor skills.
Kate
asked one little boy if she could add a star to his frame and she
painstakingly pasted it on. Later, the royal showed her Christmas spirit
when she joined Harlem grandmothers wrapping presents for some of New
York's poorest children.
In
the center, the Duchess sat down with Mary Dawkins, 71, and other
helpers and displayed her skills with a scissors and roll of sticky
tape.
While
Kate was showing off her creative flair, her husband, Prince William,
also 32, flew on a scheduled flight to Washington, D.C., where he met
President Obama at the White House.
Sitting
in the Oval Office the two shared a joke about William's recent
fatherhood - when the prince revealed he forgot to check whether Prince
George was a boy or a girl when he was born a year and a half ago. He
gave the President a signed photograph of himself with Kate as a gift.
A
spokesman for the President said he and William had discussed the 'long
and special relationship' between the UK and the United States
Saying hello: Kate shook hands with officials at the center, where teachers have spoken of their excitement ahead of her visit
'We'll put her to work': Kate looked on intently as a leader at Northside spoke during an early meeting
Meeting
and greeting: Kate met up with Chirlane McCray, the wife of New York
mayor Bill de Blasio, as she arrives at the Northside Center for Child
Development in Harlem on day two of her trip to New York
On
her way: Kate stepped out of a black SUV accompanied by an aide as she
headed inside, where she spent time with young children
Nervous?
An ambulance was parked just outside the center in Harlem today,
apparently for fear the Duchess, who suffers badly with morning
sickness, could be taken ill
For
her visit, the Duchess was wearing a black and white trimmed coat by
British label Goat, which appears to have had some smart alterations
made by a member of her team.
She
scored another fashion victory on her visit with the elegant jacket,
which appeared to have had a needle taken to it before the event.
The
heavy wool crepe ‘Washington’ swing coat, which costs £680 ($1,000) has
been described as a ‘real stand-out wardrobe hero’, and has distinctive
nude piping on the collar, cuffs and rear. Paired with thick black
tights and black suede heels, it was a clear sartorial triumph.
Look
a little closer, however, and it is clear that someone in Kate’s team
had carefully sewn on a small swathe of material around the bottom of
the coat, presumably to make the length a little longer (and more
decorous).
The
customizing was cleverly done but could be seen in the right light and
even appeared to made from a slightly lightly shade than the black of
the coat itself.
Kate
appears to have recovered from the severe antenatal vomiting condition,
Hyperemesis Gravidarum, that plagued the early week of her pregnancy.
Kensington
Palace officials insisted that no special measures have been taken to
account for her condition, apart from more frequent than usual rests
between engagements. However, her convoy appears to include an ambulance
provided by her American hosts just in case.
Power meeting: While Kate was visiting
the children's center, Prince William sat with President Obama in the
Oval Office after landing in Washington, D.C.. During the meeting, the
future King joked about the birth of his son George, who is staying at
home in England
In good spirits: Wills and Obama are pictured laughing together during their meeting at the White House in Washington on Monday
Chowing
down: Prince William sat down to lunch with retired U.S. General Carter
Ham (left), the Duke of Westminster (second from left) and Sir David
Manning (right) at the World Bank headquarters, where he dined with
experts on illegal wildlife trafficking
Following
her visit to Harlem, Kate attended a reception and lunch at the British
Consul General’s residence in New York where she was introduced to
members of the British community from the fields of culture, arts,
hospitality and business.
As
she is five months pregnant, she did not drink anything before lunch.
On the menu was a pressed vegetable terrine infused with herbs, poached
salmon with dill hollandaise sauce and lemon pearl barley risotto and
sautéed vegetables. For dessert, guests enjoyed apple and rhubarb
crumble.
Kate
mingled with nine successful ex-pat British guests chosen for the
reception, including British actor Matthew Rhys. She chatted for half an
hour before joining them for lunch with the British Consul General
Danny Lopez and his wife Susan.
Kate,
still in her Goat coat, looked relaxed as she quizzed them about their
achievements and life in the vast penthouse apartment.
Welshman
Rhys, who played Dylan Thomas in The Edge of Love and currently stars
in the hit US series The Americans, said he was lost for words after
meeting her.
He
said: ‘My mind went blank and I wondered what I would talk to her
about, but she’s very good at putting you at ease – she asked a lot of
questions.
Getting involved: William hit out at the trade in elephant tusks and rhino horns as an insidious form of corruption
Flying
solo: Prince WIlliam was pictured this morning landing at Ronald Reagan
National Airport in Washington, D.C. He later met with President Obama
and attended a charity reception
Landing
with a bump! William and Kate were greeted at the New York's Carlyle
Hotel in front of screaming crowds. Kate wore a bespoke, plum-coloured
maternity coat by British label Seraphine
‘I asked her what she thought of the freezing weather here and she said she was used to it.’
Rebecca Lowe, who presents NBC’s coverage of the Premier League, was also starstruck.
She
said: ‘I’ve got a bit of a girl crush on the duchess, I can’t stop
looking at her hair. She’s just wonderful and everything I thought she
would be. She’s so engaged, but she’s just a normal human being. She
said she had a lovely time in Harlem.’
Kate
also spoke to Colin Callender CBE, the Emmy and Tony Award-winning
producer behind TV hits including The Missing, The White Queen and the
forthcoming adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall, which stars Mark
Rylance, Damien Lewis and Jonathan Pryce.
Rish
Mitra, CEO of Blippar – an app that allows you to download information
on any object just by pointing a camera at it – demonstrated it for the
Duchess on a framed Andy Warhol print of the Queen hanging on the wall.
The
app, launched in 2011, now has 50 million users worldwide. He said:
'I’m very excited about meeting the Duchess. The Royal Family is a great
brand ambassador for Britain. Their involvement in charity is
phenomenal and I would love to work with them.'
Wills
and Kate arrived in New York on Sunday night and are staying at the
luxury Carlyle Hotel, where the future King's late mother, Diana,
Princess of Wales once stayed.
Private:
Kate wore a black lace dress with diamond earrings and suede heels to
meet a select audience of thirty financiers for dinner
A royal wave: A rosy-cheeked Kate chuckled as she offered a wave to the gaggle of reporters and photographers outside
The
Duke and Duchess were greeted by screaming New Yorkers as Kate, wearing
a bespoke plum-coloured coat by British maternity label Seraphine, with
thick dark tights and ankle boots, smiled for waiting photographers.
The
Duchess wore the maternity brand during her first pregnancy with Prince
George and chose one of their dresses for the first publicly released
photograph with her newborn son taken by her father, Michael Middleton.
The
couple were greeted at the by the hotel’s Managing Director before
being taken to their room - a suite with stunning views of Central Park.
The
hotel, where a suite can cost £9,000 ($14,000) a night, will be the
royal couple's base for the next two nights before they fly back to the
UK immediately after their last engagement on tonight.
William
and Kate travelled with their entourage, seven people plus security, on
a scheduled British Airways flight into JKF airport, which arrived 20
minutes late. The costs will be met by British taxpayers.
They
were raced into Manhattan by an official police motorcade to their
1930s hotel, which flew Great Britain's Union flag outside in
anticipation of their arrival. Even the iconic Empire State Building was
lit up red, white and blue to welcome the Cambridges to NYC.
The
British are coming! The Carlyle Hotel had a Union flag flying next to
the Stars and Stripes in honour of the Royal couple's visit
After
less than an hour the couple had left again to attend a private charity
dinner. Kate was wearing a £650 ($1,000) black lace dress by one her
favourite labels, Beulah, with diamond earrings and black suede heels.
Her hair had also been given a brush-up.
Their
seven-strong entourage included Kate’s private hairdresser, Amanda Cook
Tucker, who is being paid for by the couple privately, and helped Kate
prepare to head out and charm some of the city’s wealthiest men and
women at a private dinner.
The
‘private’ event, which is expected to raise hundreds of thousands of
pounds for the couple’s charitable foundation, was being held at the
cavernous Manhattan apartment of British media and marketing mogul Sir
Martin Sorrell, whose personal fortune is estimated at £174million
($271million).
Just
thirty hedge fund managers and financiers were invited to dine,
starting with cocktails, hosted by Sorrell’s high-powered wife,
Cristiana, followed by dinner an hour later.
Contrary
to rumour, no-one was charged for the privilege, but it was clearly
expected that those present would lavish large donations on the Royal
Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, which
supports causes as diverse as youth opportunity, the environment and
injured service personnel.
Imperial welcome: The Empire State Building was lit red, white and bl
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