Prince William, Duchess Catherine Middleton to Receive Royal Welcome in California
June 16, 2011 — -- Not since Eddie Murphy has a coming to America caused such a commotion.
Prince William and Duchess Catherine Middleton (the fashion plate formerly known as Kate) will descend on the U.S. on July 8, according to a schedule released by St. James Palace. William, 28, and Catherine, 29, will arrive stateside after a swing through Canada to celebrate Canada Day, jam at Montreal's jazz festival and tour the country's territories.
Their agenda in America is no less packed. Expect the press to be all over them: People magazine's special issue celebrating their April wedding has sold more than 2.2 million copies to date, making it their top seller of the year thus far.
For now, a rundown of the royal plans: After meeting with technology entrepreneurs at the Beverly Hilton, the couple will shake hands with California politicians and other high-profile figures in Los Angeles. The fun begins on Saturday, July 9, with a Santa Barbara charity polo match. The Prince will play; the Duchess will give out prizes.
That evening, they'll rub shoulders with stars from British television, film and theater at a red carpet, black-tie British Academy of Film and Television Arts dinner at L.A.'s Belasco Theatre. Prince William (who's also the president of BAFTA) will give a speech at the gala.
Day three begins with more philanthropic work, starting with an event to support Tusk USA, an organization that raises funds for African wildlife. Then they'll 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'll attend an event for military veterans and their families at Sony Pictures Studios where they'll help put together care packages. Then it's back across the pond to Britain.
The royals aren't coming alone. They'll travel with an entourage of seven schedulers and assistants, and the palace has taken measures to ensure the Duchess will look her best while hob-nobbing with Hollywood royalty -- hairdresser James Pryce will come along for the ride.
