The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were on their first international Royal visit in July 2011, just 2 months after getting married at Westminster Abbey in April 2011. They began the tour from Canada where they spend 9 days in Canada visiting various parts of the Realm. On July 08th, they bid farewell to Canada and arrived at the Los Angles International Airport.
The Royal couple was set to spend three days on US turf with a jam-packed schedule. The importance of the young couple’s visit could have been guessed from the intense security that surrounded them the moment the stepped out of the Canadian Airforce’s aircraft.
The couple received a very warm welcome at the airport before heading towards their first destination.
The first stop of the day was the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The royal couple was welcomed by a crowd of Royal fans who were screaming and cheering for them. After William’s mother Princess Diana, this was the first time when a British Royal received this sort of dazzling welcome.
At the Beverly Hilton Hotel William and Catherine attended UK trade and Investment and Variety’s Venture Capital and New Media Summit Reception. They met with many entrepreneurs during the reception and learnt more about the UK-US trade.
The first impression is the last. The Duchess took this thought to the heart and stepped out of the aircraft looking absolutely gorgeous and elegant.
She was wearing Roksanda Ilincic Peridot Shift Dress paired with Jimmy Choo Lovely Pumps, L.K. Bennett Natalie Raffia Clutch, Kiki Grace White Topaz and Diamond Stud Earrings, Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard bracelet.
In the evening, William and Catherine attended a warm welcome reception at the residence of Consulate-General. The reception was attended by 200 guests including David Beckham and Stephen Fry. You might remember the fun zoom call William had with Stephen in June this year before cheering up the frontline workers with his family at Anmer Hall in Norfolk.
For the second outfit, Catherine changed into Diane von Furstenberg Maja Emerald Green Dress, Jimmy Choo Lovely Pumps, Camilla Bracelet, Cassandra Goad Gold ‘Temple of Heaven’ Girandole Pendant Earrings, Diane von Furstenberg ‘Lytton’ Leopard Printed Snake Clutch.
Day 2 began with an outdoor engagement that had been an essential part of William and Catherine’s decade long love-story – A Polo match.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed to the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club charity event where Prince William participated in the polo match in aid of American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry (Now the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge).
The Duchess of Cambridge enjoyed a stroll in the club before presenting the trophy to the winning team that was her Husband’s.
A kiss for the winner.
That day, Catherine debuted one of her the most beautiful summer dress. She was looking every bit Princess in delicate Jenny Packham de Gournay Silk Dress paired with L.K. Bennett Silver Taupe Patent Sandals, L.K. Bennett Natalie Raffia Clutch, Tiffany Diamonds by the Yard bracelet and Kiki McDonough Citrine Pear Drop Earrings.
The day ended with a dazzling BAFTA event. Prince William is the President of BAFTA. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a BAFTA reception at the Belasco Theater and were joined by Hollywood elite like Tom Hanks and Nicole Kidman.
Although the couple was surrounded by Hollywood stars at the $25000 a table gala dinner, the crowd gathered outside was simply more interested in cheering for the new Princess.
Catherine looked gorgeous in Alexander McQueen lilac Gown teamed up with Jimmy Choo Vamp Glitter Platform Sandals, Jimmy Choo Ubai clutch, Queen’s Diamond Chandelier Earrings, Diamond Deco Earrings and Bracelet.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge began their last day in LA with a Sunday morning reception for Tusk Trust, an African wildlife conversation group that is Prince William’s patronage. They were joined by the Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon.
They met with many socialites and stars there and talked about the conservation work.
Then they visited Inner-City Arts – an L.A. program which helps disadvantaged and homeless children through the arts.
The couple put on the aprons and participated in an art project and have some real fun with kids at the Arts centre.
The Duchess of Cambridge, a History of Arts graduate, is an amateur artist and a skilled photographer. They both talked to the kids and learnt about the project being run the charity.
Marking the visit, the couple left their handprints in clay for the school to keep as a reminder of their visit.
Before bidding farewell, they attended a war veterans event at Sony studios called ‘Nation, Mission, Serve’.
In the evening, The dazzling Royal couple departed from the LA and headed home after a very successful first International visit during which they won hearts and made a long-lasting impression.
Since the announcement of Prince William and Catherine’s engagement everyone was talking about Princess Diana – William’s mother. Diana was undoubtedly the most popular royal around the globe and people were expecting the same charisma from the new daughter-in-law of late Princess of Wales.
Catherine, who is a completely different person and came from a very humble background, does have one thing in common with Princess Diana of Wales – a humble and ease. She adopted the public role with a regal grace and stands by Prince William who one day will be the King. That ease and humbleness were shown on this very first tour.
And of course, after a long period of time, the world found a Royal style icon who is effortlessly poised, charming and elegant. Vogue had put the thoughts of many fashion and style experts in some really easy words,
In a time when most public figures are trying to push the envelope and shock and awe with their outrageousness when it comes to fashion, the Duchess of Cambridge is bringing an understated elegance (not sexy) back, while still managing to dress in a way that men clearly appreciate. She never wears pieces that befuddle the boys, like gladiator sandals, rompers, or platforms. Instead, she’s the rare creature whose look appeals to men, women, and the fashion industry alike. She shops where regular girls shop—Topshop, Reiss, Whistles, and L.K. Bennett—and wears looks that regular girls wear—wrap dresses, shifts, and J Brand skinny jeans. She’s pretty—but not intimidating; she looks like someone we could be friends with. Of course, she also wears Alexander McQueen and Erdem, but even when it’s “designer” it looks like “her”—the shape, the length, the neckline, the sleeves (she’s a one-woman endorsement for the comeback of sleeves!).
Her approach sends a powerful message that is stylish, thought-out, and position-appropriate—suggesting the best about British public life and decorum. There’s no subtext or hidden agenda when it comes to the Duchess of Cambridge’s style, and it’s refreshing that an aesthetic like this is finally having a well-deserved moment in the limelight.
