With Prince William and Kate scheduled to land in New York on Sunday afternoon local time, the final preparations have been made for their much-awaited arrival. In the city that never sleeps, excitement levels reached sky-high levels, with locals and royal fans gearing up to welcome Prince George's parents. Outside the swanky Carlyle Hotel – where William and Kate will be staying – barriers were erected and the main road blocked off in the Upper East Side area.
Prince William and Kate will arrive in New York on Sunday afternoon local time
The luxury establishment paid tribute to their royal guests, who have never visited New York City before, by replacing one of their American flags with a flying Union Jack, hooked into the facade of the Art Deco building. William and Kate will no doubt feel at home as it is the same venue that William's late mother Princess Diana repeatedly chose for her visits to the Big Apple. Other celebrities who are known to have frequented the hotel include Victoria Beckham, Mick Jagger and Tom Cruise. "Everyone is talking about the royals," HELLO! US reports Emily Smith of Page Six as saying. "They want to drink up every detail possible, what they eat, where they go, what Kate's wearing – the appetite for royal news in New York is insatiable."
During their three-day whistle-stop tour, William and Kate will complete a jam-packed itinerary filled with engagements that are "close to their hearts". Making no delays in setting off for their first activity, the Duke and Duchess are expected to attend a private dinner held on behalf of the American Friends of their Royal Foundation on Sunday night.The charitable foundation was set up in William, Kate and Prince Harry's names and their American counterpart focuses on similar interests – helping children and young people, veterans and military families and promoting conservation and sustainable development.
Prince William and Kate last visited North America in 2011 after their wedding
These aims will be echoed throughout William and Kate's visit, as the Prince is due to give a speech in Washington highlighting the negative effects of the illegal wildlife trade, while the Duchess will visit a children's centre specialising in mental health back in their base of New York. Much like when William and Kate visited North America at the end of their overseas tour in 2011 – just a few months after their royal wedding in London – the couple are expected to draw crowds and attention wherever they go. The British royals will also indulge in the local tourist offerings, and are confirmed to make an appearance at the Cleveland Cavaliers-Brooklyn Nets basketball game.