British royals Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, got to meet some of America's pop royalty when they attended an NBA game in Brooklyn between the Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday evening. The Duke and Duchess met Beyoncé Knowles, also known as Queen Bey, and her husband Jay Z at the basketball game. The two couples shook hands upon meeting and were seen chatting amiably, William and Kate both sporting huge smiles as they mingled with the pop star and rapper.
William and Kate met queen Bey and her husband Jay Z at an NBA game on Monday eveningWilliam, second-in-line to the British throne, left his suit back at the Carlyle Hotel – having met with President Barack Obama at the White House the same day – opting for casual dress for the sporting event. He looked relaxed in a blue-and-red plaid shirt and trousers, while Kate mastered courtside chic in a grey coat by American designer Tory Burch, skinny jeans and heels.
The royal couple and pop star duo chatted happily courtsideThe pair arrived in the first half of the game, but didn't reach their courtside seats until the third quarter where they were sitting next to NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo. They received quite the welcome at the Barclays Center when they were introduced to the crowds on the scoreboard – a moment which William embraced by waving to the camera.
The royal couple were introduced to the audience on the scoreboardWilliam and Kate, currently on a three-day tour of New York, attended the game to mark a newly forged partnership between their royal foundation and the NBA, which will support the charitable foundation’s work with United For Wildlife. It wasn't all cheer though. As they made their way to Brooklyn for the game, protesters held a "die-in" outside the Barclays Center in a continuing protest at a grand jury's decision following the tragic death of Eric Garner.