After a whirlwind 11 days, the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge’s first official overseas tour to North America has come to an end…
Previous days in LA: Day 1 | Day 2

Day 3: 10 July 2011
Los Angeles, California

William & Kate’s final day in Los Angeles was packed, and in my opinion, their most significant day in  LA yet.  It started early when they left the Consul-General’s residence in Hancock Park and did an impromptu walkabout to people who’ve lined the streets.  The locals were very thrilled as everyone got to shake their hand, have a little chat and even take pictures!  As usual, everyone commented on how surprisingly down-to-earth the couple is.  And by the way, Kate wore high street Whistles for the day…

Brunch for Tusk Trust. A private meeting supporting African animal conservation Tusk, which Prince William is patron.  The brunch was to launch an American patron circle.  Also at the event are actresses Reese Witherspoon (who looked quite starstruck judging by the pictures) and Catherine Keener.  (Pictures: Getty Images)

Inner City Arts at Skid Row. In the heart of LA’s homeless district lies this arts school for underprivileged children that aims to uplift and build confidence through art.

William & Kate painting at Inner-City Arts in LA

William and Kate first joined the painting studio.  Kate painted a red snail (Picture) (“What the heck is that?  It looks like half slug, half bulls-eye,” joked William), and William painted a … square (Picture).  An elaborate small square in red, blue and yellow colors… but just a square nonetheless.

Next came clay moulding.  Each joined a table, with Kate’s table working on a turtle’s shell and William’s table working on its head and limbs.  Here’s a really cute account of what happened at William’s table while he and the kids decided on the name and what kind of turtle to carve.  After that, in true Hollywood style, the royal couple had their hands imprinted on clay.  William once again joked and helped his wife make a good imprint.  Pictures: William’s imprint | Kate’s imprint | Both hands on one slab

The royal couple also clapped along a dance demo.  Overall an unforgettable day for the children at Skid Row.  Latest word has it that their paintings and turtle shall remain at Inner-City Arts and will not be sold for auction as of now.

Joking around while watching a dance performance

Articles

Pictures from Inner-City Arts: Getty Images

Videos:

Mission Serve Veterans Job Fair. Another project close to William’s heart.  William & Kate’s last engagement, “one of the most important,” was a job fair to help over a thousand veterans find their way back to the work force.  In it, William made his final speech of the tour, thanking everyone for their “warm welcome to the Golden State and City of Angels.”  He also took the opportunity to quip at his “low-flying, Apache, very average brother” Harry.  After chatting with some veterans and their spouses, William & Kate helped pack boxes that will go out to military kids.

Article: A star-spangled send-off

Pictures from Mission Serve: Getty Images

And then it was straight to the airport for a scheduled commercial flight back to London via British Airways.  A final smile to a single photographer (Pictures), and they were off… culminating what has been an EXCEPTIONAL and close to flawless first overseas tour.  They leave behind a gaggle of new admirers, a buzzing media, and according many reviews, a stronger monarchy for the next generation.  Well done!

 

So How did it go? The reviews have been magnanimous.  William & Kate’s first tour was a resounding triumph for Britain and the monarchy.


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