Royals wrap up NYC visit
NEW YORK — Britain’s Prince William and his wife, Kate, wrapped up their first visit to New York in a three-day whirlwind that included a black-tie reception, a meeting with the other king, LeBron James, and a solemn, rain-drenched visit to the National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum.
At the museum Tuesday, their last day, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paid their respects with a handwritten note and told its leaders they were struck by the enormity of the loss in the 2001 terror attacks.
As the royals toured the museum devoted to the attacks, they examined such artifacts as preserved trident columns from one of the fallen twin towers’ facades and viewed rows upon rows of victims’ portraits. Like other visitors, they left virtual signatures to be projected on a crucial underground wall that survived the attacks and held back the Hudson River, with Kate looking on with a smile as hers appeared.
The royals went on to a reception celebrating the arts, with guests including actor Patrick Stewart and producer Harvey Weinstein.
On Monday, William met with President Barack Obama at the White House and spoke at a World Bank conference. Kate wrapped Christmas gifts and helped children decorate picture frames while touring a child development center.
William and Kate also took in a Cleveland Cavaliers-Brooklyn Nets game in Brooklyn, meeting music power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé and Cavaliers star LeBron James.
