Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

[Robert_Hall]

Good point, RW. I might add, that both Charles and William have funded  projects with their own money. I think Harry as well, but he concentrates on disabled veterans and  deprived children in Africa, starting  funds with his own money. What I think is admirable, is that  their actions [W&H at least] are not just cheque book  charity. They also participate in action. And, of course their names/patronage encourages others to participate, one way or another.

[Douglas]

W&K's visit to Skid Row can be likened to their visit to a Youth Center in Quebec. Their visit in LA is to see how a community arts organization is helping youngsters in the socially deprived area of down town LA. Inner-City Arts uses visual arts and performance to give homeless and poverty-hit youngsters a creative outlet.

Thank you Robert for clarifying their visit to Skid Row.  Thank heaven the royal couple will not be bothered with seeing and touching any of the locals swigging beer out of paper bags and smoking marijuana cigarettes. What a relief they won't have to encounter  the toothless and shoeless, mumbling to themselves or shouting to the air as they eternally shunt shopping carts crammed with their worldly possessions.  Of course anyone, even slightly in touch with reality,  knows that this is what Skid Row is really all about.

Evidently the Duke and Duchess will momentarily see some underprivileged kids dance and do some art painting.  Their visit will be a very safe and sanitized version of the hell that's locally known as Skid Row which is a common phenomenon that's well known in all cities worldwide.

We can pray that some of the $4 million raised this weekend from the deep pockets of rich Americans, while having the privilege of watching the Duke play polo, will be funneled into inner-city projects.

 Let's hope so but to be honest, the whole weekend affair is cheque-book charity disguised as a polo match while schmoozing with royals.

It's rather pathetic that foreign royals have to come all the way across the planet to shame local millionaires into coughing up some cash for LA's Skid Row, which is something they should have been doing all along.  To me it would be an embarrassment to even attend the polo luncheon.  Of course millionaires have no sense of shame.   Most wouldn't dream of even getting anywhere near Skid Row....not safe,  'ya know.

[Robert_Hall]

Douglas, it has been years since I was in that area- skid row.  I used to an altar boy at Saint Vibiana's. It was a challenge getting there but i have obviously survived.
  The cheque book charity bit, well,  the royals work for it. Not like  the money is going into their pockets.  I think it is great to play off the snob appeal for the benefit of less fortunate.
I am curious though, why they will not make a visit up here. Maybe time restraints, scheduling, etc. After all, most of the other royals have.

[Douglas]

Let's hope that next time the royals will visit that fabled city, that Baghdad by the Bay, that Resurrection city......San Francisco, city of the Golden Gate,... when their schedule permits.

[Robert_Hall]

We are not an example of screaming teenage girls [as witnessed in Canada] nor fawning royalists,  [ we do have a few] but I am sure they would be warmly welcomed.

[Kalafrana]

On the BBC Radio 4 News yesterday evening there was a whole lot about the dinner with celebrities the Duke and Duchess were going to last night, with people spending £15,000 for a table. I do hope that money is going to something useful!

Incidentally, I am involved in a UK charity for homeless ex-servicemen. I went to a charity dinner recently which raised just over £1,000 for them (approx £50 per guest, most of whom are likely to do more later). For an organisation with a turnover of about £1m per year, which keeps its admin costs to an absolute minimum, £1,000 is a very useful sum indeed.

Ann

[Eddie_uk]

I wish the Duchess had worn a Tiara! I don't think it's asking too much to expect to see a few historical jewels on display, after all she is a member of the Royal Family now!

[Grace]

I completely agree Eddie, but something tells me we're not going to see much of that from Catherine, worse luck. 

[Eddie_uk]

Thanks Grace! Sad to think of so many beautiful jewels sitting in the vaults unseen! They are designed to be worn and should be at every opportunity IMO (such as dinners like these)!

[Robert_Hall]

Congrats, Ann ! I support a similar charity here. I may be a pacifist, but I have huge respect for those who serve in uniform.
 I do not know about the tiara, though. In  LA, they are a cheap display, even tacky.  I would not wish  Catherine to be exposed to ridicule. Most people just would not  connect to the historical aspect. In D.C., yes. LA....iffy

[Lucien]

W&K's visit to Skid Row can be likened to their visit to a Youth Center in Quebec. Their visit in LA is to see how a community arts organization is helping youngsters in the socially deprived area of down town LA. Inner-City Arts uses visual arts and performance to give homeless and poverty-hit youngsters a creative outlet.

Critisizing is easy while your rear is in a comfy seat,we are lucky,very fortunate indeed.
But I am really struck as to how wonderfull Catherine Duchess of Cambridge has adopted
her new role,I've said it before,but really,she is a absolute natural.And there's also a
constant interaction between the two,William and Catherine regardless whom they are
with,there's always eyes catching eyes and a smile.Love the two!!

[Robert_Hall]

This is so true and remarkably noticeable, Lucien.  A noted difference from other royal marriages.

[Paul]

It's rather pathetic that foreign royals have to come all the way across the planet to shame local millionaires into coughing up some cash for LA's Skid Row, which is something they should have been doing all along.

Look: we know that all of those "progressive, socially conscious" Westsiders are phoney limousine liberals. They only care when the cameras are rolling. That's how it is. Get over it. If it takes bringing in foreign royality to pump some help into Skid Row- so be it.

It was really nice of the Royal Couple to come in and help out. We thank them for their efforts.

[RoyalWatcher]

Princess Kate is magic. Plain and simple. She brings out the best in William and through her we are able to see a side of William he has always kept closed to the outside world. She never stopped smiling these past 11 days (except of course when honoring those who have given their life in service of their country) and I have watched all the coverage. She is genuine, poised and extremely likable. How could you not? I will miss seeing them on a daily basis as they retreat back to their private sanctum in Wales. It will be a great day when these two become full time royals from this royal watcher's perspective.

From what I've read, their KP apartment will be ready for them upon their return. I'm very excited to read more about where they settle in KP. As a result of this tour, I whole heartedly hope to see HM Queen Elizabeth's personal honor badge pinned to Kate's dress at the next official royal function. She has more than earned it.

[CHRISinUSA]

I do not know about the tiara, though. In  LA, they are a cheap display, even tacky.  I would not wish  Catherine to be exposed to ridicule. Most people just would not  connect to the historical aspect. In D.C., yes. LA....iffy

I quite agree Robert.  Like Eddie, I will enjoy seeing Catherine airing out the family jewels, but there is a time and a place for tiaras - generally only at formal state functions (opening Parliament, state banquets, etc.).  Wearing them to an industry fund raising dinner in LA would be a bit tacky.