Arthur Edwards - Pool/Getty ImagesGet ready, New York: The royals are coming!
Yep, it's official, on Friday, the palace announced Kate Middleton and Prince William are coming to America Dec. 7 through Dec. 9! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will travel to New York first, where Kate will remain the duration of her stay. William, however, will make a solo visit to Washington, D.C., for a day.
Prince George's parents have a packed schedule during their brief trip to the States! (BTW, the palace noted that George will not be making the trek to the U.S.; he will remain back in the U.K.)
They'll be attending a number of events on behalf of the Royal Foundation and other charities, focusing on conservation issues, wildlife protection, mental health and supporting disadvantaged youth. Will and Kate will also be attending an alumni event of sorts—a gala for the University of St. Andrews 600th Anniversary!
Additionally, the royal couple will visit the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center. They'll also attend a private engagement on behalf of the American Friends of the Royal Foundation their first evening in New York.
On Dec. 8, their first full day in the U.S., William will head to D.C to attend an anti-corruption conference at the World Bank to discuss a "zero tolerance" approach to the illegal wildlife trade. He'll also attend a working lunch at the World Bank where a number of other conservation programs will be discussed.
While William's away, Kate, joined by NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray (her hubby is Mayor Bill de Blasio), will visit a local child development center. Kate will also attend a lunch, hosted by the British Consul General in New York.
By Monday night, William will have made his way back to New York, where he and Kate will attend an NBA basketball game which, per the palace, is "to support the ongoing collaboration between the Royal Foundation, United for Wildlife and the NBA." (Is it too much to hope they get court side seats next to Beyoncé and Jay Z?!)
The following day, Dec. 9, the couple will visit a youth organization in New York as well as an event celebrating all of the local British talent in the creative industries. That night, their final evening in the city, Kate and William will head to their alma mater's 600th anniversary dinner held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Oh, and important note: This is the first visit by either of Their Royal Highnesses to both New York City, and Washington, D.C., in any capacity. Meaning? Dress to impress, be polite and give them a warm welcome to these beautiful cities!
Love all things royal? Check out E!'s new series The Royals, starring Elizabeth Hurley and premiering in March 2015.