Prince William, Kate to combine glamour, charity in LA

LOS ANGELES

The royal newlyweds will be in the Los Angeles area from July 8-10 following a tour of Canada. The trip will be Kate's first visit to the United States.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will spend their first night in Los Angeles at a business event supporting U.K. trade and investment, followed by a reception at the British Consular General's residence in Hancock Park.

On July 9, William will play at a charity polo match in Santa Barbara, with Kate awarding the trophy to the winning team.

That evening, the couple will attend a black-tie dinner at Los Angeles' renovated Belasco Theater to introduce young British talent to Hollywood executives.

The dinner is organized by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, called "BAFTA Brits to Watch." William serves as president of the academy.

"The purpose of the event is to showcase British talent and take advantage of their visit and give an opportunity to put them in front of the most powerful people in Hollywood," said Neil Stiles, deputy chairman of BAFTA Los Angeles.

One celebrity who's excited about the royal visit is their close friend, soccer star David Beckham.

"It's going to be exciting for them, I'm sure," he said. "They've got many other things going on in their lives, but it's incredible to have them together and have them married."

The couple also plans to meet inner-city youth involved in an arts program on Skid Row.

The royal couple's final stop will be at Sony Studios in Culver City, where the prince will give a keynote speech to some war veterans from Afghanistan and some bereaved families. The couple will learn more about how veterans are reintegrated into society and will pack care packages bound for service personnel in Afghanistan.

Kate will not be giving any speeches or interviews, because according to palace officials, she is still not comfortable with public speaking.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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