The Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission (SBCVB&FC) has announced that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate Middleton) will visit Santa Barbara on their trip to California, July 8-10.
“On behalf of the Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission and our partners and friends in Santa Barbara, we are absolutely delighted with the news of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s upcoming visit to Santa Barbara,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, President & CEO of the SBCVB&FC. “We are proud to be part of the royal couple’s travels and wish them every success as they embark on their new life together. We very much look forward to welcoming them and their guests to our beautiful city and wish them a fabulous visit.”
Additionally, the SBCVB&FC acknowledges the important charitable focus of this visit by Prince William and his efforts to raise awareness on behalf of many vital charities. The Prince’s support sets an example globally, yet also resonates very clearly on a local level in Santa Barbara which is known for its strong environmental advocacy. Santa Barbara is an incredibly philanthropic community, placing great importance on supporting its numerous valuable and innovative nonprofit organizations that do such critical work for the city.
As part of their visit to Santa Barbara, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend The Foundation Polo Challenge) on July 9th, 2011 at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club to raise funds for The American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry and Polo Training Center Santa Barbara. Prince William will play and Middleton will award the trophy. The day’s festivities will include a luncheon by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis as well as the charity polo match and presentations.
As a premier international destination, Santa Barbara is one of the most unique places on earth. In addition to the world-class polo facilities that the royal couple will be visiting, Santa Barbara has a myriad of experiences fit for royals and accessible to all visitors. Tucked between gorgeous beaches and mountains, Santa Barbara boasts an extensive range of sophisticated cultural attractions ranging from theater and dance to music and art, reflecting a vast cultural richness. The city’s award-winning food-and-wine scene is on par with some of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, yet its restaurants and culinary attractions maintain the integrity and friendly spirit of a small coastal town affectionately known as The American Riviera®.
Santa Barbara has a history of hosting the royal family; Queen Elizabeth II made an official visit to Santa Barbara in 1983 as part of a tour of the western United States. The Queen’s visit is commemorated with a plaque at the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, an historic landmark open to the public. For more information about Santa Barbara’s history of hosting dignitaries, visit SantaBarbaraCA.com/Media/RoyalSummer.
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A pleasant surprise! I did not know they were coming to Santa Barbara until this morning, but I cried simply because I appreciate our allies and this gesture of appreciation for our military and symbolic for our friendship. Afterall, many familes came from the UK orginally, well over 235 years ago, but now we are a dynamic ‘melting pot’ of nationalities, religeons, and cultures who, more often than not, assimilate quickly and respectfully to choose their destiny. I am Grateful to, and for, William and Kate.
If you love the royal couple, you might enjoy this upcoming movie about them:
“William & Catherine: A Royal Romance” World Premiere Hallmark Channel Original Movie Exclusively on Hallmark Channel Saturday, August 27 (9 p.m. ET/PT, 8C)
Meet the Royals: In “William & Catherine: A Royal Romance,” esteemed actress Jane Alexander portrays Queen Elizabeth with warmth and a competitive drive that shows up even in Wii tennis. Alexander is pictured with Stanley Eldridge as Prince Harry, Mark Penfold as Prince Philip, Victor Garber as Prince Charles, and Dan Amboyer as Prince William.
When Prince William sealed his engagement to Kate Middleton with his mother’s famous sapphire and diamond ring, inspiration struck seven-time Emmy-winning filmmaker Linda Yellen. Her unique take on the royal love story is a tribute of sorts to the late Princess Diana and to the impact she continues to have on her son’s life – and it includes Diana as a character.
Diana is played by English actress Lesley Harcourt in the Exclusive World Premiere telefilm. Newcomer Alice St. Clair is Kate Middleton. Jean Smart portrays Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall in a more sympathetic way than Prince Charles’ wife is usually seen, the actress hopes.
Yellen says she wanted to show the people behind the royal facade. “You’ll see things that the royals do and say, and some might think, ‘This is made up, this is not so,’” she says, “but everything had to be verified.”