Day 3 - The Couple Pay Their Respects, Visit The Door, GREAT Receptions & St Andrew's Gala

This morning the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the 9/11 Memorial to pay their respects. The couple laid flowers on the memorial.

photo via The Daily Mail

They wrote a heartfelt message on the flower which read:

"In sorrowful memory of those who died on 11th September and in admiration of the courage shown to rebuild."

Today New York has faced the worst rain storm they've had in a while - not the best weather for a royal visit. Prince William carried an umbrella from The Carlyle Hotel to keep both him and his wife dry in the miserable weather.

photo via UK in New York Twitter

The couple then toured the 9/11 Museum.

They also signed their names in the electronic book of condolences.

The couple then visited The Door, a youth organisation, where they viewed art performances.

photo via The Daily Mail

They spoke to children that the organisation helps.

photo via The Daily Mail

The couple seemed to have a lovely time at The Door.

photo via The Daily Mail

I love seeing the Duchess inject some bright colour into her wardrobe - she always looks so lovely in it and today was no exception.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess looked lovely in a bright pink Mulberry double breasted coat. A lovely bold statement - especially in the dreadful weather.

The Duchess chose a Mulberry coat last year during her first pregnancy with Prince George for the Scouts Parade at Windsor Castle.

The Duchess stuck to black tights and her Episode Angel Suede Pumps, just like yesterday.

The Duchess also chose to wear her hair up in a ponytail which looked lovely, and was a good choice considering the weather in wet and windy!

It also gave us chance to see her beautiful Kiki McDonough Classic Green Amethyst & Diamond Drop Earrings which retail for £1,300.

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Later the Duke and Duchess attended a reception on behalf of GREAT. The Duchess also changed showed off her black dress she had been hiding beneath her bright coat.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess was all smiles as she chatted to guests at the reception.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess chatted to other guests while playing with her statement necklace.

photo via The Daily Mail

She chose the Seraphine Vanessa Dress. This is not a surprise as the Duchess favours Seraphine during her pregnancy. 

The Duchess kept her Episode Angel Suede Pumps and carried her Mulberry black suede clutch. She also kept her Kiki McDonough earrings in too. However, she did add her Cartier Trinity Necklace that she first wore back in 2012 during a visit to the National Portrait Gallery. It retailed for £49,000 and was reportedly a gift.

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The Duke then went solo to attend a second GREAT reception at that Empire State Building.

photo via The Daily Mail

Prince William was even able to take the lift to very top and look out over the views of New York City - a beautiful view I have to say, despite the not so pleasant weather.

photo via The Daily Mail

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The Duchess repeated an old favourite for tonights gala dinner. The couple finished off their hectic, but amazing, trip with the University of St. Andrews 600th Anniversary Dinner. It was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and if any of you have been before you will know what an amazing venue it is for such an occasion. The Met Ball, which is hosted by Anna Wintour every year, is also held here. It has long been a venue known for its opulence.

The couple arrived looking happy as ever, no doubt excited to be attended the event. It was a very special event for the couple because the Duke and Duchess first met at St Andrew's University.

photo via Clarence House

The couple then attended the launch of the 600th Anniversary Campaign as one of their pre-wedding engagements back in 2011.

Then in 2012 they attended a gala in honour of the university's 600th Anniversary Campaign.

Tonight was the culmination of a project close to their hearts that was finally coming together. It has been reported that the guests had paid between $2,500 and $10,000 to attend tonight events.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess chatted with guests. This picture shows Kate's 5-month bump off beautifully.

photo via The Daily Mail

One guest in particular got a special greeting. Prince Eugenie, who is currently living in New York and working at an auction house, attended the event.

photo via the Daily Mail

The Duchess, who studied History of Art at St Andrew's University, enjoyed looking at some of the sculptures and art work that the museum had to offer.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess wore a dress that no doubt everyone recognised. I loved this dress the first time, second time and again this time.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess first wore the Jenny Packham gown for the 100 Women in Hedge Funds Gala at Kensington Palace in 2013 and then again earlier this year for the National Portrait Gala.

The Jenny Packham silk gown in 'petrol blue' is simply stunning. The dress is still available in some sizes at Shopbop. 

The second time the Duchess wore the dress with the beautiful Nizam of Hyderabad  necklace, which she borrowed from the Queen.

photo via the Royal Collection

The Duchess's jewellery did not disappoint again tonight. She chose another new pair of statement earrings and matching bracelet - I have to admit I have been very jealous of the Duchess's earring collection this trip! It has been revealed that the jewellery was a 'private gift'.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess also wore her Jimmy Choo Cosmic Pumps which are still available for £450. The Duchess did not carry a clutch tonight.

The Duke and Duchess flew home straight after the gala, possibly a slight wardrobe changed first - not the most practical thing to fly home in. This is my favourite picture of the trip so far, when Prince William gallantly holds his wife hand as they leave the event and walk down the stairs to the car.

photo via The Daily Mail

I have very much enjoyed the couple's trip and I hope you have too!