Day 1 - Kate and William Land in NYC & Attend Private Dinner

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge landed in New York at JFK Airport at 4:37pm, local time, this afternoon. They were expected at 4pm, local time, but their flight was delayed by about 20 minutes leaving London, according to Rebecca English of The Daily Mail. It is officially the start of a very exciting few days!

photo via Clarence House Twitter

The Empire State Building, in New York, was lit up in red, white and blue in honour of the couple's arrival to the city.

photo via Empire State Bldg Twitter 

The couple drove straight to The Carlyle Hotel where they will be staying for the 3 day trip. Groups of people have been standing outside the hotel for hours, waiting for the Duke and Duchess to arrive.

photo via Steven D'Souza Twitter

There was only a small media pen outside The Carlyle Hotel waiting for the Duke and Duchess to arrive at the hotel.

photo via Steven D'Souza Twitter

The Carlyle Hotel had hung the Union Jack flag outside the hotel alongside the American flag in preparation of the couple's arrival.

photo via Jon Christman Twitter

Victoria Murphy shared the first photograph of the couple at The Carlyle Hotel.

photo via Victoria Murphy Twitter

The couple looked remarkable fresh after their 7-hour flight, but I suppose that's the benefit of flying First Class!

photo via The Mirror

A lovely photo of the couple smiling upon their arrival at the hotel.

photo via Mark Stewart Twitter

The Duke and Duchess look very excited to have arrived in New York and are no doubt thrilled to be starting their visit.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duke and Duchess were accompanied by an entourage of eight for this trip. This included their  private secretaries Miguel Head and Rebecca Deacon, two press officers, a special adviser, PA, Kate's hair dresser Amanda Cook Tucker and a UK policeman (with thanks to HRH Duchess Kate)

The Duchess was wearing a Seraphine maternity coat, new black ankle boots, black gloves and carrying a black suede clutch. A classic winter look for the Duchess.

photo via The Daily Mail

This is not a surprise. The Duchess favoured the label during her first pregnancy with Prince George. WhatKateWore had suggested the brand as a possibility for the Duchess on their blog.

The Duchess chose a bespoke piece by the label - the Seraphine Marina Coat (with thanks to What Kate Wore for the quick identification and photograph)

The coat was perfect for a sophisticated but less formal arrival. I do hope this coat makes another appearance during the Duchess's pregnancy when we will get to see it in all its glory in the day light. Perhaps early next year when it is still cold before the Duchess goes on maternity leave?

The Duchess also wore tights and a pair of black boots which she has had in her wardrobe for many years.

The Duchess also carried her Stuart Weitzman Muse Suede Clutch which is available at Russell and Bromley for £255 in a variety of colours. 

The Duchess kept her hands warm in the chilly afternoon by wearing her Cornelia James Imogen Pure Wool Gloves in Black. They retail for £70.

Kate's jewellery added a bit of sparkle. The earrings she wore are believed to have been a wedding present from Prince Charles. The Duchess has worn them on many occasions. Although they are not an exact match, these Tiffany & Co. Circlet Drop Earrings are very similar. They retail for £5,850, definitely a splurge.

Copy Kate

Get into the festive mood with a burgundy coat. I love the French Connection Moscow Tweed Faux Fur Collar Coat. It is a lovely coat for winter and the faux fur collar adds a touch of luxury. Now pair this coat with a lovely pair of suede boots. The Duchess chose chocolate brown which I think would work well with this coat too. I chose the Miss KG Sage High Heel Ankle Boots which retail for £85 in the sale. They have a smaller heel that will make the easy to walk in and I love the gold zip detail. Keep your hands warm in a pair of Accessorize Wool Gloves with Bow and Piping Detail for only £12.

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Following a quick outfit change for the couple they attended a private dinner held on behalf of the American Friends of their Royal Foundation. The event was private and so no pictures were taken inside, however photographers got some lovely ones of them leaving The Carlyle Hotel and arriving at the event.

photo via The Daily Mail

The private event was expected to have raised hundred of thousands of pounds for The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Invited to the private event were hedge fund managers and financiers. There had been lots of rumours that guests were being charged a lot of money to attend the event, however there was no charge. The guests who attended are expected to have donated generously.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stayed at the private event till around 10:30pm.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess looked lovely tonight in a black cocktail dress which is a beautiful creation by Beulah London - a British label that the Duchess has chosen before.

photo via The Daily Mail

It is the Beulah London Amara Dress from their Spring/Summer 2015 Collection. The dress is available to pre-order for £650 and delivery is expected between 10-12 weeks.

The Duchess paired the dress with her Stuart Weitzman Power Pumps. 

She also carried her Mulberry clutch, which is no longer available. You can see the clutch more clearly in this photo, as the Duchess leaves the car.

photo via The Daily Mail

The Duchess wore a new pair of statement earrings for the private event.

They have not yet been identified, however, Mappin and Webb have a similarly designed pair - Empress White Gold & Diamond Chandelier Earrings which retail for £29,950. It is possible they a bespoke pair by the company or an older pair.

Copy Kate

A beautiful LBD is a dress that you will wear time and time again. The Duchess chose a dress that flared to help accommodate her growing bump. Reiss have a lovely LBD with a lace overlay, similar to the Duchess's, however it is more of a fitted skirt. The Delilah Fitted Lace Dress is perfect as a wardrobe statement because it is a timeless classic. I have chosen these black suede heels from Aldo, which are a similar style to Kate's as they have an almond toe and a covered heel. These statement chandelier earrings by Swarovski - the Academic Pierced Earrings - are sure to make your'e outfit stand out. They look beautiful and are only £99 - very well priced compared to the Duchess's!

What did you think of the Duchess's first day of outfits?