Will and Kate reign over Hollywood at BAFTA's 'Brits to Watch'

Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, expanded their domain to include Hollywood, sweeping some of its biggest movie stars off their feet Saturday evening in downtown Los Angeles.

BAFTA, the British film academy over which Prince William presides, hosted its uber-hyped "Brits to Watch" fete, welcoming emerging British artists and some of America's most treasured talent. 

The duchess, in McQueen, made a simple and stunning entrance with her husband on their first Hollywood red carpet. Crowds swelled outside the Belasco Theater for the event, which followed a successful day of polo for the pair. 

Nicole Kidman, Barbra Streisand, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Garner, Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks were just a few of Tinseltown's royalty present for the occasion. 

Photos: Will and Kate, Day Two

Younger celebs including Chris Evans, Blake Lively, Ed Westwick, Juno Temple, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jessica Chastain were counted, as well as funnymen Paul Rudd and Judd Apatow, with wife Leslie Mann.

Though the two may be a bit conservative by Hollywood standards, they passed the shmoozing litmus test with flying colors. The duke had many a close conversation, including chats with Streisand and husband James Brolin, as well as Lopez. Kate warmed to Kidman and Garner, enjoying solo conversations while California wine and Grey Goose flowed.

Piers Morgan, an anchor from the newlyweds' homeland, summed it well: "In terms of pure star quality, William and Kate are the biggest stars in the world," he said.

Agreed.

"The impact they've had on Hollywood, which houses the biggest stars in the world, shows you that they are," Morgan added. 

One tidbit for the Ministry's devoted followers of Fabulous Parties: Kate and William sat at a well-appointed table with Kidman, Streisand and Brolin. 

Also spotted: Mary-Louise Parker, Jonah Hill, Elizabeth Banks, Jason Bateman, Jack Black and Kristin Chenoweth. 

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-- Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photos, from top: Jennifer Lopez with Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; the newlyweds storm their first-ever Tinseltown red carpet. Credits: Matt Baron/ Associated Press; WireImage

Prince William and Kate win big with polo appearance in Carpinteria

Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, continued to sail through their California itinerary, winning hearts and raising money Saturday at a charity polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria.

The newlyweds showed up in their daytime best, Will in navy and khaki and Kate in a Jenny Packham dress, for a game to benefit the American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

Photos: Saturday with the royals, turning out for polo and "Brits to Watch"

Celebs including Zoe Saldana, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Orlando Bloom, Rob Lowe, Rosario Dawson, Billy Zane, Molly Sims and Joe Jonas turned up to catch a glimpse of the royals.

Lunch for guests who dropped $400 or $4,000 to attend was prepared by celebrity chef Giada de Laurentiis. The win went to the team on which Prince William played, and the Tiffany & Co. trophy (complete with horseshoe motifs) was presented by his bride.

After the match, a helicopter awaited to zip the Cambridges back to Los Angeles for Saturday evening's BAFTA "Brits to Watch" event.

Expected guests included the likes of Barbra Streisand, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez and Mark Anthony.  

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-- Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Top photo: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Will's teammates celebrate a big win at their Saturday polo charity match. Credit: European Pressphoto Agency

Left photo: Zoe Saldana cuts a frilly figure on the polo field. Credit: Matt Sayles / Associated Press

William and Kate: Where in L.A. could they after-party?

All work and no play make William and Kate a dull Duke and Duchess of Cambridge -- sure, the royal duties of the world's most famous couple come first, but as they take Southern California by storm, shouldn't these newlyweds carve out some playtime?

While Friday's agenda included a British investment and trade seminar followed by intimate welcome cocktails, Saturday had polo followed by what will be their big Hollywood moment in the evening at BAFTA's "Brits to Watch" event in downtown L.A.

The Ministry noticed that they didn't have any other obligations until Sunday morning -- and we definitely had some after-party ideas.

Pictures: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at polo and in downtown L.A. for "Brits to Watch"

First and foremost, the couple could always call us and, in traditional L.A. fashion, we'd totally grab late-night rooftop drinks with them and mellow out.

However, in the great likelihood that that doesn't happen, let us suggest:

Soho House: It may be predictable, but the members-only Sunset Boulevard haunt is as exclusive as it gets around here. Enjoying gin and tonics over a shared bolognese and stargazing -- both heavenward and at the other patrons -- would be delightful. 

Pink's Hot Dogs: The two are notoriously down to earth, so why not grab a bite at local legend Pink's? The consistently long line might create an issue for the royals' security detail, but we dare say they'd have some pull. Besides, Pink's has created a new menu item in their honor: The "Royal Dog" has two hot dogs in one bun topped with mustard, cheese, onions, relish, two slices of bacon and a "spot" of chili. 

Griffith Observatory: For privacy and a nod to their St. Andrews University-honed intellects, the pair might enjoy a flannel blanket and some constellations at the L.A. landmark.

Ye Old King's Head Tavern: This British pub in Santa Monica is a taste of home and offers the kind of anonymity the two surely crave after such a whirlwind tour. The menu has classics including sausage rolls, Welsh rarebit and -- duh -- bangers and mash. 

More night-out tips for Kate and Will? If they've already buzzed you to set up rooftop drinks at the London, we're never speaking to you again, but otherwise we'd love to see your ideas in comments.

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-- Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, receives a kiss Saturday from her husband, Britain's Prince William, after a charity polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria in support of the American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. Credit: Gus Ruelas / Reuters

 

David Beckham and some local folks welcome Will and Kate to L.A.

At a private reception for Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on Friday in Hancock Park, friend-of-Will David Beckham brought the glam while L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Gov. Jerry Brown, the president of USC and the chancellor of UCLA added a domestic touch to the event at the British consul-general's residence.

The newlywed royals, visiting Southern California for three days, mingled with 200 or so guests, a cross-section of the city's civic and business elite. Guests said the couple were personable, taking time to speak with them individually, L.A. Now's Rick Rojas reported.

Wait, did we say "domestic" when we meant to say "elite"? Silly Ministry of Gossip! Elsewhere, Victoria Beckham remained very, very pregnant.

Photos: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in L.A.

Kate and William arrived from Canada late Friday afternoon at LAX, where they were greeted by Villaraigosa, Brown and Nigel Sheinwald, Britain's ambassador to the United States.

The Duchess of Cambridge carried a bouquet of red, white and blue flowers presented by the governor's wife, Anne Gust Brown, before the couple headed to Beverly Hills for a business event supporting London's "Tech City."

Why so much American love for the royal couple?

Perhaps some "star-struck" teens from Orange County captured the cachet as they staked out the Beverly Hilton, awaiting the Cambridges' arrival: "I feel like their marriage is going to make it," said Shirley Lahr, 18. "She just seems so normal."

Kate, dear, "The Bachelorette" has nothing on you.

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-- Christie D'Zurilla
twitter.com/dzurillaville

Photo: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, left, California First Lady Anne Gust Brown and Gov. Jerry Brown greet Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, with flowers on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday. Credit: Kevork Djanesian / European Pressphoto Agency

Orlando Bloom, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley on tap to attend royal polo match

Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will get a dose of Hollywood glamour in the Santa Barbara area on Saturday afternoon as celebrities including Orlando Bloom, Rosario Dawson and Zoe Saldana make the trek for a royal polo match.

Will is going to compete in a charity match at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria in support of American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. 

While Kate takes in the so-called American Riviera for the first time, she'll also have a taste of her homeland in the shape of Brits Alex Pettyfer and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, according to Us Weekly.

Can't wait to see what Kate will wear to hand out prizes to the winners -- and no, that Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who belongs to the club definitely will not be on standby during the match, despite his assertion that he'd been asked by the club to be ready just in case.

Tickets to watch the sold-out event were priced at $400 and $4,000 each, according to one report, with a spot on one of the three competing teams reportedly going for a charitable donation of around $100,000.

Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis will do the culinary honors.

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— Matt Donnelly
twitter.com/MattDonnelly

Photo: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wave goodbye to Canada from Calgary Airport on Friday. Credit: Chris Jackson / Getty Images.

William and Kate will bed down in Hancock Park during L.A. visit

No Beverly Hills Hotel bungalow for the royals: While visiting L.A., Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will bed down at the Hancock Park residence of the British consul-general.

Don't plan on zipping over there Friday or Saturday night to sneak a peek at the newlyweds, however. Police have secured "trespass-prohibited letters" from people who live in seven homes around the residence of the British consul-general, allowing interlopers to be arrested on the spot.

The 1928 home, purchased by the British government in 1957, was designed by Southern California architect Wallace Neff and has been renovated over the years, with recent and future upgrades designed by Richard Chang Architects.

See more shots of the house on the RCA website -- with a hat tip to Curbed L.A.

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Photo: Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will stay at the British consul-general's Hancock Park residence, photographed on Thursday. Photo credit: Charley Gallay / Getty Images.

Will and Kate tip a hat to Canada, launch Calgary Stampede

Will and Kate kept it down home on their final day in Canada, riding in the 99th annual Calgary Stampede parade Friday morning and kicking off the 10-day event with a ceremonial sounding of the klaxon -- the horn traditionally used to start the chuck-wagon races.

Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, also attended a bull-riding exhibition Thursday wearing white cowboy hats that had been presented to them by Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi on their arrival earlier in the day. The couple had accepted the hats at the time but had not tried them on, causing a micro-scandal in the micro-blogging world as they appeared to snub a local tradition. A royal spokesman said they were honored and looking forward to donning the headgear.

"Well, this is different," the prince said with a laugh as he touched the tip of his cowboy hat at a reception later. "We have been hugely struck by the diversity of this beautiful country: from Ottawa to Quebec, from Prince Edward Island to the Northwest Territories, and now the excitement of Calgary -- and what about these fantastic white hats."

Getting a public peek at the royals isn't easy -- think state visit, not red carpet -- but hundreds of thousands of people managed just that as the duke and duchess rode nearly three miles in the parade Friday.

Also, 3,100 people who scored free wristbands will be able to see their departure ceremony at Calgary Rotary Challenger Park. It won't be a simple wave goodbye: This ceremony comes with full military honors, including an inspection of the honor guard by William and a 21-gun salute.

"I have to say, we haven't seen a love-in like that since the first visit of the Beatles!" Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said after William's final remarks in the country Friday. "Indeed, everywhere you went, you left a trail of utterly charmed Canadians in your wake."

The royals are headed next for Los Angeles -- watch below as the Ministry's Matt Donnelly gives an overview of what to expect.

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-- Christie D'Zurilla
Twitter.com/dzurillaville

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo: Prince William tips his hat to Calgary during his speech at the Calgary Stampede on his and Catherine's final day in Canada. Credit: Todd Korol / Agence France-Presse / Getty Images

Prince William and Kate to meet Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez and more at BAFTA bash

This post has been corrected. See the note below for details.

Canada has given Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, among the finest that nation has to offer. So what is Hollywood going to hand over?

Movie stars, natch, with BAFTA's "Brits to Watch" event set deliver some of the best in the business to greet the newlywed royals Saturday at the Belasco in downtown L.A. William was named president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in February 2010.

Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony, Nicole Kidman, Tom Hanks and Jack Black are rumored to have sent in RSVPs.

As have Kristen Chenoweth, Dana Delany, Ginnifer Goodwin and "Dancing With the Stars" pro Derek Hough, according to E! Online.

Will and Kate will travel from Santa Barbara's polo grounds on Saturday to downtown L.A.'s Belasco Theater for the event, which is to highlight emerging British talent in film. 

[For the record, 5:45 p.m. July 7: This post originally said the BAFTA event would be in Culver City; it will be held in downtown L.A., with the royals heading to Culver City on Sunday to participate in a hiring fair and service project for military veterans and their families.]

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Photo: Prince William and Catherine, the duke and duchess of Cambridge, wear the sweaters of the Canadian Rangers after being made honorary members on Tuesday near Blatchford Lake. Credit: Arthur Edwards / Getty Images

Monaco royal wedding: Prince Albert II marries Charlene Wittstock

There's a new Princess of Monaco: Prince Albert's South African bride Charlene Wittstock, who on Friday married the reigning prince in a civil ceremony that was part of a larger itinerary of royal events.

The bride, 33, wore Chanel palazzo pants and a jacket while the groom, 53, donned a dark suit and white tie to exchange vows in front of Philippe Narmino, president of Monaco's Council of State.  "I declare you united by the bonds of marriage," Narmino said, officially making Wittstock "Her Serene Highness."

Princess Stephanie and Princess Caroline, Albert's sisters, were among those in the audience in the throne room. Only 80 family members, friends and dignitaries witnessed the 20-minute ceremony, according to the Daily Telegraph. After the ceremony, the newlyweds appeared at a palace window, waved at the cheering crowd and kissed each other shyly, sparking another round of cheers.

"Vive le Monaco, thank you and happy celebrating," the prince told the crowd, his bride at his side.

The ceremony Friday at the palace was far from the spectacle that surrounded the April wedding of Prince William and the former Kate Middleton, now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. However, on Saturday, the newest royal couple will hold an elaborate Catholic wedding ceremony with 3,500 guests in the palace courtyard and a star-studded wedding gala to follow.

The festivities started with a non-royal treat on Thursday night: a free concert by the Eagles. Then about 5,000 of Monaco's 7,618 citizens and their guests -- many decked out in suits and fancy dresses in the hot sun -- followed the ceremony Friday on oversized screens set up on a square in front of the palace. Post-ceremony cocktails on the square were to follow, leading into a concert by French composer Jean Michel Jarre and a laser light show.

You just have to love Monaco, right? Something about the French Riviera ...

The guest list for Saturday's festivities includes the kings of Spain, Sweden, Lesotho and Belgium, the presidents of France, Iceland, Ireland, Lebanon, Malta, Germany and Hungary, France's richest man, celebrated opera singers, top models and race car drivers, with three-time triple-starred Michelin chef Alain Ducasse preparing a three-course meal.

The bride, a swimmer in the 2000 Sydney Olympics who was born in Zimbabwe but raised in South Africa, met Prince Albert at a swimming competition in 2000. Albert has been an International Olympic Committee member since 1985 and competed in five Winter Olympics as part of Monaco's bobsled team.

Grace Kelly, the previous princess, died in 1982 in a car accident. She and Prince Rainier III, Albert's father, married in 1956 and had three children together. Prince Albert has admitted fathering two children out of wedlock. Rainier died in 2005 at age 81 after being treated for heart, kidney and breathing problems.

Earlier in the week, palace officials denied a French tabloid report that Wittstock had tried to leave from nearby Nice airport on a one-way flight to South Africa, and had required intense convincing by the prince and his entourage to stay.

"The sole intention of these rumors is to seriously damage the image of the Sovereign, as a result of damaging that of Miss Wittstock, and bear down on this happy event," the palace said in a statement.

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The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Photo: Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock are officially married in a civil ceremony on Friday in Monaco's royal throne room. Credit: Eric Mathon / Princely Palace Monaco / EPA

 

William and Kate arrive in Canada to a warm welcome

The duke and duchess of Cambridge have landed! William and Catherine, that is, have arrived in Canada, beginning their much-hyped North American tour with welcome remarks at Ottawa's Rideau Hall.

"Catherine and I are so delighted to be here in Canada. Instilled in us by our parents and grandparents, who love this country, we have been looking forward to this moment for a very long time," William told the throng of Canadians who came for a glimpse of the newlyweds.

"Before we were married," he added, "we had a longing to come here together."

The duchess, in a navy-and-cream lace number, got a rock-star reception.

"We want Kate!" crowds chanted as the bride greeted fans on the opposite side of metal barriers, accepting roses and bending gracefully to meet a few lucky kids. While Kate's lovely voice was barely heard in her single days -- she participated in only one post-engagement interview, then recited her vows before a global audience in April -- she piped up after Will spoke.

"Thank you so much. We are so delighted to be here," she said.

We'll take it! Keep checking back for all the details on the royal tour -- which will eventually stop right here in the Ministry's hometown.

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-- Matt Donnelly
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Photo: Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, arrive at a welcome reception in Ottawa on a tour of Canada. Credit: Reuters