William And Kate Greeted With Cheers In New York

Hundreds of well-wishers gathered on the streets of New York to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they arrived for the start of their whistle-stop tour of the US.

The royal couple flew first class on their scheduled British Airways flight to the Big Apple but their flight was delayed by around 40 minutes.

They were then whisked away into a large 4x4 that was part of a motorcade travelling under police escort from John F Kennedy International Airport to Manhattan.

Around 200 cheering and waving fans greeted the couple on their arrival at the swanky Carlyle hotel, their base for the duration of the three-day visit.

The 1930s hotel overlooking Central Park was where William's mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, stayed when she visited the city in the 1980s.

Wearing a maroon coat from maternity brand Seraphine to wrap up against the chilly 2C temperatures, Kate, who is five months' pregnant with her second child, looked refreshed despite the long flight.

Describing the atmosphere since the visit was announced, Danny Lopez, the British consul general in New York, said over the last few weeks there had been "incredible interest" and a "huge level of excitement" from people wanting to support or be a part of the royal engagements.

As they walked into the hotel, Kate and William shook hands with the Carlyle's managing director before being taken to their room.

Room prices start at £600 for a stay and the top suite is around £10,000 a night.

The luxury hotel flew the Union flag outside in anticipation of the arrival and the iconic Empire State Building was lit up red white and blue to welcome them.

The building's official Twitter account posted: "We welcome Their #Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by sparkling in red, white @ blue #royalvisitusa."

Later in the evening, William and Kate are due to attend a private dinner held on behalf of the American Friends of their Royal Foundation.

The couple have a varied and busy itinerary on Monday that will see William meet President Barack Obama, and deliver remarks at the World Bank, highlighting efforts to fight illegal wildlife trafficking.

Kate is due to visit a Harlem-based organisation for child development.

Centre director Dr Thelma Dye said: "We are so pleased, it is such an honour. For her to bring global recognition to the importance of children's mental health is thrilling and it helps us do our work even better."

In the evening, they will take court-side seats at an NBA basketball game in Brooklyn and watch local team the Brooklyn Nets take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Nets are part-owned by hip-hop star Jay Z who often attends games with his wife Beyonce.