Prince William and Kate, aka the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, aka the Royal Family will be arriving in Washington, D.C. for a brief visit next month. With them, they’re bringing a very strict dress code that has left much of the American media frustrated.
The Royals will be in New York City from December 7-9, with Prince William scheduled to attend an anti-corruption conference at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. on December 8.
At the summit, the Prince is expected to address wildlife crime. Earlier this year, William, along with soccer star David Beckham, launched a campaign against wildlife crime. They are combatting the killing of endangered species for ivory and horns. He will also attend a “working lunch” at the bank.
While Prince William is in D.C., Kate is scheduled to visit a local child development center alongside Chirlane McCray (wife of Mayor Bill de Blasio). Kate will also attend a lunch hosted by the British Consul General.
When William returns to New York, the couple will have a full agenda, including an NBA game, a celebration of the University of St. Andrews’ 600th anniversary at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a visit to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center.
Ahead of the visit, the Royal Family released a dress code for the media expected to be covering the events. Journalists must follow the guidelines or they will be expelled from the Royal events.
“Journalists wishing to cover Royal engagements, whether in the United Kingdom or abroad, should comply with the dress code on formal occasions out of respect for the guests of The Queen, or any other member of the Royal Family,” according to the media guidelines found on the family’s official website.
The dress code also extends beyond reporters: “technicians” and cameramen are expected to comply as well.
“Smart attire for men includes the wearing of a jacket and tie, and for women a trouser or a skirt suit,” the guidelines read. “Those wearing jeans or trainers will not be admitted and casually dressed members of the media will be turned away.”
The family also has strict guidelines for when it is appropriate to photograph the couple, advising photographers to avoid snapping shots of the royal family with food or a glass in their hand or during a meal. They are also asked to only take photos during the first minute of a speech.
