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Royal family to US media: No sweatpants, no sneakers when Will and Kate visit

Leave the sweatpants, jeans, rumpled shirts and sneakers at home, U.S. media. The royals are coming. In advance of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's visit to America on Dec. 7-8, the British royal family is requiring formal attire for any news media covering events involving Prince William and Duchess Kate. The Woodward-and-Bernstein types who care more about their next scoop than their wardrob

Leave the sweatpants, jeans, rumpled shirts and sneakers at home, U.S. media. The royals are coming. 

In advance of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's visit to America on Dec. 7-8, the British royal family is requiring formal attire for any news media covering events involving Prince William and Duchess Kate. The Woodward-and-Bernstein types who care more about their next scoop than their wardrobe will have to clean it up or risk being asked to leave any 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 official website for the royal family. 

Prince William and Duchess Kate will make a whirlwind 48-hour visit to Washington, D.C., and New York City next month, giving journalists time to buy their first jacket and tie or skirt suit. The dress code not only applies to reporters, but also "technicians,'' better known as cameramen, who will have to leave the flannel and matching doughnut crumbs ensemble at home. 

The royal family has issued guidelines for journalists to wear formal attire when Prince William and Duchess Kate visit the United States next month.
The royal family has issued guidelines for journalists to wear formal attire when Prince William and Duchess Kate visit the United States next month.YUI MOK / Today

"Smart attire for men includes the wearing of a jacket and tie, and for women a trouser or skirt suit,'' according to the royal family's directive. "Those wearing jeans or trainers will not be admitted and casually dressed members of the media will be turned away. This also applies to technicians."

Journalists better watch it with the camera phones as well, as the royal family also has guidelines for photography. They ask media to avoid photographing any royal family members with food or a glass in their hand or during a meal, and to only take pictures for the first minute after they start talking. 

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