They came, they saw, and they gave Americans an up-close view of the glamorous royal life usually seen from afar.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge captivated the crowds at every stop of their whirlwind East Coast visit that concluded Tuesday night with a glitzy gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The royal couple then boarded an overnight flight to London, eager to reunite with their 1-year-old son, Prince George.
Here’s a look back at their eventful visit:
(1) The finale!
The royal pair ended their trip with a black-tie event that served as a fundraiser for the University of St. Andrews. About 20 percent of the students at the campus are American. The school is also the site where Prince William and Duchess Kate fell in love as students.
Kate did not disappoint, appearing in a Jenny Peckham gown she has worn previously — twice! — and could be seen caressing a slight baby bump. Her second child is due in April.
(2) and (3) Paying tribute
The pair started their last day in New York with a private tour of the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
The couple also paid their respects to the thousands killed in the September 11th terrorist attacks. Sixty-seven of the victims were from Great Britain, the most from any country outside the United States.
While her husband held an umbrella above her, Duchess Kate laid flowers and a hand-written note at one of the reflecting pools outside the museum.
(4) Meeting with kids
On Tuesday, the royal couple also paid a visit to several organizations that serve New York's inner city youth. Prince William said the event was the "best moment" he experienced in New York.
(5) Bird's-eye view
Also on Tuesday, Prince William took a solo trip to the top of one of the most iconic buildings in the Big Apple: The Empire State Building, which previously had been lit up in Union Jack colors in honor of the royal arrival.
(6) An Oval Office visit
On Monday, Prince William started his first full day in America by heading to Washington to meet with President Obama for an Oval Office meeting in the White House.
The two spoke about illegal wildlife trafficking, but while in front of the cameras, the prince described the "chaos" surrounding last year's birth of his son, Prince George.
(7) Time in Harlem
While Prince William was in Washington, the Duchess Kate stayed behind in New York to tour a child development center in Harlem.
(8) and (9) Meeting American 'royalty'
Monday ended with the duke and duchess holding court at a Brooklyn Nets basketball game and a much-anticipated meeting with the royal couple of the music industry, Jay Z and Beyonce.
Prince William and Duchess Kate also got some gifts to take home to baby George — a pint-sized basketball jersey — courtesy of Cleveland Cavaliers star, LeBron James.
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