Duchess Kate arrives in New York, putting the spotlight on another woman, who did not expect to be associated with the word royal. Duchess Kate is set to spend a little time with Chirlane McCray, New York City’s first lady, on Monday touring a clinic that focuses on helping poor children with mental issues.
Prince William and Duchess Kate arrive in New York and are set to meet with Mayor Bill de Blasio‘s wife, Chirlane McCray.
Duchess Kate and the Duke of Cambridge who are traveling sans Prince George are allegedly scheduled to meet Jay Z and his wife, Beyoncé.
The royal couple and the superstars are set to attend the Nets-Cavaliers game in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Many are talking about Duchess Kate’s one-on-one time with the First Lady of New York City who is seen as a divisive figure.
New Yorkers like and dislike Chirlane McCray for the same reason – she is very hands-on. Christina Greer, a political science professor at Fordham University, explained why many New Yorkers appreciate her. Greer said:
“She doesn’t carry herself like royalty. She carries herself like a regular person.A lot of New Yorkers think: ‘If anyone in politics can really understand me, it’s her.'”
Since Bill de Blasio was elected to office, McCray has taken upon herself to make sure that the city provides better services to those suffering with mental issues.
The administration has launched a $130 million effort to steer those suffering from mental illness away from the criminal justice system. Chirlane McCray said the cause is dear to her heart because she battled postpartum depression after the births of her two children and her daughter Chiara, fought depression and substance abuse problems. She revealed:
“I don’t know anyone who has not been affected personally or by a family member, friend, colleague or neighbor.And yet society still portrays mental illness as a rare and shocking secret. As a result, far too many of our neighbors are suffering in silence.”
On Monday, McCray and Duchess Kate will visit a Harlem youth center that provides mental health services for impoverished children. McCray, who is thrilled to meet Duchess Kate, explained:
“Never in my wildest, most far-out dreams did I ever think I’d be spending time with the Duchess of Cambridge.”
William will attend a reception with Hillary and Chelsea Clinton at the British Consul General’s residence and later visit the Empire State Building with Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Prince William & Duchess Kate arrived in NYC, kicking off #RoyalVisitUSA. @EHolmesWSJ reports: http://t.co/LfS2R2RzUd pic.twitter.com/r9UjyI1Gzu
— Speakeasy (@WSJspeakeasy) December 8, 2014
Prince William is leaving New York on Monday morning for Washington for two separate meetings with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.
On Tuesday night, Duchess Kate and Prince William will be at the gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Duchess Kate arrives in New York with hope to put the focus on some important charity initiatives. What do you think of the visit?
