Prince William and Catherine’s Charity Polo Match Only Part of What They Could See And Do in the American Riviera
Perhaps the Royal Couple would like to take a romantic stroll in Santa Barbara's Douglas Preserve. Photo: Greg Peterson
When Prince William and Catherine visit Santa Barbara during their trip to California from July 8-10, they will be playing a charity polo match in the city.
Reserved seats for spectators are $4,000, but anyone wanting to get close to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge without spending any money can apply to be a “Royal Ambassador.” The city of Santa Barbara is taking people’s suggestions on what the Royal Couple might do in the area if they had more time to spend in what is called the American Riviera.
According to palace officials, the purpose of the trip is to “support the interests of the United Kingdom through the prism of the royal couple’s interest.”
To become a “Royal Ambassador,” people simply need to post advice to the Royal newlyweds on Santa Barbara’s Facebook wall (photos and video can also be included) and check Santa Barbara’s Facebook page on Friday, July 8, to see if they’ve been crowned Ambassador.
The Royal Couple arrives in Los Angeles on July 8, and will be greeted at the airport by Gov. Jerry Brown and his wife Anne Gust Brown. In addition to their polo match and luncheon at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club on July 9, they will attend a reception hosted by U.K. Consul-General Dame Barbara Hay in Hancock Park, participate in a black-tie event for the British Academy of Film & Television, visit skid row’s Inner-City Arts school and attend a job fair for veterans at Sony Studios.
The Santa Barbara Facebook page is here.
I didn’t apply to be an ambassador, but for those who want some local tips as to what to do, I suggest that the Royal couple go for a sunset boat ride around the Santa Barbara coast, dine at one of the great Mexican or Italian restaurants on State Street (my favorite is Palazzio, but I’m sure that would not be nearly luxurious enough for them – for us commoners though it is fabulous!). Also, I had some friends going up hoping to catch sight of the Royal couple. They wanted to take a quick, cheap trip to Santa Barbara so I suggested they stay at The Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). The prices are much better than some of the extremely expensive downtown hotels, but it’s close enough to most of the action that they could hope to catch a glimpse of Kate and Prince William. Cheers!
Santa Barbara was the perfect city for the royal couple to visit. Too bad they couldn’t spend more time here and really enjoy this gorgeous city. I totally agree with the comment above; a romantic boat ride around would be great or enjoying the beaches, restaurants downtown, are some good ones! I go to Santa Barbara all the time and though I’m not royalty, I try and stay at the best places for my dollar! The Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com) is a great excuse to save money and stay at a great hotel at the same time!
It would be so much to be a tour guide to the royal couple! Especially in a city like Santa Barbara. Isn’t SB a long time favorite for royals from all over the world? I’ve always been a big fan of Prince WIlliam (who couldn’t be?!) There is a ton for the royal couple to do in that spectacular town, just a matter of preference. Are they planning another visit to Santa Barbara!? I would love to get a glimpse of them. Of course I wouldn’t stay in any hotel near them. I assume San Ysidro would be their destination or The Four Seasons of course. I’ll be somewhere much more doable for my budget-the South Coast Inn (www.goleta-hotel.com). Perfect place to stay if you like decadence at an affordable price.