06 June,2011 07:45 AM IST | | Agencies
William and Kate are to shun Hollywood's gold-paved streets for a trip to Los Angeles' legendary Skid Row next month, it emerged yesterday.
The downtown district - home to an estimated 8,000 down and outs - is said to be one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in the US.
Catherine and Prince William wait for the start of the Epsom Derby at Epsom Downs racecourse on June 4 in Epsom, England
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge amid massive security are due to visit a mission at the heart of the four-square-mile makeshift town of tents and cardboard boxes from where Richard Ramirez, the Night Stalker, claimed most of his 14 victims.
Media charity expert Mike Raia said, "Supporting inner city outreach causes is one thing but actually setting foot in Skid Row is a very brave move by the young royals. Parts of it are extremely dangerous.
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Seeing the army of vagrants and crazies who exist side by side is definitely not for the faint-hearted."
In Britain, William is patron of the homelessness charity Centrepoint and once slept rough in a cardboard box on London's streets to help highlight the care group's work.
Details of the royal couple's LA diary were leaked on American TV news giant CBS's website - and then hastily withdrawn.
Last night, a St James' Palace spokeswoman would only say, "We can't comment on anything about their itinerary in the USA."
Diana factor
Prince William and Kate are to make Kensington Palace, the former home of Diana, Princess of Wales, their official London residence. The couple are expected to move into the Palace within weeks, ahead of their 11-day tour Canada and California from June 30.
