The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge paid a somber visit to the 9/11 Memorial where Kate left a bouquet of flowers with a touching note at the site.
The Daily Mail reported the couple seemed completely moved as they viewed the names of the thousands of victims that are etched on the memorial pools where the towers once stood. The Duchess touched the names of the victims on the panel for the victims of flight 93 before laying flowers alongside the names.
The chief of staff at the memorial museum, Allison Blais, said the Duchess spoke of being “in awe” of how large the space was and “It was something she did not anticipate. She also talked about how moving the memorial was, and being able to touch the names of the victims on the outside of the pools.”
The president of the museam, Joe Daniels, said it was apparent in both their faces how incredibly curious they were about the museum and they showed care for what they were viewing.
He also said that when they went inside to view photographs of the victims, where they could also hear recordings of family members saying their loved ones names, it was clear by their gaze that “they were struck by the breadth and scale of the loss we suffered that day.”
According to ABC News, the couple left a touching note at the memorial, which read “In sorrowful memory of those who died on 11th September and in admiration of the courage shown to rebuild.”
In addition to their visit to the 9/11 memorial today, they will go on visit two organizations centered for youths, a reception called “Creativity Is Great” and then Prince William will go to the Empire State Building with Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York City. Tonight, the couple will go to the Metropolitan of Art for the anniversary dinner of the University of St. Andrews, which has been around for 600 years.
The visit comes after the Duke and Duchess enjoyed a basketball game where they met Jay Z and Beyonce. Earlier in the day, Kate had spent some time visiting with children at a child development center while Prince William had talks with President Obama at the White House.
Above Image via Instagram from British Consulate General New York
Images via Twitter from British Consulate NY
Top image courtesy of INFphoto.com