Prince William And Kate Middleton Visit: Reporters Can Wear Sneakers During White House Stop

Prince William and Kate Middleton are headed stateside Sunday, and as the U.S. northeast gears up for the royal visit, White House reporters got some welcome news: They can wear sneakers when Prince William meets with President Obama.

As was reported by the Inquisitr, a directive was sent out in advance of the royal visit that imposed a dress code on media. The Guardian reported Friday, however, that a palace spokesperson denied there was a code of attire in place. The spokesperson said those rules would be up to the White House officials, as they are hosts for Prince William’s brief stop.

The palace’s recent assertion seems to contradict the information that was sent to congressional staffers that said, according to Friday’s Guardian report, “Those wearing jeans or trainers will not be admitted and casually dressed members of the media will be turned away. This also applies to technicians.”

Regardless of whether or not reporters will have to iron a suit for the royal engagement, President Obama expressed his anticipation of Prince William’s visit in a formal statement. The statement, as quoted by People, makes reference to the Prince’s fight against the global trade of animal parts. Prince William will attend meetings on the subject while in Washington.

“The President welcomes the Prince’s work in this global fight against what is both a national security threat and a devastating environmental problem. The President looks forward to thanking The Duke of Cambridge for the hospitality shown to him by the Royal Family during the President’s recent visits to the United Kingdom.”

In addition to meeting with President Obama, Prince William will meet with Vice President Biden.

The royals will arrive in New York late Sunday and attend a dinner that evening, according to a detailed itinerary provided by Today. While Prince William is in Washington on Monday, Duchess Kate will tour a child development center with New York’s first lady, Chirlane McCray. William and Kate will attend a basketball game in New York Monday night.

Also on Monday, the royal couple will attend a reception at the home of the British Consul General. Hillary Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea, are also expected to be in attendance, as the event is co-hosted by the Clinton Foundation.

On Tuesday, the royals will visit the 9/11 memorial site and then attend a fundraiser at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Duchess Kate is currently expecting the couple’s second child. Their 1-year-old son, Prince George, will not be with Prince William and Kate when they come to the U.S.

[Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Image via New York Daily News]