The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have left for home after a whirlwind weekend in Southern California that capped a 11-day trip to Canada and the United States, the couple's first official tour.

Prince William said Sunday he and his bride Catherine were grateful for their warm welcome from Californians ranging from Hollywood household names to inner-city school children.

Before departing Los Angeles International Airport Sunday afternoon, William and Kate had a jam-packed day that focused attention on some of their key charity causes.

They started with a private breakfast with patrons of an African wildlife conservancy, then visited a Skid Row arts academy and a job fair for military veterans.

Following a nine-day visit to Canada, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are heading south to spend a tightly scripted weekend in Los Angeles.

Trips to the beach, Disneyland or Universal Studios are off the royal agenda as the couple instead focuses on charitable work, promoting British interests in the U.S. and a game of polo near Santa Barbara.

The royal couple is due to touch down Friday afternoon at Los Angeles International Airport and will be welcomed by California Gov. Jerry Brown and his wife.

The newlyweds will arrive after spending more than a week in Canada, where they were met with enthusiastic crowds as they crisscrossed the country.

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