Shortly after we arrived in New York we noticed LOTS of police around our hotel.  We walked around the city and made it over to Rockefeller Plaza.  I noticed the marquee for the famous Rainbow Room.  We were standing there taking pictures when a secret service agent stepped over and asked us to step across the street.  Moments later we found ourselves in the middle of a flurry of activity.  At first we thought it was the President – but we quickly realized (when he stepped out of the SUV) that it was Prince Harry.  This was so neat.  We had met his mother, Princess Diana, in London on our honeymoon in a similar chance event.  I could not be a paparazzi photographer.  I was so caught up in the moment that I missed several great photographs both times.

We walked a few blocks and saw lots and lots of police – along with barricades.  People were lined up everywhere and it was buzzing that the President was coming.  We walked up to where some news cameras were stationed and at that moment – again we found ourselves in the middle of another flurry of activity.  I turned around and noticed that they had closed the sidewalk a block behind us – but allowed us to stay.  (I guess they noticed my camera and assumed that I was part of the media.)  We heard the roar of the crowd – the cheers and then we saw the limousines.  Again – I missed some great pictures of the President and First Lady.  They were going to see a play.  As they got out of the car – the paused and waved to the crowds.  The street erupted in cheers and excitement.   

One of the reporters walked over to us and interviewed DeWayne.  As usual, he had lots of great things to say.  He told the reporter that you could not beat the price of admission for a show that was more exciting than a Broadway play.  For the next few days – every time we turned on the TV we saw DeWayne.  They also interviewed a very attractive lady standing near us.  She turned out to be Meryl Streep.  Now I am curious who all the other “celebrities” we standing in that area with us?

Walking back down the street we noticed again a flurry of activity.  One of the reporters told us that this evening was the summer solstice.  It is the only night of the year that the sun lines up perfectly with the streets between the buildings in New York.

This all happened within the first few hours we were in the city.  Our friends told us that you never know who you might bump into.  I thought we might see Donald Trump – but never a real Prince and the First Couple.  No matter how you feel about politics or the Royal family – this was a pretty awesome experience.