Kate Middleton and Prince William to receive extra security for New York visit

Security is to be heightened for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first official visit to New York, it has been reported.

The precautionary measure comes as demonstrations continue across the city following the death of Eric Garner at the hands of a police officer.

While the young royals will be accompanied by their own bodyguards from Scotland Yard, additional security will be provided in light of the current tensions in the city.

According to the Daily Mail a source said: "There is no suggestion of a direct threat to the Duke and Duchess whatsoever, but the way these demonstrations are spreading is being taken into account when planning their movement."

William and Kate are due to arrive in New York on Sunday (7 December) afternoon for the three day tour, which will include seven official engagements.

They will be guests of honour at a private dinner held on behalf of American Friends of the Royal Foundation in New York to raise funds for the couple's Scottish alma mater, St Andrews University, which is celebrating its 600th anniversary. A host of Hollywood stars including actor Tom Hanks are expected to attend the event.

The Duchess of Cambridge, who is now five months pregnant, will visit a programme for disadvantaged children in New York City, accompanied by the mayor's wife Chirlane McCray.

On Monday Prince William will head to Washington, where he will be hosted by President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, at the White House. He will attend an Oval Office meeting with the president and will be introduced to Vice-President Joe Biden. William first met Mr Obama during the president's visit to London in 2011.

The royals will also pay their respects at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and will later take in an NBA basketball game.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said in a statement: "The couple really are very much looking forward to all the special moments of the visit. They've been an integral part in planning it."