(Cover) - EN Showbiz - The Duke of Cambridge thanked Californians for their "warm welcome" before leaving the US with his wife yesterday.

The Duke and Duchess, Britain's Prince William and Catherine Middleton, flew back home yesterday after a hugely successful North American trip.

Before boarding their British Airways flight at Los Angeles International Airport the pair shook hands and waved goodbye to officials. Earlier that day they had appeared at Sony Studios in Culver City for the Service Nation: Mission Serve event, which helps veterans find work.

"As this is my last opportunity before we leave this afternoon, I would just say, on behalf of us both, how grateful we are to have been welcomed so warmly in the Golden State and the City of Angels," William told fans.

The pair had enjoyed an action-packed three-day Southern California tour, topping off their 11-day tour of Canada and the US. A major highlight of the trip was the star-studded BAFTA Brits to Watch dinner which took place at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday night. A host of A-listers attended the bash, including Barbra Streisand, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Lopez and Quentin Tarantino. Movie star Nicole Kidman sat opposite William and Catherine during the meal, and has expressed her admiration for the happy newlyweds, who famously married back in April at London's Westminster Abbey.

"They make me smile, I love them," gushed Nicole. (C) Cover Media