Royals Kate and William wowing crowds in California

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (AP)

The prince is about to duke it out in the game of kings.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club on Saturday to participate in a polo match expected to raise millions for good causes and celebrate the club's centenary.

It's something of a recreational diversion for the couple, who otherwise are spending the bulk of their three-day trip to Southern California promoting British business ties to the U.S. and highlighting charitable work.

The newlyweds arrived by helicopter in the coastal city of Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County, joining hundreds of well-heeled royal watchers who'd traveled long distances - and paid big sums - to see them.

"My father, the Prince of Wales, and my brother, Harry, were as green as that grass outside when I told them I'd be here today," William told a reception where guests sipped champagne and whiskey. "Catherine and I have had a busy few days - so the prospect of being able to let loose this afternoon is wonderful for me."

William wore a white shirt and trousers with a blue blazer while the former Kate Middleton sported a silver and marble-grey, hand-painted silk dress by British designer Jenny Packham.

The cheap seats cost $400, while anyone paying $4,000 for a VIP ticket would get a chance to hobnob with William and his bride. The former Kate Middleton will present the trophy to the winning team.

Carolyn Sesvold flew in from Chicago to attend the match, buying a brown-and-white polka-dotted dress, hat and gloves inspired by the outfit Julia Roberts wore to the polo match in the movie "Pretty Woman."

Sesvold, a royal fan, also came to watch a family friend who paid about $50,000 to play against William in the polo game. Those playing on the same team as the duke paid twice that, she said.

Cheryl Reyes, who works in an office in Orange County, bought her $400 ticket as soon as she heard the royal couple would be coming to Santa Barbara. Standing across the field nibbling on a sandwich and drinking a flute of juice, she worried about whether she'd be able to see the duchess.

"I wanted to see Princess Catherine," she said. "There's just something magical about being a commoner and ending with a prince. She's the one I want to see."

Both Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry, regularly play polo during the summer months. The horseback sport, sometimes referred to as the game of kings, is known for its fast pace, dangerous maneuvers and exclusivity. William plays with a one-goal handicap, which means he plays to a high standard.

Actress Rosario Dawson complimented Kate's fashion sense, calling her style effortless and elegant.

"I think Catherine seems very in her body," Dawson said. "She seems very clear about who she is. She doesn't dress too old, she doesn't dress too young."

The duke and duchess arrived in California on Friday after a nine-day trip to Canada, their first foreign excursion since getting married in April.