William and Kate Take L.A.: What Is It About the Royal Couple That Fascinates Even Hollywood?

July 8, 2011— -- Prince William and Catherine Middleton have got Hollywood dancing on pins and needles in anticipation of their arrival today, fresh off their tour of Canada. But what is it about the royal couple that has set off such a frenzy in a town that is already riddled with A-list celebrities?

"L.A. is more used to big Hollywood stars than anywhere else," said ABC News royal correspondent Katie Nicholl. "It's the most famous place in the world for stars. But these are stars of such a different nature. They are royals. This is a real live prince and princess. I know they're technically a duke and duchess but to America they are a prince and princess, and they're going to get the red carpet treatment."

The couple's first official stop during their weekend trip to California will be in Beverly Hills at the Beverly Hilton for Variety's Venture Capital and New Media Summit.

The Los Angeles Police Department said it's bracing for crowds to swarm the British Consulate-General residence in Hancock Park, where the royal couple will stay during their visit. The police are on high alert for paparazzi, who might be trying to snap photos of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

It seems that the enormous fascination with Kate in particular is not just her flowing locks of luscious brown hair, nor even her impeccable (and sought after) fashion sense, but her poised demeanor.

SEE MORE: Kate Middleton's Best Fashion Moments

"[Will and Kate] have gone from being essentially a very private couple to a very high profile couple," said Nicholl. "I was speaking to one of the young girls here, dressed up in a fascinator, Kate's signature accessory, and I asked her what were the things she liked about Catherine and she said [Kate] had all the glamour and beauty of an A-list star, but none of the divalike demands. None of those other attributes that come with other A-list stars, which I thought was quite interesting."

The duke and duchess will rub elbows with Hollywood royalty, including Tom Hanks, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez, on Saturday night at a red-carpet, black-tie British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) dinner at L.A.'s Belasco Theatre.

Other bold-faced names reported by E! Online include Kristin Chenoweth, Ginnifer Goodwin, Dana Delany and Derek Hough from "Dancing with the Stars."

Prince William (who's also the president of BAFTA) will give a speech at the gala, which is focused on spotlighting emerging British talent and building partnerships between Hollywood and up-and-coming British actors. About 42 emerging British actors are expected to attend.

"I suspect they'll outshine every other star there just because it's such a magical fairy tale. I think people in L.A. are hugely excited," Nicholl said.