With the glitz of the America’s Cup expected to entice dignitaries, the question many are asking is who might show up.

Michael Douglas’s appearance on The Today Show seemed a natural fit, given the actor’s Bermuda ties and interests in local hospitality.

But the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were prominent guests last year at the world series races in Portsmouth, while the races in New York attracted a host of screen celebrities, such as Stephen Colbert, Alfie Allen, Liam Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo.

Also in attendance at the races on the Hudson one year ago was Sir Richard Branson, who sailed with Sir Ben Ainslie.

Not surprisingly, Mike Winfield, chief executive officer of the ACBDA, declined to specify when the question was posed by The Royal Gazette.

Security for the event, which starts tomorrow, is Bermuda’s responsibility under the host agreement “There are all kinds of potentials in terms of visitors, and our plans have incorporated making sure they would be looked after,” Mr Winfield said.

“We do have what are called IPPs or internationally protected persons who we are aware of, and in co-ordination with the Bermuda Police Service, Ministry of National Security and Government House, we have arrangements in place.

“We have detailed plans in place that we hope meet every contingency — and many that we hope won’t be needed.”