It's Day Two in Boston where the Prince and Princess of Wales kicked off a packed day with engagements in Somerville.
I've been thoroughly enjoying hearing from Bostonians on the ground who have so kindly shared their own experiences and nuggets of information. One such message from a lovely lady confirmed the royals are staying in Boston's Four Seasons hotel during their visit.
Located alongside the Victorian brownstone homes of the Back Bay neighbourhood, the Four Seasons is described as "an ideal base for exploring “America’s Walking City".
A peek inside the elegant Royal Suite which offers a dining room seating eight, a media room, a service kitchen and a baby grand piano.
Well-wishers and fans waiting near the hotel to catch a glimpse of the couple.
Prince William and Princess Kate leave the Four Seasons hotel for their first stop on day 2 of their visit to Massachusetts. @NBC10Boston pic.twitter.com/StxGhbj35T
— Jeff Saperstone NBC10 Boston (@JeffNBCBoston) December 1, 2022
A preview of the day ahead from WCVB.
Their first port of call was Greentown Labs, which has been "nurturing a community of climate pioneers" for over a decade who are striving to create a more sustainable world.
A wave as they entered to cheers.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been visiting @GreentownLabs in Somerville to learn more about climate innovations being developed in Boston, on their second day of #EarthshotBoston2022 #RoyalVisitBoston pic.twitter.com/xBGar0look
— Roya Nikkhah (@RoyaNikkhah) December 1, 2022
Kensington Palace said: "Founded by entrepreneurs, Greentown Labs brings together start-ups, corporates and investors to foster ingenuity and collaboration. Greentown is recognised as the largest climate technology start-up incubator in North America, having supported more than 500 companies since its founding that have collectively created more than 9,000 jobs and raised more than $4 billion in funding."
William and Kate spent time with the Chief Executive Officer of Greentown Labs and the President of the Northeast Clean Energy Council to learn about the history of the facility.
Afterwards, they met with representatives from some of the start-ups within the Greentown Labs community to hear about the latest innovative developments in climate technology. These innovators will be themed in alignment with the five Earthshots: Fix our Climate, Protect and Restore Nature, Build a Waste-Free World, Revive our Oceans and Clean our Air. They will have the opportunity to see some of the prototypes that have been developed at Greentown Labs in person.
On Twitter, Greentown Labs said they were "honoured" to welcome the couple ahead of tomorrow's Earthshot Prize.
As they left, a very special little boy was waiting to give the Princess flowers.
Eight-year-old Henry was cute as a button in his guardsman uniform.
After meeting the royals, Henry's reaction was everything you would hope for: "I'm going to scream and tell my best friend I am now famous."
Listen to Henry's very darling account below :)
Eight-year-old Henry got to meet the Prince & Princess of Wales and give them flowers! @wbz pic.twitter.com/lC8HA7vibd
— Anna Meiler (@AnnaMeiler) December 1, 2022
The Prince and Princess departing.
Take a look at this.
From there, William and Kate travelled to the neighbouring city of Chelsea, to visit Roca, a non-profit organisation focusing on high-risk young people aged 16-24 years old at the centre of violence.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are at Roca in Chelsea, across the Mystic River from Boston, visiting a pioneering project using brain science to stop young people getting into violent trouble. pic.twitter.com/WTbMLlNoCv
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) December 1, 2022
As you can see, there's a meticulous security operation in place.
Prince William and Princess Kate arrive at Roca in Chelsea 🇺🇸🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/1qGfB0Iz3f
— Steph Petit (@stephpetit_) December 1, 2022
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: "Roca aims to reduce levels of trauma, violence and incarceration, create sustained employment, and improve parenting. They also work closely with critical public systems such as police officers, judges, correction officers and child protection services to help build policies and practices that produce better outcomes for young people who are the primary victims or drivers of violence."
The Prince and Princess had the opportunity to spend time with leaders and volunteers who have dedicated much of their lives to the organisation. William and Kate learned about their intervention model rooted in brain science and relentless outreach to young people who aren't willing to engage in school, work or other efforts.
Some pictures of William and Kate at Roca by @ianvogler pic.twitter.com/bXR6KgitWx
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) December 1, 2022
They also spent time with women in the young mother's programme.
After meeting eco-start ups at Greentown Labs the Prince and Princess of Wales are now at Roca Inc (a charity which helps keep teens away from violence) and are here at a crèche with young mothers children pic.twitter.com/VHGEE5xAsJ
— Matt Wilkinson (@MattSunRoyal) December 1, 2022
The couple met little ones.
And time for a hug!
Afterwards, William and Kate stepped out to greet the crowds who braved the cold.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have gone on their first walkabout during their US visit. pic.twitter.com/V2KVisQaVx
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) December 1, 2022
It marked the couple's first US walkabout during this trip. One lady was in tears when she saw the couple approaching.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have gone on their first walkabout during their US visit. pic.twitter.com/V2KVisQaVx
— Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) December 1, 2022
Another royal fan screamed, "Oh my God!"
Lovely scenes outside @RocaInc in Chelsea as William and Kate embark on an impromptu walkabout: #RoyalVisitBoston #EarthshotBoston2022 pic.twitter.com/N2OElyPzJj
— Emily Nash (@emynash) December 1, 2022
It was very much an impromptu decision.
These crowds…. hundreds have come out for the Prince and Princess of Wales in Boston today. Kate and William had not planned a ‘walkabout’ but aides did not want to disappoint those waiting (plus its cold, very cold) pic.twitter.com/PBj35ZtC5T
— Matt Wilkinson (@MattSunRoyal) December 1, 2022
Chelsea is located in Suffolk County, directly across the Mystic River from the city of Boston. Below, the Tobin Bridge linking Chelsea and Boston.
In recent months, the Princess has decided details surrounding the designers/brands of her ensembles will no longer be released in an effort to keep the focus on the engagement at hand (there are notable exception including last night's McQueen/Burberry when KP did announce). Several confusing situations have arisen with bespoke pieces in particular -- Kate's chic suit today being one example. After a number of outlets reported it was a McQueen look, Caroline Parr received confirmation the suit is in fact by Roland Mouret. Kate teamed the wine/aubergine impeccably tailored look with a soft pink pussy-bow blouse.
Kate carried her gorgeous Chanel bag -- a piece she's had since the 2017 Paris visit.
It appears Kate wore her Gianvito Rossi suede burgundy pumps.
And accessorised with her Daniela Draper Cupid hoops.
There's an embargoed engagement taking place at Boston Harbor later. I'll see you then!
Delighted to have Prince William and Princess Catherine in Massachusetts. I thought it was amazing that the City of Boston was chosen for the Earthshot event. Now they are really HERE it is just surreal. Reading this blog and other news outlets, you see other visits highlighted and it is always so interesting. Now to have TRHs here and highlighting the local sites is beyond exciting. Such an honor.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charlotte for this wonderful blog, xoxo from Massachusetts
I’m about an hour outside of Boston, I so wish I had time to drop in and try to see them! Boston is such a wonderful, vibrant city.
ReplyDeleteI guess her outfit is very suitable. A smart B&W houndstooth outfit with a crisp bowless blouse would look better. Still missing her hair from her NYC trip. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty specific choice, perhaps she will debut something like that one day!
DeleteShe’s colour coordinated the William’s sweater😁
ReplyDeleteI love her look today! Love the color selections. And look TRH’s are color coordinated! How cute! ♥️
ReplyDeleteOur Prince & Princes of Wales, alway humble & charming, and yet regal & royal. They always shine a light on others, and their kindness knows no bounds.
ReplyDeleteI believe she is wearing Harvard Crimson colors. Nice touch.
ReplyDeleteColors are maroon, black, and gray. With white and variations. Pink does not come into play. I think a new style of jacket would have been interesting. Maybe a striped shirt?
DeleteIt is nice that they (W & K) match. :) I saw that Caroline Kennedy caught up to them at the Celtics game, so that was nice. I am surprised that Biden is coming to Boston on Friday; I guess the state visit with Macron will end on Friday. I imagine he wants to repay the Queen's welcome to him and his wife. Also, he owes the Kennedy family. Hillary was set to be the nominee until Ted Kennedy switched to support Obama, which of course led to Biden being VP and then president.
ReplyDeleteThe French state dinner is tonight and the Macrons are traveling on to Louisiana tomorrow. Biden was coming to Boston anyway for a previously scheduled private fundraiser tomorrow and they were able to find mutual time with the Wales’ at the last minute.
DeleteThank you for that information! :)
DeleteWondering if her pantsuit is same from trip to Ireland (worm with turtleneck at that time). Blouse looks familiar. Wishing she had worn more repeats on this tour as it is related to going green & sustainability. Is she wearing any American designers? Something about the Wales’s this trip just seems off; maybe the issue back home or the docuseries coming up.
ReplyDeleteOff? The big crowds waiting for them everywhere and posting about it on social media think they're just fine.
DeleteI concur that something does seem off when compared with other tours. They seem very uncomfortable and cautious. There is less of the stature that we normally observe.
DeleteI know what you mean and I really feel for them.
DeleteI'm feeling that, too. Perhaps it's because it's a different kind of tour. I had not realized that Earthshot is international, so presumably they will visit 8 additional cities in the next 8 years. (And it is now funded by a range of donors such as Walmart and Bezos.) I think going to Japan would be good. This is more like a visit than a tour. And they may feel a bit out of their element -- the US is so big and varies so much by state. People in the East tend to be direct and say what they think -- I remember being shocked when I first heard Kate. She sounded so British, which is completely stupid of me, but as much as we are alike, there are differences. Maybe they will feel more at home when they get to discuss the progress from last year's winners and the amazing group up for the prizes this year (I wish they could all win).
DeleteI agree. I thought it was just me, but just a weird feeling - not sure how to explain it…. But the BP thing with Lady SH could Not have come at a worse time & then H&M’s Netflix Trailer dropped this morning…… I guess I’d be surprised if things felt totally normal???
DeleteGotta give it to Will & Kate!! Their ability to stay focused & give Boston their best…. Total Genuinely Good People & Total Pros!!! The UK 🇬🇧 The Royal Family & We are lucky to have them!!! XOXO
Becca
USA
I'm not sure if I agree that things are 'off', but if they are somewhat guarded, it is understandable as their every move and every word is being dissected and watched, its like they will be pounced upon if they make a misstep. This is an important initiative for William, it is the first time on US soil since the passing of his grandmother, first major appearance as Prince and Princess of Wales, that and the media scrutiny regarding the relationship between W & K and H & M, I'd say they are doing an excellent job of meeting their responsibilities and duties. Agree with Becca, they are staying focused and have their eye on the goal. Saw some photos today of a walk about that were very heart warming, for sure they have fans here in the US who are proud to having been chosen to host! They have a love and an energy that is very sincere, and it shows.
DeleteI do like those earrings! I remember moving from NYC to Boston and being really cold until I just learned to go with the cold. I hope Kate can stay warm during her trip. :)
ReplyDeleteHow do we know if the princess’s clothes are new or have already been worn before to an unseen meeting, etc? She is getting a lot of criticism for new clothes and maybe they are but I just don’t know how we can know because she lives so much of her life unseen by us.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte you are amazing! I’m loving everything thus far!! My favorite is the Burberry, but love this color suit on her today and how her and Prince William coordinated.
ReplyDeleteJoanne in CA
I admit to feeling a bit disappointed with Kate's sartorial choices this trip. With the focus on climate and sustainability, I would have loved to see her repeat major pieces from her existing wardrobe - updating them in a fresh way with some new elements - but focusing on rewears and "shopping from her closet." Two new purple pantsuits in one trip feels unnecessary; I agree with another reader that something about this trip feels a bit off.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's the newness of their role as Prince & Princess of Wales. Like new shoes, perhaps there's still a pinch when stepping in and stepping up.
DeleteHowever, more than that, let's not forget that they are grieving. Their grandmother has just passed throwing them and their family into a new spotlight, making their future as the main players even closer than before. No doubt they are still raw, but trying their best to put on that brave mask called "duty" and carrying on. I don't know about anyone else, but that would certainly put me off my A-game.
Philly
I thought her pantsuit yesterday was a repeat. Have I missed an update?
DeleteI don't think they are off at all. They seem as warm and engaged as always. I think the difference is that they are not those sweet young things they were on their last visit to the States. There is added gravitas and statesmanship, and it shows.
DeleteStylish and elegant look as always, but I too do feel she should recycle from her amazing wardrobe more when promoting sustainability and considering the current cost of living crisis.
ReplyDeleteI lived in Boston for many years, and loved every minute of it. This trip of theirs is making me seriously homesick! What a wonderful job they are doing, and the walkabout made me smile wide: the joy on both sides is really beautiful to see. It's amazing to remind myself that they are still grieving their very personal loss of the queen, and hard to believe it was not that long ago. They are a credit to their nation, and doing such good work around the globe. How lovely that the US has the benefit of that good work.
ReplyDeleteWell said
DeleteWell said!! Will & Kate are incredible people, to balance their private & public life the way they do & give their all to whatever moment they are in & make it all about others/causes & not about themselves….. Bravo!!!
DeleteBecca
USA
If Kate wants the focus to be on the event and not her clothing than maybe she should not wear new clothes every time she makes an appearance. Then there would be far less talk about her clothing and no need for KP to announce what she is wearing. Especially on this trip to the USA. She should have only worn repeats due to this being about environmental impact.
ReplyDeleteI’m kind of cringing at the lack of “obvious” repeats. As someone else said, we don’t know what she’s worn in private, but she could have made a Very powerful statement by showing us some indisputable rewears & made it all about “shopping your closet” & being really creative doing it. Imagine the buzz That would have created, if she didn’t have 1 new outfit this whole trip, only repeats!? Just a thought - & I Hate Ever being critical of Kate….. but I do think this was a missed opportunity!
DeleteBecca
USA
This pantsuit is divine, I love the color, suits the Princess well. The pussy bow blouse, is fabulous. Love the color of her accessories. The earrings were the perfect choice. What a great visit. They are both doing marvelously.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your detailed reporting! I have enjoyed your blog for a long time! I live near Boston and was excited to attend the event at City Plaza last night. It was surreal to see William and Kate in person. There weren't nearly as many people there as I anticipated (probably due to the weather!) so I was thrilled to have a perfect, unobstructed view. When I was leaving the event to head to the train station, I was also lucky enough to have their motorcade pass right in front of me as I waited to cross the street! I look forward to your reports on the rest of their trip and the award ceremony tomorrow night!
ReplyDeleteshe looks so cute in the pink necktie
ReplyDeletethanks charlotte for the great coverage
I love that there are so many people out to greet the royals. However, the little boy in uniform stole the show. Can you imagine him in school telling everyone about his experience! Thank you Charlotte for the great coverage as usual.
ReplyDeleteI’m so pleased to see the Prince and Princess here in the United Stated bringing attention to important social and global needs. Princess Catherine looks so festive and lovely today! Thank you once again Charlotte for a perfectly interesting post. From a loyal reader in Salt Lake City, Utah.
ReplyDeleteDarling little greeter dressed up in uniform! Love how they dressed in sync :) they are true professionals! Not sure how they do it. Remember that Kate had topless photos published while she was on a tour and just kept going. Impressive. Thank you for sharing the excitement of the fans. Wished I lived closer! Great initiatives and amazing people they get to meet. Sue
ReplyDelete