The Prince and Princess of Wales landed in Boston earlier this afternoon to begin a whirlwind three-day visit to Massachusetts which will culminate on Friday evening with the second annual Earthshot Awards.
The countdown to Earthshot is officially on.
The trip has been hailed as "highly significant" for several reasons: it's William and Kate's first joint US visit since 2014 and their first overseas trip as Prince and Princess of Wales. There was a great deal of speculation regarding the itinerary and locations in the US the couple would choose to visit. The final decision was to centre the visit around Boston. The schedule was carefully planned to offer opportunities for the couple "to get to know the city", with a central focus on environmental themes. Kate's early years work will provide another focal point on Friday, when the Princess visits the Centre of the Developing Child at Harvard University. It has been confirmed by President Biden's press secretary that, by coincidence, he will be in Boston on Friday and it is expected a meeting will be arranged.
William and Kate travelling to City Hall from their hotel.
Prince William and Princess Catherine are on their way to Boston City Hall. pic.twitter.com/HRxlNEnzhI
— Rob Way (@RobWayTV) November 30, 2022
A wave from Kate upon arrival.
The royals are at Boston City Hall! The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at the City Hall Plaza before their appearance for a special ceremony, welcomed by Mayor Michelle Wu, Governor-elect Maura Healey, and more.
— 7News Boston WHDH (@7News) November 30, 2022
MORE INFO: https://t.co/nNEGPuqFuJ pic.twitter.com/weCqqQx1Is
Kensington Palace said: "The Prince and Princess are looking forward to spending time in Boston, and to learning more about the issues that are affecting local people, as well as to celebrating the incredible climate solutions that will be spotlighted through the Earthshot Prize."
A number of readers asked why specifically Boston was chosen. The primary reason is Earthshot. William's environmental prize is inspired by JFK's 'Moonshot' and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is located in the city. William will be given a private tour by Caroline Kennedy on Friday before the awards.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu campaigned heavily on the issue pledging a vision to "enhance environmental justice and quality of life in Boston by protecting air, water, climate, and land resources". In fact, just this morning, Mayor Wu announced the purchase of renewable energy for municipal properties in Boston in the form of a Request for Qualifications. She said: "When the City of Boston invests in green, renewable energy, we all benefit."
With both of these factors in consideration it seems fitting William and Kate's first official event saw them join Mayor Wu for a special event counting down the days to Earthshot at Speaker's Corner outside City Hall (Caroline Kennedy and John Kerry had been slated to join but couldn't make it due to "disrupted travel plans", however Caroline joined later in the evening for the Celtic game). They were instead accompanied by Maura Healey, Governor-elect of Massachusetts to press the green button.
Boston City Hall glows green.
The Prince and Princess enjoyed a private audience with the Mayor.
Speaking about the trip and announcing today's event on Radio Boston earlier this week, Mayor Wu shared her "excitement" about the royal visit, adding: "We're committed to big ideas. It will be fun to really see that showcased with all of our work on climate."
Wu noted William and Kate represent "a new generation of leadership. They represent an institution that is hundreds of years old and has very intense traditions. But they're also of our generation, and I can't wait to show them this new Boston".
The Mayor is a few years younger than William and Kate and brought her husband Conor and their sons Cass and Blaise to meet the royals.
I’m at @CityHallBoston, where the Prince and Princess of Wales have been meeting @MayorWu ahead of the special Welcome to Earthshot event outside. They were joined by the Mayor’s husband Conor Pewarski and their sons Cass and Blaise: #EarthshotBoston2022 #RoyalVisitBoston pic.twitter.com/1K3Z7ej40q
— Emily Nash (@emynash) November 30, 2022
The couple stopped to look at photos from the late Queen and late Duke of Edinburgh's 1976 visit.
William and Kate stopped to look at photographs of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on a visit to mark America’s bicentennial in 1976: #EarthShotPrizeBoston2022 #RoyalVisitBoston pic.twitter.com/2xqu3ee9Nk
— Emily Nash (@emynash) November 30, 2022
Boston City Hall is fascinating in terms of architecture. Built in 1968, it is a controversial example of Brutalist modernist architecture. It was the subject of great criticism over what was perceived as a lack of aesthetic appeal. Indeed, there were calls for demolition before the project was even completed. Architects felt different and have hailed it as a "contemporary focal building". Over fifty years since its completion, it remains home to the Office of the Mayor and the Boston City Council.
Below, the Union Jack going up on Boston City Hall Plaza.
The Union Jack going up on Boston City Hall Plaza ahead of the Prince of Princess of Wales visit this afternoon.
— Matt Reed (@MattReedNews) November 30, 2022
First time Prince William and Kate have visited the United States in eight years #WCVB pic.twitter.com/BdmxqhR4aU
Gifts and signs from well-wishers.
Outside #Boston City Hall Royal fans are ready to cheer and greet #WilliamandKate #RoyalFamily #RoyalVisitBoston #wcvb pic.twitter.com/XvipXJOvSF
— Sera Congi (@seracongi) November 30, 2022
It was a rainy and cold evening in Boston.
Crowd has grown to hundreds ☔️. This only a section of the crowd gathered in this downpour. They’re waiting out the storm to see the Prince William and Princess Kate #wcvb pic.twitter.com/FXGNrIzJ3K
— Jessica Brown (@JessicaBrownTV) November 30, 2022
The Boston Children's Chorus performed.
The @BCChorus perform ahead of William and Catherine’s arrival 🎶 #EarthshotBoston2022 pic.twitter.com/Hv8jyaYMwO
— Cameron Walker (@CameronDLWalker) November 30, 2022
'Just minutes before William and Kate took to the podium at the Boston launch event of the Prince's Earthshot Prize, Reverend Mariama White-Hammond - the city's Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space - gave a strong speech.
As the Prince and Princess Wales watched on from the wings, Reverend Hammond, who founded a youth organization focused on 'teaching the history of the Civil Rights Movement', said: 'On this day, I invite us all to consider the legacy of colonialism and racism.'
Although no mention was made about Lady Susan Hussey - former lady-in-waiting to the Queen and William's own godmother - who was accused of making racist comments to black domestic abuse campaigner Ngozi Fulani at a Buckingham Palace event on Tuesday night, few could fail to connect the controversy with Reverend White-Hammond's remarks.'
As William began his speech, he thanked "hardy Bostonians" for braving the rain.
The Princess added: "Catherine and I are absolutely delighted to be with you today for our first engagement in the great city of Boston, as we start the countdown to the Earthshot Prize Awards this Friday."
William thanks the “hardy Bostonians” for standing out in heavy rain. “Catherine and I are absolutely delighted to be with you today, for our first engagement in the great city of Boston, as we start the countdown to The Earthshot Prize Awards this Friday.” #EarthshotBoston2022 pic.twitter.com/NIjoWv0F1q
— Emily Nash (@emynash) November 30, 2022
'"There are two reasons why Boston was the obvious choice to be the home of the Earthshot Prize in its second year," he continued. "Sixty years ago, President John F. Kennedy's "Moonshot" speech laid down a challenge to American innovation and ingenuity. 'We choose to go to the moon,' he said, 'not because it is easy but because it is hard.'
"It was that Moonshot speech that inspired me to launch the Earthshot Prize with the aim of doing the same for climate change as President Kennedy did for the space race. And where better to hold this year's Awards Ceremony than in President Kennedy's hometown, in partnership with his daughter and the Foundation that continues his legacy.
"Boston was also the obvious choice because your universities, research centers and vibrant start-up scene make you a global leader in science, innovation and boundless ambition. Mayor Wu, you have also been a leader in putting climate policies at the heart of your Administration. Thank you.
"Like President Kennedy, Catherine and I firmly believe that we all have it in ourselves to achieve great things, and that human beings have the ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve."'
Big smiles from the Prince and Princess.
From there, it was time for a quick change before setting off to TD Garden for a game.
William and Kate watched the Boston Celtics take on Miami Heat.
The couple took their seats courtside.
Royalty at TD Garden @RoyalFamily 👑 pic.twitter.com/vf9E893Of6
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 1, 2022
The couple were joined by Governor-elect Maura Healey and Mayor Michelle Wu.
Governor-Elect Maura Healey courtside with Prince William and Princess Kate 🙌 pic.twitter.com/LYhAeLRr4n
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) December 1, 2022
The Celtics warming up.
'The couple met members of the Celtics family, including representatives of the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, which provides grassroots programming and strategic funding to local organizations serving at-risk populations. They also heard about the "Curbside Care" mobile unit, which through a partnership with Boston Medical Center will provide comprehensive, streamlined care to mothers and infants in the first six weeks of life right at patient doorsteps — an issue of importance to Kate.'
A great shot of Kate and the Governor-elect.
Watching the action.
Jumbotron!
Jumbotron moment! #EarthShotPrize #EarthshotBoston2022 pic.twitter.com/NXFqbiwmMh
— Steph Petit (@stephpetit_) December 1, 2022
A fun fact readers might not know: over half the readers of this blog are from the United States. It means a number of you may live in Boston or have connections there (if you saw the couple at City Hall today do let is know). It's been a joy to learn more about the city, which is considered the "cultural and financial center of the New England region". With roots tracing back to the early 17th century, today it is a modern leader in scientific research and higher education. Indeed, William and Kate will have been pleased to learn Boston's businesses and institutions rank among the top nationwide for sustainability.
Boston is known as 'The City on a Hill', 'The Cradle of Liberty' and 'The Athens of America'.
We briefly discussed Kate's potential sartorial choices for this trip earlier in the week. My personal guess was a nod to sustainability, possibly some repeats and a mix of UK and US brands. For day one, Kate selected the tried and trusted Alexander McQueen. A trouser suit for arrival and a seasonal green coat for this evening.
The coat was teamed with a tartan Burberry dress.
I've always been surprised we haven't seen more Burberry in Kate's rotation over the past decade. You might recall she wore a number of their pieces for British Vogue in 2016.
Kate's very festive dress (surely a possibility for Christmas Day at Sandringham) is a bespoke piece. Laura very cleverly did a little fashion math, noting the design of the Aurora dress and the print of the checked skirt offered elements in Kate's piece.
Kate's earrings are by sustainable brand SHYLA London.
The Chunky Knot Baroque pearl earrings are available for £72.
Kate carried the Mulberry Amberley satchel in green (with thanks to Kate Middleton Style). Described as: "Inspired by British countryside pursuits, the Amberley borrows its shape and detailing from traditional equestrian styling. This new Soft update has a tactile construction with a gentle slouch. The geometrical Rider’s Lock closure is a reinterpretation of our iconic Postman’s Lock -- a bold, modern signature."
The Princess completed the look with green pumps.
For Kate's third look of the day, she choose a particularly stylish repeat. The Princess sported her vintage Chanel 1995 double-breasted, trimmed jacket.
Kate wearing the piece for Coach Core's 10th anniversary in October.
With thanks to Middleton Maven, it looks very much like Kate wore Laura Lombardi's Portrait 14kt gold-plated chain necklace. Lombardi is dedicated to "using a zero-waste technique".
If you're just popping in, a brief post on William and Kate's arrival can be found here.
Tomorrow, the Prince and Princess will learn about climate innovations which are being incubated in Boston when they pay a visit to Greentown Labs in Somerville. William and Kate will then travel to the neighbouring city of Chelsea to visit Roca, a non-profit organisation. There will be a TBA engagement afterwards (possibly a sporting event).
I'll see you all tomorrow :)
Thank you Charlotte for you interesting and educational posts. I truly enjoy reading your well written posts.
ReplyDeleteYes! Charlotte seemingly has knowledge in history, fashion, architecture, various metropolises and their monumental edifices, etc.
DeleteShe looked gorgeous in green!! Wow!! Love seeing those smiles and so good to see them enjoying what Boston has to offer! 💚
ReplyDelete-FloridaGirl
they look lovely thanks for the nice coverage. have to admit they look rather uncomfortable at the nba game
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I think that they were more relaxed the last time than they are this time.
DeleteI suppose they are dead tired. It must have felt like 3 in the morning to them
DeleteThey look uncomfortable because they were booed...
DeleteI read in the news that they were boo’ed by some of the audience when they first arrived at the game. Maybe that is why.
DeleteIn the Washington post:"The royal couple was announced to a cheering Garden crowd during a timeout in the second quarter and briefly shown on the video screen. But a security official stepped in front of the camera, eliciting a chorus of boos."
DeleteMaybe they’re just exhausted. Can you imagine?
DeleteThe booing had nothing to do with the Prince & Princess personally. The Celtics are a traditionally Irish team and mix beer with people feeling Irish pride and bring in anyone of British origins and let the booing begin!
DeleteThey were boo'd because it's Boston Celtic's game LOL. They boo celebs and sometimes their own team too
DeleteAs a huge Kate and Willam fan I was so excited to learn they were coming to my hometown, Boston, staying at our favorite hotel and by shear luck we had tickets to the Celtics game tonight. Seeing Kate in person was a dream!!!
ReplyDeleteHow neat! How far back are the seats to the basketball court? It seems dangerously close.
DeleteThey are on the court! Just a few steps off the line.
DeleteTheir seats were not much more than a foot from the court! Best seats in the house
DeleteThey are. Players occasionally fall/jump into the crowd often to save a ball from going out of bounds. It's crazy.
DeleteI like all her choices! They were elegant yet fit in. When I worked in Boston, we were completely obsessed with Masterpiece Theater (the good Poldark, Upstairs, Downstairs, I Claudius, etc.) and Burberry was very desirable. I imagine it never goes out of style. I had wondered how many people would come, but of course Bostonians are tough, love to go out at night, and have great public transportation. I had forgotten how ugly City Hall is -- such a beautiful city otherwise. I used to walk from Cambridge into downtown Boston and to the park with the swan boats. About a block away, one of my coworkers lived with "mummy" in a true Upstairs, Downstairs townhome. And in a cold December, I took the subway to open up into the hot steamy entrance of Filene's Basement. And I went to many Red Sox games at Fenway. Also a Bruins fan (yay Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito), although I secretly loved the Montreal Canadiens. Such a wonderful city. I think the trip is going very well.
ReplyDeleteAllison, everytime I see the Boston City Hall 'Ugly' is my first thought. 😂
DeleteKnoxville City Hall, in TN, is just as ugly.....
I absolutely adore her tartan Burberry dress. Two queries for Charlotte or anyone else on this blog: Firstly, how do they – ostensibly – adjust so well to the massive time difference? Do you begin the sleep-wake shift back in England a week or so prior to take off? Secondly, aren't they meant to be non-partisan? The list of US politicians that they have privately met (last trip to the US, in England, and this trip) are all from a single party. Is this merely coincidence?
ReplyDeleteI love it too!
DeleteMass elects Democrats!
Deletesurely they are meeting the politicians who are currently in power? that would be up to the people of Boston
DeleteThey meet elected politicians. They don't have a say in which party is in power. They have also met president Trump.
DeleteI’m guessing they decide to meet individuals who are also advocates in line with TRHs’ goals and initiatives.
DeleteAnonymous, you ask several good questions! I'll tackle the political one. Historically, Boston is a very Democratic-leaning city. Therefore, the vast majority of the politicians that represent the area are Democrats. Will and Kate are being hosted by those who are in power, which are all Democrats at the moment.
DeleteMassachusetts (and especially Boston) is a very Democratic (liberal/blue) state. I think it's just a coincidence. Most of New England is. I'm from Connecticut (just south of Massachusetts about two hours from Boston). This is probably the closest I'll ever get to Kate. Loved that Burberry dress too!
DeleteThe flight is only 8 hours between Boston and London. I flew many 8 hour flights from Tokyo to Singapore after 15 hour flight from US to Tokyo. You get used to it after traveling so much.
DeleteThey did meet with Charlie Baker (the current Republican governor of Massachusetts) at the State House before they went outside
DeleteSorry - just rechecked the arrival photos - Governor Baker met with them at Logan Airport to officially welcome them to Boston (not at the State House)
DeleteHello Anon, sleep is in very short supply :)
DeleteIt's really a case of meeting elected officials. It's very much a coincidence here a number of the public figures and politicians are affiliated with the same party.
A huge thank you to those sharing stories from the ground.
It is so lovely to see the crowds & the great enthusiasm that Bostonians have for the royals. HRH The Princess of Wales is impeccable as always, dress in a regal & royal manner, yet humble & appropriate for every event attended, Per usual, the Prince & Princess of Wales shine a light on others, and do an outstanding job representing crown & country!
ReplyDeleteThey meet with government officials. It doesn’t have anything to do with which party those government officials identify; those are elected officials in a particular area. Of course Catherine and William are non-partisan.
DeleteThe Governor of MA meet the Prince & Princess of Wales p, upon their arrival, at Logan airport, Boston. The Governor of MA, Charlie Baker, is a Republican. The Prince & Princess are met & greeted by leading politicians regardless of the politicians political affiliation; royalty transcends politics.
DeleteHello! On the right of the picture of the Old State House that you showed in one of your pictures has a plaque commemorating the Queen's visit to Boston in 1976 (it is just behind the white sign). I was at the event at the City Hall - both Price William and Princess Catherine waved to the crowd as they were walking up to the tent for the speeches, and Prince William gave us a long sustained waive as they left. What a lovely couple and how wonderful that they are helping shine the spotlight on such an important topic.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Bostonian! 😃 Zora
DeleteNever would have thought in my life I would be able to see members of the royal family in person, let alone William and Catherine! She really is beautiful in person just as in pictures. One thing off my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy for you, Jenny! 😃 Zora
DeleteAh, Boston! Allison, your comments bring it all back. I worked right across from City Hall Plaza for a decade and I certainly would have been in that crowd for the two of them. I've always thought Boston was the most livable city on our eastern coast. But this trip is about the fabulous work the Wales do, kudos to them!
ReplyDeleteHello Charlotte - excellent post, as always. I was at both CHP and the Garden tonight. Happy to share pics and experience though unsure how to best contact you?
ReplyDeleteHowever I like the green look, I think the rushing does not work with the plaid print, just looks odd... Design fail I think🤷🏼♀️Kate's jewellery is spot on 👌🏻
ReplyDeleteThe tartan Burberry dress is superb, love the coat. The Chanel 1995 jacket, I love. The sustainable jewellery, clever choice, great additions. She looked beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I would like to see the green and purple plaid coat again that Kate wore in Scotland.
DeleteI love the tartan Burberry dress. She looks smashing. What a day, they must be tired, and you also Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteTedi
The tartan Burberry dress is my favorite of the day, a very smart look. Kate really does glow, doesn't she? That last photo is lovely!
DeleteShe definitely does!!! I love the dress too. Zora
DeleteWell it seems people in Boston were really happy to see them. The crowd was more than decent. So much for all the comments saying they were unpopular lol
ReplyDeleteThe green Mulberry bag might be the "Small Amberley satchel". The normal Amberley bag would be too large in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThe outfit is very elegant and thoughtful with the green colour. The rewear of the Chanel jacket is great. I love the jewellery. The chunky necklace and the baroque pearl earrings are very much 1990s/Princess Diana-style.
Congratulations, Boston, on having a lectern that matches your stunning City Hall. Cecilia
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of this look (liked the sleek black arrival outfit) but I have a much bigger problem with this whole visit. Earthshot is too new and not established enough to already drag it around the globe. I thought long and hard about this. I doubt W will surpass the schemes of his father and grandfather with this endeavour. Which is not a problem at all. In fact I’d rather see them carrying them on instead of creating new stuff every generation. But he should put more effort into the UK. Make his works rooted there. This second year looks rushed. They should have evaluated last year, there was valid criticism that could have helped to make the event/campaign better. Instead they are over reaching. If Earthshot ever grows to be a massively impactful (not just by winning but the networking opportunities) scheme for the environment, what a big win would it be for the UK to have it. At the moment it looks more as if he rushes to set up a global profile for himself. He shouldn’t. Focusing on the UKs mental health or the emergency services (his work for air ambulance) would be just as valuable. If it has to be saving the world though, than it will take more than one year to establish something. Earthshot is still a baby and people already expect it to talk and walk because KP presents it to us like that. Strategically, this move was a mistake. Let’s see what happens next year and if Earthshot makes it to five.
ReplyDeleteAs with all initiatives, it takes time. I think that this endeavor warrants a global presence to network with bright minds to find solutions that will benefit all. I think it is obvious that Prince William's roots are set in the UK and he will continue his father's legacy, as well as looking for networking ideas. All new ideas require a certain amount of risk and a tremendous amount of passion. I don't feel that this is a rush to obtain a global profile for himself, as much as a global opportunity to make Earthshot a worthy program. Let's give William the benefit of the doubt and see what happens, I'd take the odds that Earthshot will make it to five!
DeleteGiven the pressing global urgency of the issues, I'd say it's important to try to take Earthshot global now rather than keep it parochially located in the UK for some time. And of course the Prince is trying to establish a global profile for himself. It would be unrealistic to imagine that he isn't or shouldn't. It also cannot be ignored that news and information move so rapidly -- and so globally -- in this era, that it would be rather difficult to keep Earthshot in a local box anyway. In any case, I see no reason why both aims, the development of both Earthshot's and William's profiles in the area of environmentalism, cannot be on the agenda simultaneously.
DeleteIt is nice that you shared your opinion, however, it is important to understand that Earthshot is rooted in global impact & change that far transcends political based opinion. The fact that the name was derived from the Moonshot project of the US President Kennedy, shows it’s foundation in a global reach, far beyond the shores of the UK.
DeleteConsidering that the prizes have many partners and sponsors from the US and other countries maybe W has not the freedom to say he wants the prizes to be in the uk.
DeleteI’m one of your readers in the US. Charlotte was up in the wee hours in the UK posting an update of yesterday’s activities. I really appreciate seeing that before I went to bed. As always, thanks for your hard work Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see them! LOVE the green coat, shoes, earrings and especially the bag. The plaid dress is different & impeccably tailored, and she looks great! Didn’t love the outfit for basketball, but I didn’t the first time she wore it either. It’s just not my personal favorite. The suit off the plane is elegant and a good staple. Excited for today! Charlotte, I look forward to all of your posts. Sue
ReplyDeleteI was a little disappointed. The goal of their visit is sustainability, and making three changes of dress in half day is not a good sign. All the dresses are new and custom made, so very expensive. I think this choice is not very consistent.
ReplyDeleteI agree I find the constant new expensive clothes unacceptable. It’s not as if she does loads of engagements- last one 22nd November and I’d be surprised if after this trip she does any more visits until the concert
DeleteRachel, I thought about that too. Sustainable jewelry strikes me as a bit of a cheat. She must have closets full of warm, serviceable clothes. Flying commercial is a nod to a reduced carbon footprint but old clothes would be nice.
DeleteI live near Boston and took off from work early to grab the kids and head in. It was pouring but so so neat to see them at City Hall. I wavered all day whether or not to go and decided to go despite the weather. I have blurry photos from when they lit up City Hall.
ReplyDeleteAh, Boston. I loved living there and miss the place. It is both quintessentially American and probably the American city with the most organically-European layout and walkability. I see City Hall hasn't gotten any prettier (my husband, an architecture maven, says it's a wonderful example of its era), but all modernist buildings in Boston tend to look rather jarringly out of place when you live, as I did, on Beacon Street and work on Commonwealth Avenue.
ReplyDeleteI remain a rabid Celtics fan. I'm always happy to see the white and green uniforms in action. Hope the Prince and Princess genuinely enjoyed the game, though I often wonder whether visiting foreign dignitaries care about our sports, especially when something like the World Cup is on. I also hope they appreciated Mayor Wu, who really is a groundbreaker in Boston politics in several ways. She was mentored by Elizabeth Warren, I believe, someone I greatly admire.
As for the Princess's clothes, I find the green coat a bit of a bore and think it would have looked better with a scarf at the throat. There was something a bit bare about the neckline, with just the dress peeking out. Then, I had to stare at the dress for a while before deciding whether I liked it but concluded that I do. The design is great -- I own a Max Mara dress that's very similar -- and the tartan is attractive, if a little bold for my tastes. I don't mind the classic Burberry tartan lining inside my now-41-year-old Burberry trench coat (recently refurbished at the Chicago store; the company offers great customer service), but it's too much for a dress. This tartan is rendered in a more subdued palette and I like it better for external wear, though I don't think I'd choose it myself.
Possibly the dress might have been shortened a touch, though I'm still debating that. The earrings and bag are lovely!
Addendum: I now actually think the dress could have been shortened by a few inches.
DeleteI'm enormously supportive of William and Kate, their causes, and their appearances. Over the years, there have been fashions I've preferred more than others but there have been very few outfits that I have been as unhappy with as the green tartan Burberry dress in Boston!! Unflattering in shape, length, design. Very dumpy and aging look for a beautiful young princess to choose for her American debut outing in 2022. A hodgepodge of oversize mis-aligned plaid. Like upholstery fabric. Whereas I think Kate looks resplendent in green, the other "worst" look for me is that shiny green Vampire dress. Instead of gimmicky color-related theme dressing, Kate and her stylists should step back and just ask whether a dress "works" and whether it is flattering and if this is what she wants her image to present. I realize that others have expressed admiration of the tartan dress, but I think it is her biggest fashion fail ever.
ReplyDeleteI love Burberry designs and will wear a splash of tartan in a scarf. But that dress is just awful, drab and unflattering. I’ve long detested K’s gimmicky color matching and this is one of the worst. Long past time to move on!
ReplyDelete-celticgirl
Loving to hear all the personal stories of everybody heading out to see William and Kate!! I would have braved the rain to do so! There is an energy to this visit that is exciting!
ReplyDeleteI was watching the coverage of the French State Visit @ The White House & thought it a small world, with Will & Kate over here too. Then I checked in here to see Kate carrying the same Chanel Bag that she debuted in Paris on their State Visit there! :)
ReplyDeleteBoston is such a great city! We spent lots of time out there when our sons were in college. I remember being in Glouster, Mass & was struck by the Fishermen’s Memorial, with names & dates going back to the 1600’s! It’s so easy to think of our country just being 200+ yrs old, when actually their are families that were here much longer!
I’ll end with one of my all time fave Boston memories…. I was in college on Christmas Break (ours started right after Thanksgiving) so I was out in Boston, visiting some of my girlfriends @ University & we went to Quincy Market to get a Christmas Tree & lugged it all the way back to BU on the “T”!!! lol Oh to be 18 again!!! lol :)
Becca
USA
What a wonderful memory Becca! The things we did when we were young, and by all accounts, of many here on this blog, Boston must be a great place to live! So very happy that this event is taking place on US soil, it's been awhile!
DeleteThanks Anon! I think what makes Boston so great (other than the architecture & the history) is that with the Crazy Amounts of Colleges/Universities, it’s so vibrant with all the young people & the learning/advances going on!
DeleteBecca
USA
I am in love with that green handbag.
ReplyDeleteThe tartan dress grows on me each time I look at it. Maybe an inch shorter hem but what a fun, modern look for her. She’s very well put together on this trip.
I love that vintage Chanel jacket so much. The young mayor of Boston in her jeans and the princess in Chanel, and both look appropriate in their own sphere.
Catherine and William must be exhausted with the time shift and late night. Happy to hear there will be a brief meeting with our president, for whom climate change is an important issue.