Thursday 1 December 2022

The Waleses Visit East Boston to Learn About Sustainable Change

This afternoon, the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Piers Park in East Boston to hear about efforts underway to combat rising sea levels.

It follows a busy day which saw William and Kate learning more about sustainable change at Greentown Labs. From there, they travelled across the river to Chelsea, seeing first-hand the incredible ongoing work at youth organisation Roca. It's a very cold day and as they departed the charity to find hundreds of well-wishers waiting, the couple undertook a lovely impromptu walkabout. It's the penultimate day of the trip which culminates with the Earthshot Prize tomorrow night. 

With that in mind, the itinerary is very much underscored with environmentalism and positive changes taking place across Boston and neighbouring areas.

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The royals arriving.

William and Kate were joined by Mayor Wu and Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space.

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The public park overlooks Boston Harbor and Downtown Boston.

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The couple met a group of people involved with running the park.

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The beautifully landscaped park offers public access to the waterfront and scenic views.

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In fact, ground was recently broken on plans for Piers Park II. More from Massport:

'The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), members of the Piers Park Advisory Committee (PierPAC), local elected officials and community members today broke ground on Piers Park II, making way for more greenspace along the East Boston waterfront. The design for the 4.5-acre park includes key resiliency features to help protect the area from flooding and sea level rise.

“We are pleased to see this project advancing and look forward to the day when work is completed and the property can be utilized for multi-generational recreational activities,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “The Commonwealth and Massport have appreciated the collaboration of community members in helping to create this additional green space in East Boston.” 

“We are excited to break ground on this newest addition to the East Boston waterfront,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “This beautiful park will help build community across the beautiful diversity of East Boston and protect neighborhood residents from the impacts of climate change.”

The Princess was warmly wrapped up in a seasonal look of dark brown and orange. Kate's double-breasted coat is an Alexander McQueen piece (we've really seen the brand taking centre stage for this trip) and we saw Kate's first US designer for the trip in a separates look underneath (with thanks to Kate Middleton Style for her splendid work on this).

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Another view.

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Below, an almost identical McQueen coat in camel.

The Princess selected a warm orange outfit by US-based designer Gabriela Hearst. The piece is described: "The Peppe turtleneck sweater from Gabriela Hearst is made from cashmere that's blended with silk – a natural, luxurious alternative to synthetic stretch fibers." It is available at My Theresa and can be teamed with the matching Epper Ribbed-Knit Midi Skirt.

Kate wore her Daniella Draper Maxi Cupid Hoops.

And a matching brown scarf and custom Gianvito Rossi boots (with thanks to Middleton Maven).

A closer look at Kate's very pretty hairstyle.

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If you're just joining us, catch up on the today's earlier engagements here.

We don't know about the couple's plans for the evening. I have speculated about the possibility of a private dinner for US supporters of the Royal Foundation. Tomorrow will be a packed day, as Kate's off to Harvard while William joins Caroline Kennedy at the JFK Presidential Library. It's understood the couple will spend time with President Biden -- and of course, the Earthshot Prize takes place tomorrow evening!

38 comments:

  1. I really like this look - I bet it's a bright outfit when she takes the coat off!

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  2. Does anyone know what coat Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was wearing? It's very cute!

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  3. I've been lurking on this blog for years! I live in Boston (well, Cambridge) and it is definitely surreal to see them visiting places like Greentown Labs, where I have biked down that street so many times. Just about a block down from it is the Market Basket grocery store, the cheapest place to buy groceries in town. Chelsea has a reputation, not necessarily deserving, as a bit of a rough area. Somerville used to as well, and some still fondly call it "Slumerville". I was really surprised at the big crowds at City Hall Plaza. The wind and rain and cold were strong last night! And that plaza is already a rotten windswept area that magnifies bad weather. I was impressed that they flew on a commercial flight and were ready for appearances right after landing. Funny that their engagements so far - except for East Boston - are not really Boston. Somerville and Chelsea both have their own mayors. And East Boston is across the harbor from the rest of Boston, and is a bit 'separate'. But Boston metro is small, and everybody is criss-crossing every day. I agree about something seeming 'off' - not necessarily bad - it may just be the contrast to 2014 and that they are a bit more stately these days, not as cute and fresh faced. Catherine is so photogenic, I'm curious what she must look like in person. I'm injured so I'm not joining the crowds, even though everything is just a few minutes' bike ride for me !

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    1. You mentioned something seeming off. I think they just seem cold! I live in upstate NY and regularly travel to Boston for work, so am very familiar with the chill as well, and I think they look COLD.

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  4. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my favorite royal couple being in the USA although I’m not sure December in Boston is fun. Cold weather isn’t my friend.

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  5. I bet it's cold -- high in low 40s with wind and cloudy. Kate's outfit here is lovely -- I would love to have that coat in Boston. And nice color underneath. She always looks great with her hair like that. I know there's tons of technology and innovation in the metro area -- in addition to Harvard (/Radcliffe), which is massive, there is MIT, all of the colleges making up Boston College, Tufts, Brandeis, Boston College, UMass, Northeastern, Worchester Polytech, Williams College, Amherst, plus the Seven Sisters. Very common for students from out of state to not leave because it's such a wonderful area, including Cape Cod in Western Mass.

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    1. I meant "all of the colleges making up Boston U"

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    2. and Cape Cod is in eastern Mass!

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    3. MG, more dumb typing on my part! :) I meant "Cape Cod AND western Mass." It is funny to think of the cape being inland.

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  6. I'm getting a kick out of seeing glimpses of Boston, a city I so loved when I lived there and which I haven't been able to visit as much as I'd like in recent years. It's long been a hub of technological development because of the presence of both Harvard and MIT in Cambridge (the Boston area boasts a number of other significant universities as well). The partnership between these research institutions and various business interests is and will remain of the greatest possible importance for fighting environmental damage to the planet.

    I'll comment here on both outfits worn today. The burgundy Mouret trouser suit was perfectly nice, but after the McQueen trouser suit worn for the couple's arrival, I thought it a bit boring. Suits like this make a polished, professional impression, and since this is a serious trip dealing with a serious subject, I understand that the Princess may be wary of looking a little "too fashion-y," to use a phrase that a European aristocrat of my acquaintance trotted out when she was describing her husband's concern that she didn't dress seriously enough for things like charity board meetings.

    However, when royals are making visits abroad, people do want them to look special. In a situation like this, in which the Waleses need to be mindful of their mission, it's tough to achieve a balance between "special" and "serious," but I think perhaps the burgundy trouser suit and pussy-bow blouse slightly erred on the side of "not very interesting".

    The brown McQueen coat is, as always with a McQueen piece on the Princess, spectacularly well-fitted, and I love the soft cocoa color. However, I REALLY love the Gabriela Hearst knitwear outfit in its terrific bright pumpkin shade. I'm a great Hearst fan and am always hoping to snag something by her at a good sale price -- much easier said than done. I can't wear orange very well, but it's a fine shade for the Princess, given her rich brunette coloring. I hope to see her in more orange and more Hearst.

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  7. lovely to see and they both look great nice to see catherine with kids she does so good with them. the media is going on and on about the netflix trailer for harry and meghan and being so negative saying it is overshadowing their visit. I am glad the visit is going so well

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    1. Melissa I agree. I think the media is going on so much about it because of the timing. Releasing the trailer while the Prince and Princess of Wales are on their first visit abroad since the Queen died. They are both doing their own thing, which is fine. I think the visit is going very well. I'm looking forward to seeing what look The Princess wear's tomorrow night. Charlotte, what time is the event planned for later? S 😊

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    2. Yes, even the evening news talked about W&K being overshadowed by H&M's Netflix timing but also by the racism incident. I think we have enough time on our hands in the US to handle both couples, but for those who love just one couple, there should be no problem. As far as the incident, my belief is that W&K have 0% influence on who is part of the royal sphere. William, like Harry, has made friends with people out of his childhood set, and Kate seems to be a nonprejudiced person too. I agree, Melissa, that this speaks to Meghan's experience, although I think she had other attributes that were disliked (although very much liked by me).

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    3. agree with you both for sure and it would have been best to time the release of the trailer after this visit but I am sure it was netflix's choice and maybe Harry and Meghan couldn't decide the release date... I hope.

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    4. There is a definite possibility that the release was planned months ago as was the visit. Or, as Meghan remarked that they had little control, Netflix did this on purpose to hype the release. That seems most likely. But there wouldn't be a "release" or conflict if the family had treated the situation differently. I'm just glad that the Queen retained her love for them.

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  8. Mayor Michelle Yu is knocking it out of ( Fenway) park on her clothes this visit.

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  9. Oh dear! Brown and orange are my least favorite colors and they definitely don’t go together.

    I’ve noticed I tend to dislike K’s choices for overseas trips. Not sure if she is over or under thinking it at various times but rarely on target for me.

    In terms of things being “off” I have noticed a lot more politicians are part of the itinerary, W&K look slightly out of their element compared to when they visit UK charities. A US news reporter said something to the effect of “I love her but is this her first time clapping” in response to K seeming less than enthusiastic at the Celtics game.

    I think that statement says it all.

    -celticgirl

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    1. Ummm, let's see at the time they went to the Boston Celtics game it would have been, what, midnight London time? And by the time it finished it would have been....? They had had a 7.5 hour flight, probably got up early in the morning to see the kiddos off to school and if the British Airways website is still the same on Wednesday flights from LHR to BOS, their flight left at 11:30 a.m. London time, . Doubt they'd have to get there 2 hours before like other people but still, 11:30 am London time when the proverbial was hitting the fan at BP. Amazing that people could say they looked charming and relaxed; from the photos that other passenger took I think they were having serious conversations with their staff and I doubt there was a lot of happy relaxation with Real Housewives on the in-flight entertainment. Anyway, they arrived around 2:00 pm Boston time which was about 7 pm time. Get to the hotel and I bet the first thing they did was dial up Zoom and say goodnight to the kiddos, much talk about what they did at school, who is misbehaving (from Charlotte probably) and virtual hugs and kisses. Then a clothes change and off to the City Hall, all the while still trying to process what happened back at BP the day before.... Be upbeat and professional with the mayor and dignitaries (which they were, those smiles were every bit better than what I would have looked like no matter how much pampering I'd been able to squeeze in with an hour of downtime) then back to the hotel and instead of feet up in those comfy hotel robes, warm socks, delicious room service and watching telly, another change of clothes and off to a basketball game. So, c'mon, I don't think that statement from that reporter says anything at all celticgirl instead of being insensitive and looking for the worst. They're doing their best, as Brene Brown says, it behooves us to keep saying that of everyone (well, almost everyone.) Valerie in Arizona

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    2. She's a pro. I would not of clapped if I was booed. How very rude. S.😊

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    3. Apparently the crowd was not booing W&K but the person who walked in front of them as they were pictured on the jumbotron.

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    4. They look wonderful, and the gossip is silly.

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    5. Point taken! But …W&K should manage their itinerary better! I’ve crisscrossed from LA to London many times which is a 12 hour flight time and 9 hour time difference and I’ve learned what not to do!

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    6. I agree Valerie!
      Nothing of at all. The only thing, I wish William had worn a hat and gloves. A (warm)hat for Kate would also have been nice.
      They seem to be freezing

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    7. I think brown and orange go well together - very seasonal.

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    8. Ditto Valerie and Natacha! They were freezing, no doubt. The wind must have made the cold weather even colder. Also, when they went to greet the crowds, everyone was wearing warm coats, hats + gloves except for them - they walked out of the building and instead of going directly into the warmth of the car, they went to chat with the people. I'm sure when they finally sat down in the car, it took them a good while to defrost! Zora

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    9. I'm sounding like a broken record but no matter how proficient you are at traveling, there are going to be things that throw you off. I've been traveling for 50 years and I have crisscrossed the pond as well as gone to Africa and Australia and thought I had my itinerary managed to the letter. But then there was that relative who was aching to see me a second time and I knew I wouldn't get back, or that one place that I realized I couldn't miss. The people that mattered were happy they came because obviously Mayor Wu, Governor-Elect Healy and others had gone to great lengths to fete them. Who knows if they hadn't just said to them "I know you guys are tired but it would be so great to take you to a Celtics game since you went to a game in New York....?" And the Waleses were gracious enough not to worry whether their photos would be perfect. Valerie in Arizona

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  10. All I care about is the joy I am seeing on the faces of everyone on this trip, the Waleses, their hosts, the companies they are highlighting and the people who have come out to see them :) Thank you Charlotte for posting it all in one place. And although I live in Arizona, I grew up in Montreal so I look at these photos and know how cold wind chill is! Valerie in Arizona

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  11. Catherine must have been exhausted by the end of the day yesterday. There's a 5 hour difference, after all.

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  12. Love this outfit. The gorgeous brown coat, with a bit of orange showing is perfect. I love all of her sartorial choices, with one exception, the burgundy suit and pink blouse. The Princess always looks beautiful.
    Tedi

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    1. I really like the brown and orange also.

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  13. They are troopers and have great stamina and good spirits for a chilly day :) love the back of her hair. thank you charlotte and I look forward to tomorrow. Sue

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  14. Oh, I love the pretty detail in the Princess’s hairstyle today. I live in the western United States and have never been to Boston. I’m enjoying your posts so much Charlotte as I learn more about Boston and also the important causes the royals have chosen to highlight on this trip. Thank you Charlotte!

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  15. Oh, I love the pretty detail in the Princess’s hairstyle today. hmm perfect for the cold weather in Boston

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  16. Greetings to everyone!

    It is very interesting to see how color's preferences and patterns may vary in terms of culture. I am a Brazilian and I have noticed how Europeans tend to dislike mustard, yelow, orange etc....color we love here! Beige is one color every women chooses, except for underware and blouses/coat. I just thought unusual for them to take a commercial flight. Why?

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  17. I sure wish that the Princess of Wales would have chosen a complete set of "re-wear" items from her amazing collection of designer outfits. I had to remind myself that this isn't a 'royal tour' but an opportunity to shine a light on Prince William's quest for climate change. I truly hope that the pantsuit upon arrival was NAVY (not dark purple) and a re-wear, I liked the bespoke Burberry dress but she could have worn the Fold Gray dress and the McQueen green coat from 2019. Rather than the burgundy pant suit she might have worn trousers, and matching cashmere sweater (she has several) and a beautiful wool coat in a complimentary color to keep her warm, and in the afternoon she could have worn the beautiful beige/gray Catherine Walker coat she worn on Christmas day and one of her many dresses. She is so fortunate in a number of ways, first that she can still wear what she wore in 2011 and secondly the ability to re-tailor her designer wardrobe. I love that she tailored the Catherine Walker blue coat from Norway, and would love to see her do the same with the green (buttons on the side) Catherine Walker coat in Sweden. I get that she doesn't want it to be about fashion/style but then "re-wear." My 2-cents, Elle.

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  18. Kudos to both of them. Kate is clearly doing the cheerful part, whilst William is visibly suffering with the H&M trailer coming out. I just cannot imagine how difficult this must be for all of them. The brothers were so close once... I really hope that the documentary is not 'explosive' like the Oprah interview. THe shot though from the Commonwealth Service back in 2020 in combination with the 'closed doors' remark, makes me a bit afraid. Just like the title of Harry's book 'Spare'. Whilst i believe that Harry and Meghan are 'right', in the most universal terms, concerning the media and the firm, it feels so unfair to W&K because they live their lives in the royal system and cannot speak out or make other life choices.

    On a happier note, Boston (and Kate) looks amazing and the visits are so interesting! Looking forward to Earshot tomorrow!

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  19. Honestly I can’t believe new outfiits again they really need to rewear they only wear outfits for a couple of hours and understand people can’t afford to eat and heat their homes . A lot of people would probably like to not to have to work 8 or more hours a day, cook, clean, and do errands, and just do what they do a few hours a day as though they're special and deserve to paid by tax payers for that.

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  20. This outfit looks divine. Love the coat. I would never have thought to put these two colors together, but it looks fabulous.

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