The Prince and Princess of Wales are staying in Boston following the first day of their three-day royal visit in and around the Massachusetts capital, which culminates in the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony.The Earthshot Prize, inspired by President John F. Kennedy's "Moonshot" speech, is an ambitious global environmental prize that aims to discover, celebrate and scale the best solutions to help repair the planet.Several Boston landmarks were lit up in green Wednesday night in honor of the Earthshot awards, including City Hall, TD Garden, the Museum of Science, the Wang Theater and the JFK Presidential Library and Museum.Upon landing at a dreary and rainy Logan Airport, William released a statement on the couple's official Twitter account that thanked Massachusetts for its hospitality."Catherine and I are delighted to be back in the United States and are extremely grateful to Governor Baker and The First Lady of Massachusetts for their warm welcome into Boston," the statement said."It was wonderful to welcome Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales to Boston this afternoon on behalf of the Commonwealth," tweeted Gov. Charlie Baker. "Massachusetts is a national leader in climate change and innovation, and we are excited to host the Earthshot Prize here."Video below: William and Kate land at Logan William's statement also expressed gratitude for the tributes paid by Bostonians to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who died in early September. "On this, our first overseas visit since the death of my grandmother, I would like to thank the people of Massachusetts and particularly of Boston for their many tributes paid to the late Queen," the statement said. "She remembered her 1976 bicentennial visit with great fondness."After being greeted at Boston Logan International Airport by Baker Wednesday afternoon, the royal couple checked into the Four Seasons Hotel before traveling to City Hall to meet with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and her family and tour the building along with Massachusetts Attorney General and Gov.-Elect Maura Healey.U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry were also expected to meet with William and Kate at City Hall, but they were not spotted Wednesday night.Prince William then addressed a crowd that had gathered in City Hall Plaza, where the public was welcome."There are two reasons why Boston was the obvious choice to be the home of The Earthshot Prize in its second year. 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,'" said the Prince of Wales. "It was the 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 in his name."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," the prince said. "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. We cannot wait to celebrate The Earthshot Prize Finalists later this week, and we are both looking forward to spending the next few days learning about the innovative ways the people of Massachusetts are tackling climate change." After the City Hall appearance, William and Kate attended the Boston Celtics' game against the Miami Heat at TD Garden. They sat courtside with Healey, Wu, Boston Celtics owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca, and former Celtics player Tom "Satch" Sanders, who won eight NBA titles with Boston.Boston was announced as the site of the second annual Earthshot awards in early July. The ceremony will be held Friday at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. "To me, this is the perfect place. It shows that they really respect who we are. We're a learned place. We are a place that likes to have facts, and we like the environment," said Dr. Kathryn Lamontagne, a Boston University lecturer in social sciences who formerly worked at Buckingham Palace."The public, when they do come, they'll have an opportunity to hear them speak. They'll have an opportunity to see them. They'll be able to get close," said Eamon Shelton, Boston's commissioner of property management.William and Kate will make a number of other appearances during their trip, including visits to Greentown Labs in Somerville and the Chelsea nonprofit organization Roca on Thursday.On Friday, the princess will visit the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University while the prince visits the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. Prince William will be accompanied by Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, the daughter and only surviving child of John F. Kennedy, during his visit to the JFK Presidential Library and Museum.Boston police will be out in force during the royal visit, but security is expected to go way beyond what the public is used to in the city."With the royals coming, it also involves the intelligence community on a global scale," said Todd McGhee, a retired Massachusetts State Police trooper who is now managing partner of Protecting the Homeland Innovations.The security demands will be even greater on Friday, when President Joe Biden will arrive in Boston to attend a reception for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. The White House confirmed Wednesday that Biden will greet the prince and princess while he is in the city.Kate will be among the star-studded list of presenters for this year's Earthshot Prize winners. William will deliver remarks at the end of the awards ceremony.During the awards ceremony, five Earthshot Prize winners will be selected from a field of 15 finalists — three each in the following five categories: protect and restore nature, clean our air, revive our oceans, build a waste-free world and fix our climate.The five Earthshot winners will receive 1 million pounds ($1.2 million) in prize money while all 15 finalists also receive help in expanding their projects to meet global demand.The trip to Boston marks the first time the British royal couple visited the United States since 2014, when Kate was still the Duchess of Cambridge.
BOSTON — The Prince and Princess of Wales are staying in Boston following the first day of their three-day royal visit in and around the Massachusetts capital, which culminates in the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony.
The Earthshot Prize, inspired by President John F. Kennedy's "Moonshot" speech, is an ambitious global environmental prize that aims to discover, celebrate and scale the best solutions to help repair the planet.
Several Boston landmarks were lit up in green Wednesday night in honor of the Earthshot awards, including City Hall, TD Garden, the Museum of Science, the Wang Theater and the JFK Presidential Library and Museum.
Upon landing at a dreary and rainy Logan Airport, William released a statement on the couple's official Twitter account that thanked Massachusetts for its hospitality.
"Catherine and I are delighted to be back in the United States and are extremely grateful to Governor Baker and The First Lady of Massachusetts for their warm welcome into Boston," the statement said.
"It was wonderful to welcome Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales to Boston this afternoon on behalf of the Commonwealth," tweeted Gov. Charlie Baker. "Massachusetts is a national leader in climate change and innovation, and we are excited to host the Earthshot Prize here."
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Video below: William and Kate land at Logan
William's statement also expressed gratitude for the tributes paid by Bostonians to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who died in early September.
"On this, our first overseas visit since the death of my grandmother, I would like to thank the people of Massachusetts and particularly of Boston for their many tributes paid to the late Queen," the statement said. "She remembered her 1976 bicentennial visit with great fondness."
Charles Krupa
Britain’s Prince William points to a 1970’s photograph of Queen Elizabeth and then-Boston Mayor Kevin White with touring Boston City Hall with Kate, Princess of Wales, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and her family, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, Pool)
After being greeted at Boston Logan International Airport by Baker Wednesday afternoon, the royal couple checked into the Four Seasons Hotel before traveling to City Hall to meet with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and her family and tour the building along with Massachusetts Attorney General and Gov.-Elect Maura Healey.
Nancy Lane
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, right, and her family show photos of the Queen Elizabeth II’s visit in 1976, during the visit of Britain’s Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, to Boston City Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Boston. The Prince and Princess of Wales are making their first overseas trip since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September. (Nancy Lane/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)
U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry were also expected to meet with William and Kate at City Hall, but they were not spotted Wednesday night.
Prince William then addressed a crowd that had gathered in City Hall Plaza, where the public was welcome.
"There are two reasons why Boston was the obvious choice to be the home of The Earthshot Prize in its second year. 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,'" said the Prince of Wales. "It was the 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 in his name.
"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," the prince said. "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. We cannot wait to celebrate The Earthshot Prize Finalists later this week, and we are both looking forward to spending the next few days learning about the innovative ways the people of Massachusetts are tackling climate change."
After the City Hall appearance, William and Kate attended the Boston Celtics' game against the Miami Heat at TD Garden. They sat courtside with Healey, Wu, Boston Celtics owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca, and former Celtics player Tom "Satch" Sanders, who won eight NBA titles with Boston.
Boston was announced as the site of the second annual Earthshot awards in early July. The ceremony will be held Friday at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway.
"To me, this is the perfect place. It shows that they really respect who we are. We're a learned place. We are a place that likes to have facts, and we like the environment," said Dr. Kathryn Lamontagne, a Boston University lecturer in social sciences who formerly worked at Buckingham Palace.
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Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, arrive at Boston Logan International Airport, Wednesday, Nov. 30
PHOTO: Pool
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Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, arrive at Boston Logan International Airport, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Boston. They were met by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and first lady Lauren Baker.
PHOTO: John Tlumacki/Pool
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Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, arrive at Boston Logan International Airport, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Boston. They were met by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, rear, and first lady Lauren Baker.
PHOTO: Pool
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Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, wave to an audience as they take to the stage during ceremonies, Wednesday, Nov. 30.
PHOTO: Steven Senne
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Crowds of people wave as Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, walk to Boston City Hall Plaza, Wednesday, Nov. 30
PHOTO: Charles Krupa
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Britain's Prince William points to a 1970's photograph of Queen Elizabeth and then-Boston Mayor Kevin White with touring Boston City Hall with Kate, Princess of Wales, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and her family, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Boston.
PHOTO: Charles Krupa
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Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, chat with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and her sons Blaise and Cass in her office at Boston City Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
PHOTO: Stuart Cahill
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Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, chat with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, right, and her family, from left, husband Conor Perwarski and sons Blaise and Cass in her office at Boston City Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 30 in Boston.
PHOTO: Reba Saldanha
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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, right, and her family show photos of the Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 1976, during the visit of Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, to Boston City Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Boston.
PHOTO: Nancy Lane
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Boston City Hall is illuminated with green light following a ceremony attended by Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Boston. The ceremony was held to highlight the Earthshot Prize.
PHOTO: AP Photo/Steven Senne
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Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, arrive for an NBA basketball game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Boston.
PHOTO: AP Photo/Charles Krupa
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From left to right, Celtics owner Steve Pagliuca, Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu, Governor-elect Maura Healey, Britain's Prince William, Kate, Princess of Wales, Emilia Fazzalari, wife of Celtics owners Wyc Grousebeck and Wyc Grousebeck watch an NBA basketball game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022.
PHOTO: Brian Snyder
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From left to right, Celtics owner Steve Pagliuca, Governor-elect Maura Healey, Britain's Prince William, Kate, Princess of Wales, and Emilia Fazzalari wife of Celtics owner Wyc Grousebeck watch an NBA basketball game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022.
PHOTO: Brian Snyder/Pool Photo via AP
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Britain's Prince William walks during halftime of an NBA basketball game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat in downtown Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022.
PHOTO: Brian Snyder
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Britain's Prince William, and Kate, Princess of Wales, attend an NBA basketball game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022.
PHOTO: Brian Snyder
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Massachusetts Gov.-elect Maura Healey looks on as Britain's Prince William is handed a basketball by Kate, Princess of Wales, as they attend an NBA basketball game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Boston.
PHOTO: Brian Snyder
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Britain's Prince William talks with former Boston Celtics player Satch Sanders during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Celtics and the Miami Heat, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Boston.
PHOTO: Charles Krupa
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Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, right, laugh during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Boston.
PHOTO: AP Photo/Charles Krupa
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Prince William and Princess Kate visit Greentown Labs in Somerville
PHOTO: WCVB
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Prince and Princess of Wales inside of North America's largest clean-tech incubator Greentown Labs.
PHOTO: Prince and Princess of Wales
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Britain's Prince William, and Kate, Princess of Wales, meet Henry Dynov-Teixeira, of Brookline, dressed up as a member of the royal guard in Somerville.
PHOTO: Prince and Princess of Wales
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Prince and Princess of Wales visits Roca that works to reduce levels of trauma, violence and incarceration, create sustained employment and support young parents.
PHOTO: Kensington Royal
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Catherine, Princess of Wales, connects with children at Roca in Chelsea.
PHOTO: Kensington Royal
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Britain's Prince William greets people in the crowd after a visit to Roca on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, in Chelsea, Ma.
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Princess Kate waves to crowds in Cambridge that gathered outside Harvard University.
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Prince William was greeted by Ambassador Caroline Kennedy at the JFK Library in Boston on Friday, where he will tour the museum and later meet with President Joe Biden.
PHOTO: Matt Stone
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Britain's Prince William and U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President Kennedy, along with her children John and Tatiana Schlossberg tour the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Boston.
PHOTO: Matt Stone
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Britain's Prince William tours a space exhibit with U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President Kennedy, and her children Tatiana and Jack at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Boston.
PHOTO: Charles Krupa
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President Joe Biden meets with Britain's Prince William outside the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Boston.
PHOTO: AP Photo
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President Joe Biden meets with Britain's Prince William outside the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, in Boston.
PHOTO: AP Photo
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Britain's Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales are greeted by Hannah Jones, CEO of the Earthshot Prize, as they arrive for the the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park
PHOTO: AP Photo
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Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales, greet U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry as they attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway
PHOTO: Brian Snyder
"The public, when they do come, they'll have an opportunity to hear them speak. They'll have an opportunity to see them. They'll be able to get close," said Eamon Shelton, Boston's commissioner of property management.
William and Kate will make a number of other appearances during their trip, including visits to Greentown Labs in Somerville and the Chelsea nonprofit organization Roca on Thursday.
On Friday, the princess will visit the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University while the prince visits the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. Prince William will be accompanied by Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, the daughter and only surviving child of John F. Kennedy, during his visit to the JFK Presidential Library and Museum.
Boston police will be out in force during the royal visit, but security is expected to go way beyond what the public is used to in the city.
"With the royals coming, it also involves the intelligence community on a global scale," said Todd McGhee, a retired Massachusetts State Police trooper who is now managing partner of Protecting the Homeland Innovations.
The security demands will be even greater on Friday, when President Joe Biden will arrive in Boston to attend a reception for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. The White House confirmed Wednesday that Biden will greet the prince and princess while he is in the city.
Kate will be among the star-studded list of presenters for this year's Earthshot Prize winners. William will deliver remarks at the end of the awards ceremony.
During the awards ceremony, five Earthshot Prize winners will be selected from a field of 15 finalists — three each in the following five categories: protect and restore nature, clean our air, revive our oceans, build a waste-free world and fix our climate.
The five Earthshot winners will receive 1 million pounds ($1.2 million) in prize money while all 15 finalists also receive help in expanding their projects to meet global demand.
The trip to Boston marks the first time the British royal couple visited the United States since 2014, when Kate was still the Duchess of Cambridge.
