Prince William Thanks the "Hardy Bostonians Braving the Rain" at First Event in the U.S.
Temperatures in the 50s and dreary, non-stop rain couldn't put a damper on the excitement outside Boston City Hall this afternoon, where raincoat-clad onlookers gathered to catch a glimpse of the newly named Prince and Princess of Wales on American soil. When Will and Kate finally stepped out onto the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers, with some even standing on trash cans to get a better view. (A few particularly enterprising fans appeared to have brought their own step stools.)
The opening line of Prince William's speech also got a big reaction from the sea of umbrellas: "Thank you Mayor Wu, and may I say, thank you to all the hardy Bostonians braving the rain tonight."
In brief remarks, William then went on to share a bit about why he chose to bring his environmental initiative, the Earthshot Prize, to the Massachusetts capital this year.
"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.' 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," the Prince of Wales said.
"Boston was also the obvious choice because your universities, research centres and vibrant start-up scene make you a global leader in science, innovation and boundless ambition."
He closed by previewing the royals' packed schedule for the days ahead, which includes not only the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony on Friday, but also a meeting with President Biden, a visit to the JFK Library for William and a trip to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University for Kate, among several other engagements. "We cannot wait to celebrate The Earthshot Prize Finalists later on 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. Thank you," he said before teaming up with Kate, Massachusetts Governor Elect Maura Healy and Mayor Wu to officially kick off the Earthshot celebration by lighting up City Hall, and many other local landmarks, green.
Prior to taking the stage, Will and Kate had two audiences. First, they enjoyed tea and cake with Governor Elect Healey and City Council President Ed Flynn. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of JFK and Jackie Kennedy, was expected to attend as well, but she was unable to make it.
Then, the Waleses visited Mayor Michelle Wu in her office, where they also met Wu's husband Conor Pewarski, and their two sons Blaise (7) and Cass (5). The group was heard discussing the importance of the environment as well as composting. Kate also asked Blaise and Cass about their studies.
As they prepared to head outside to greet the crowds, Wu pointed out black and white photos of Queen Elizabeth's 1976 trip to Boston in honor of the U.S.'s bicentennial, which had been hung in the hall way in honor of this week's visit.
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