I live in Boston and (obvious as a subscriber to SMT) am a huge royal watcher. That said, I don't know anyone who is excited about the itinerary or visit.
I'm concerned that the Lady Susan Hussey thing will put a cloud over everything and rekindle the M&H's comments about racism in the royal family. If William's godmother was saying these things, then who else in the royal family is saying things? I don't think she is alone in her ignorance or bigotry. Boston has a long history of racial tension and while we have made some strides in that regard we still have a nasty reputation for being a 'white' city.
So all this calls into question why Boston? I get the Kennedy connection Earth Shot/ Moon Shot connection, but none of the Kennedy's live here anymore. A more cynical side could say that W&C came to Boston because it is a white, wealthy, class-centric city where they thought they would easily get a warm welcome after the disaster in the Caribbean. What's more, they visit decedents of American Royalty from a bygone (sexist/ racist) era, rub elbows with celebrities from out of town at a glitzy new theater rather than one of our beautiful non-profit gems, go to gentrified Somerville to a cool, good-work lab but one that displaced much-needed housing, visit the Center for Developing Children at HARVARD, and then for good measure went to Chelsea to see the excellent people of Roca, which feels like an afterthought.
What really grinds my gears is that Massachusetts has the highest or second highest childcare cost in the nation so I think it's really lovely that Catherine is visiting Harvard to talk about early care but when an average family can't afford the $21K/ year to send their kid to daycare in Massachusetts and there is staffing crisis because the pay is so low, it seems more than a little out of touch.
I'm disappointed and I really wanted to be excited. They're coming off as just two more rich, privileged tourists.
I think it's interesting that Caroline Kennedy is meeting with the royals. I think Caroline Kennedy and Chelsea Clinton are the only two people who can relate to Prince William as far as being children of parents in famous scandals. (Of course, Kennedy and Clinton had the freedom of choosing their career.) I would love to hear the conversation between Caroline and William!
I do not think mixed perceptions of William and Kate will change unless he reconciles with his brother. Fin. And I love the green dress Kate wore in Jamaica and wish she could wear it again, but yes, awkward, especially after the shameful Lady SH debacle this week.
They should make a pit stop to Regina's during 2-4 in the afternoon to avoid the lines. They can order a personal size Pollo Pesto and a pitcher of Sam Adams.
I would love for her to repurpose her dark green maternity dress when she was pregnant with Louis - if she could have it taken in , it would #chefskiss
I'm hoping to see her wear the green The Vampire's Wife dress to the Earthshot Awards. I think the sparkle and *wow* factor are perfect for the event and the city will be lit green for the occasion. It's the perfect re-wear, IMO!
I also had the SAME thought about the sporting events when I realized the Bruins and Celtics both had home games. My money is on an evening sporting event!
I live in Boston and (obvious as a subscriber to SMT) am a huge royal watcher. That said, I don't know anyone who is excited about the itinerary or visit.
I'm concerned that the Lady Susan Hussey thing will put a cloud over everything and rekindle the M&H's comments about racism in the royal family. If William's godmother was saying these things, then who else in the royal family is saying things? I don't think she is alone in her ignorance or bigotry. Boston has a long history of racial tension and while we have made some strides in that regard we still have a nasty reputation for being a 'white' city.
So all this calls into question why Boston? I get the Kennedy connection Earth Shot/ Moon Shot connection, but none of the Kennedy's live here anymore. A more cynical side could say that W&C came to Boston because it is a white, wealthy, class-centric city where they thought they would easily get a warm welcome after the disaster in the Caribbean. What's more, they visit decedents of American Royalty from a bygone (sexist/ racist) era, rub elbows with celebrities from out of town at a glitzy new theater rather than one of our beautiful non-profit gems, go to gentrified Somerville to a cool, good-work lab but one that displaced much-needed housing, visit the Center for Developing Children at HARVARD, and then for good measure went to Chelsea to see the excellent people of Roca, which feels like an afterthought.
What really grinds my gears is that Massachusetts has the highest or second highest childcare cost in the nation so I think it's really lovely that Catherine is visiting Harvard to talk about early care but when an average family can't afford the $21K/ year to send their kid to daycare in Massachusetts and there is staffing crisis because the pay is so low, it seems more than a little out of touch.
I'm disappointed and I really wanted to be excited. They're coming off as just two more rich, privileged tourists.
I think it's interesting that Caroline Kennedy is meeting with the royals. I think Caroline Kennedy and Chelsea Clinton are the only two people who can relate to Prince William as far as being children of parents in famous scandals. (Of course, Kennedy and Clinton had the freedom of choosing their career.) I would love to hear the conversation between Caroline and William!
Would love to see the Vampires Wife dress, could pre-empt earth shot in Dublin next year
I do not think mixed perceptions of William and Kate will change unless he reconciles with his brother. Fin. And I love the green dress Kate wore in Jamaica and wish she could wear it again, but yes, awkward, especially after the shameful Lady SH debacle this week.
Celtics! I kinda squealed when I saw your prediction was right!
They should make a pit stop to Regina's during 2-4 in the afternoon to avoid the lines. They can order a personal size Pollo Pesto and a pitcher of Sam Adams.
I would love for her to repurpose her dark green maternity dress when she was pregnant with Louis - if she could have it taken in , it would #chefskiss
I'm hoping to see her wear the green The Vampire's Wife dress to the Earthshot Awards. I think the sparkle and *wow* factor are perfect for the event and the city will be lit green for the occasion. It's the perfect re-wear, IMO!
I also had the SAME thought about the sporting events when I realized the Bruins and Celtics both had home games. My money is on an evening sporting event!
I am curious how the resignation of Lady Susan Hussey and the UK interview about security risks to the Sussexes will affect the visit
Elizabeth, do we have any clue on timing for the Harvard visit and/or Earthshot Ceremony start if we want to try and get a peak of W+K?