Five Takeaways from the Royal Visit to Boston
So many thoughts from following Will and Kate’s busy trip.
I am back in Los Angeles after a wonderful, whirlwind trip to Boston. William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, spent three days traversing the city in a flurry of engagements, amid news of racist comments from a (now-departed) palace aide and the first look at the Sussexes’ new docu-series with Netflix.
First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who came out to my book signing at Beacon Hill Books and the Royally Obsessed cocktail party, as well as every single one of you who shouted “Elizabeth!” and said hello. Meeting so many people from the SMT community was THE BEST part of the trip. You all made three days of waiting in the weather for a glimpse of the princess so much fun.
Below are five takeaways from the royal visit to Boston based on my on-the-ground observations. The first few are open to all, the last two (from inside the Earthshot Prize ceremony and Catherine’s fashion) are available to paid subscribers, as are the comments here. A trip like this is made possible by your support! Thank you! If you are a free subscriber, consider upgrading today for $5 a month. And if for any reason you can afford a subscription, email me at Hello@SoManyThoughts.com.
Boston Looked Good
When I first heard that the royals were coming to Boston, I thought: Huh, why Boston? As I talked about in my trip primer, a number of reasons became clear quite quickly, including the Kennedy connection and the efforts by the city to combat climate change. “Boston was also the obvious choice,” Prince William said in his remarks at city hall upon arriving, “because your universities, research centers and vibrant start-up scene make you a global leader in science, innovation and boundless ambition.”
I hadn’t anticipated just how much Boston would share the royal spotlight. The city, and the commonwealth, looked good! Especially with all of the women at the helm. I loved the chance to learn more about 37-year-old Mayor Michelle Wu and Governor-elect Maura Healey, who Emily’s List called “A trailblazing leader for LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights.”
What’s more, I was heartened that before both the city hall welcome and the start of Earthshot speakers called out the need to recognize the Indigenous Massachusetts Peoples. Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, who serves as the chief of environment, energy, and open space for the city of Boston, had this to say in her remarks Wednesday evening:
“I invite us all to consider the legacy of colonialism and racism, the ways it has impacted people across the world, and its connection — its deep connection — to the degradation of the land and our planet that we are all seeking to reverse.”
A Packed, Planned Itinerary
The Waleses packed a lot into their short visit with a busy slate of engagements that took them in and around the city. Watching it all unfold, I very much understood this was a business trip for the couple (Kate’s suits underscored that, too). Aside from the Celtics game, everything was laser-focused on the work they have done for years, highlighting the importance of sustainability (Greentown Labs in Somerville), helping disadvantaged youth (Roca in Chelsea), and promoting early childhood education (Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child in Cambridge).
After two of those visits, there were impromptu walkabouts to greet the crowds. Those made for great pics! But I wish there had been one — just one — more moment where they could look a bit more casual and at ease. The photos are them in meetings, talking and listening, rather than them doing something. I’m thinking of the times on previous overseas trips where the couple played sports or tried a local cuisine. Just something to lower the formality of it all. I think the closest we came was the adorable uniform-clad kiddo who greeted them in Somerville.
The Crowds Went…Wild or Mild (Depending on Where You Were)
Speaking of the crowds. I made my way to four of the eight public events the royals attended: the Waleses’ arrival at city hall Wednesday evening, the waterfront visit Thursday afternoon, Kate’s Harvard stop Friday morning and Earthshot that evening. More on Earthshot below, but at the other three I would say the crowds were smaller than I anticipated upon arrival. I showed up about two hours before the royals each time and easily got a spot at the front of the barricade. Not the best spot, to be sure! But a good spot. The number of people steadily grew as the scheduled arrival approached, anchored by fans and filled in by curious folks passing by. I was always surrounded by big fans of Kate, in particular. It was a bit of a bubble, to be sure! But the excitement was palpable, with lots of eager smiles and even the occasional squeal.
Outside of those settings, I wouldn’t say the sentiment was widespread throughout the city. I did chuckle at this New York Times headline, “Bostonians’ Take on the Royals’ Whirlwind Visit? Whatevah.” And another, from the Boston Globe: “The royals were in Somerville. People were worried about what that meant for trips to Market Basket.” A chat I had with two women outside of Earthshot confirmed that Massachusetts dwellers aren’t easily impressed by much of anyone who isn’t David Ortiz. Which is to say, tough crowd!
The best exchange I had all week was with a Boston cop at the frigid waterfront engagement. He walked up to the line of us hanging over a fence waiting for Will and Kate’s arrival and said — in the thickest Boston accent — “So does anyone watch the Crown?” I asked him if he was a fan of the royals. He immediately answered, “Oh yeah, yeah, yeah,” nodding supportively. Then he paused for a second and added, “I really like Harry.”
Inside Earthshot
The trip strategically built to the main event on Friday evening, with big engagements for both the prince (JFK Library tour and a meeting with US President Joe Biden) and princess (a stop at Harvard’s Center for the Developing Child) before coming together at the new MGM Music Hall at Fenway. My press credentials got me a ticket to the media section inside, which was filled with royal reporters. We were seated in the upper balcony with a birds-eye view of the show.