Prince William and Kate Middleton land in Boston for US trip amid royal race row trends now
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in Boston today at the start of a whirlwind three-day trip to the US.
The couple flew in on a commercial flight from London, landing pouring rain - even as a storm was brewing within the Monarchy back at home.
William and Kate's arrival in Boston came amid a furious race row that was sparked by the Prince's own godmother, Lady Susan Hussey, a former lady-in-waiting to the late Queen.
Lady Hussey resigned from the royal household today, just hours before the Prince and Princess of Wales touched down in the US, after she was accused of racism at a Buckingham Palace reception set up by Queen Consort Camilla.
But William and Kate are 'determined' not to be side-tracked from their mission to launch the Prince's Earthshot Prize awards in America and meet as many people from the local area as possible.
A spokesman described the trip as a 'huge moment' for them.
It is the first time that the couple has visited the US since 2014. Since then, Harry and Meghan have set up home in the States amid a blaze of anger and recriminations against the royal family.
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in Boston today at the start of a whirlwind three-day trip to the US, flying in on a commercial British Airways flight - amid a controversial race row
William and Kate smiled happily in front of the waiting photographers, despite their arrival in Boston coming just hours after the Prince's godmother, Lady Susan Hussey, was accused of making racist comments at a Buckingham Palace event
Kate Middleton, 40, put on an elegant display in a navy blue suit and matching high heels, accessorising the look with a pair of diamond and sapphire earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana
The couple were greeted by Governor Baker of Massachusetts, with William, 40, referring to his adored grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in a statement made upon their arrival, describing her as one of life's great optimists.
He said: '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.
'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. She remembered her 1976 bicentennial visit with great fondness.
'My grandmother was one of life's optimists. And so am I. That is why last year we launched the Earthshot Prize with the ambition to create a truly global platform to inspire hope and urgent optimism as we look to save the future of our planet.
'To the people of Boston, thank you. I'm so grateful to you for allowing us to host the second year of the Earthshot prize in your great city. Catherine and I can't wait to meet many of you in the days ahead.'
In line with the eco-credentials of the Earthshot Prize, which is designed to highlight and support some of the most pioneering projects to protect the environment today, the couple flew commercially and will travel in a hybrid Range Rover throughout their time in the city.
Although President Biden is by coincidence in the city tomorrow on Friday, there are no plans at this stage for them to meet.
'Their schedule hasn't changed,' a spokesman said.
William and Kate's hugely-anticipated arrival is attracting wall-to-wall coverage in the US and will launch at City Hall in Boston where they will be formally greeted by Mayor Michelle Wu, Ambassador Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the assassinated former President John F Kennedy, and presidential climate change envoy, Secretary John Kerry.
It will be the first chance the public get to see the Prince and Princess, before they launch a special countdown to the Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony.
This week Prince William will also visit the John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were greeted at Logan International Airport by Governor Baker of Massachusetts, with William referring to his adored late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in a statement made upon their arrival
The couple arrived at Logan International Airport on a commercial British Airways flight
He and his wife will learn about the work that local organisations are doing to mitigate the risk of rising sea levels in Boston and will tour Greentown Labs, in the nearby town of Somerville, to get an insight into the development of innovative green technologies.
They will also spend time at Roca, a non-profit organisation
