Royal Visit Could Make Your Commute Royally Difficult
AAA is recommending people use the T to get in and out of the city since drivers are likely to see street closures and reduced parking due to the visit
In today’s daily Debrief, Boston plans to welcome Prince and Princess of Wales — here’s what they have lined up to do. Plus, a married couple found murdered in their Marshfield home, and police say they’re looking for a young man in connection with the crime, and the MSPCA asks for some financial help as care is provided to a young puppy found abandoned on an East Boston street.
As Boston is ready to welcome the British royal family, AAA Northeast is warning commuters who might have a difficult time due to the visit.
Prince William and Princess Catherine landed at Boston Logan International Airport shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday, where they were greeted by Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker. Next, they are set to appear at a welcome event at City Hall Plaza, where Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will meet with the royal couple.
The royal couple’s itinerary also includes stops in Somerville, Cambridge and Chelsea.
Boston, MA – December 2: Prince of Wales William and Princess of Wales Kate are greeted at The Earthshot Prize Awards by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and his wife Lauren (backs to camera). The event was held at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Boston, MA – December 2: From left to right, Chloe Bailey, Prince William, Princess Kate and Halle Bailey at The Earthshot Prize Awards, held at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Boston, MA – December 2: Prince of Wales William, Princess of Wales Kate, and actor Rami Malek chat at at The Earthshot Prize Awards, held at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Boston, MA – December 2: Prince of Wales William, Princess of Wales Kate and David Beckham chat at The Earthshot Prize Awards, held at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Boston, MA – December 2: Prince of Wales William and Princess of Wales Kate make their way to their seats at The Earthshot Prize Awards, held at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
CAMBRIDGE, MA – DECEMBER 2: Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales visits Harvard University on December 2, 2022 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the coastal city of Boston to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, an event which celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet. During their trip, which will last for three days, the royal couple will learn about the environmental challenges Boston faces as well as meeting those who are combating the effects of climate change in the area. (Photo by Paul Edwards-Pool/Getty Images)
CAMBRIDGE, MA – DECEMBER 2: Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales visits The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, as part of her ongoing work to elevate the importance of the early years to lifelong outcomes, on December 2, 2022 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the coastal city of Boston to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, an event which celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet. During their trip, which will last for three days, the royal couple will learn about the environmental challenges Boston faces as well as meeting those who are combating the effects of climate change in the area. (Photo by Paul Edwards-Pool/Getty Images)
President Joe Biden met with Prince William in Boston on Friday afternoon.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 02: Prince William, Prince of Wales visits John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on December 02, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the coastal city of Boston to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, an event which celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet. During their trip, which will last for three days, the royal couple will learn about the environmental challenges Boston faces as well as meeting those who are combating the effects of climate change in the area. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 02: Prince William, Prince of Wales visits John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on December 02, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the coastal city of Boston to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, an event which celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet. During their trip, which will last for three days, the royal couple will learn about the environmental challenges Boston faces as well as meeting those who are combating the effects of climate change in the area. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Boston, MA – December 1: Prince of Wales William and Princess of Wales Kate traveled to East Boston to see the changing face of Boston’s shoreline as the city contends with rising sea levels. They walk with City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Rev. Mariama White-Hammond.
Boston, MA – December 1: Onlookers take cellphone photos of the motorcade of Prince of Wales William and Princess of Wales Kate. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Boston, MA – December 1: Prince of Wales William and Princess of Wales Kate traveled to East Boston to see the changing face of Boston’s shoreline as the city contends with rising sea levels. They walk with City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Rev. Mariama White-Hammond, and Lisa Wieland.
CHELSEA, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 01: Prince William, Prince of Wales during a visit to Roca, a non-profit organisation focusing on high-risk young people, on December 1, 2022 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Rocas mission is to be a relentless force in disrupting incarceration, poverty, and racism by engaging the young adults, police, and systems at the center of urban violence in relationships to address trauma, find hope, and drive change. (Photo by Ian Vogler – Pool/Getty Images)
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CHELSEA, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 01: Crowds gather to see Prince William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales during a visit to Roca, a non-profit organisation focusing on high-risk young people, on December 1, 2022 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Rocas mission is to be a relentless force in disrupting incarceration, poverty, and racism by engaging the young adults, police, and systems at the center of urban violence in relationships to address trauma, find hope, and drive change. (Photo by Ian Vogler – Pool/Getty Images)
Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales speak with startup companies that work at Greentown Labs as they tour the location for a view of green technologies, in Somerville, Massachusetts, on December 1, 2022. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, visit Greentown Labs, which bills itself as the worlds largest climate technology startup incubator, in Somerville, Massachusetts, on December 1, 2022. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
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Henry Dynov-Teixeira, 8, wears a King’s Guard costume while holding flowers as he awaits the arrival of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales to tour Greentown Labs for a view of green technologies developed in Somerville, Massachusetts, on December 1, 2022. (Photo by CJ GUNTHER / POOL / AFP) (Photo by CJ GUNTHER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 01: People wait to greet Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales as they visit Greentown Labs, North America’s largest clean-tech incubator, to learn more about how climate innovation is nurtured and scaled on December 01, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the coastal city of Boston to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, an event which celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet. During their trip, which will last for three days, the royal couple will learn about the environmental challenges Boston faces as well as meeting those who are combating the effects of climate change in the area. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Pool
Massachusetts Gov.-elect Maura Healey, left, appeared to be encouraging William, Prince of Wales, to take a shot with the basketball he had in his hands before the start of the Celtics-Heat game in Boston on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022. He did not, and Princess of Wales Kate laughed at the situation.
Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Pool
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Massachusetts Gov.-elect Maura Healey, Prince of Wales William and Princess of Wales Kate, Emilia Fazzalari and her husband Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck are pictured at TD Garden during the Celtics vs Miami Heat game Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022. Celtics interim head coach Joe Mazzulla is seen in the foreground.
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Former Celtics player and coach Tom “Satch” Sanders (L), Britain’s Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attend the National Basketball Association game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat at TD Garden in downtown Boston,on November 30, 2022. (Photo by BRIAN SNYDER / POOL / AFP) (Photo by BRIAN SNYDER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 30: Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales, center, watch the NBA basketball game between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat during the first quarter at TD Garden on November 30, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
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From left: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Massachusetts Gov.-elect Maura Healey, Prince of Wales William, Princess of Wales Kate, Emilia Fazzalari and her husband, Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, are pictured as Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum says hello just before the start of the game against the Miami Heat at TD Garden in Boston on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022.
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William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, pose with Massachusetts Gov.-elect Maura Healey (center) and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu as they kick off Earthshot celebrations by lighting up City Hall green on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022.
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William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, pose with Mayor Michelle Wu, her husband and, at rear, Gov.-elect Maura Healey to kick off Earthshot celebrations by lighting up Boston City Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022.
Boston, MA – November 30: Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales are greeted by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker at Logan Airport. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images
Boston, MA – November 30: Prince of Wales William and Princess of Wales Kate arrive at Logan Airport. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
John Tlumacki/Pool
Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales are greeted but Governor Charlie Baker at Logan Airport on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022. (John Tlumacki/Globe Staff)
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Boston, MA – November 30: Prince of Wales William and Princess of Wales Kate arrive at Logan Airport. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Boston, MA – November 30: Prince of Wales William and Princess of Wales Kate arrive at Logan Airport. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 30: Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive at Logan International Airport on November 30, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the coastal city of Boston to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, an event which celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet. During their trip, which will last for three days, the royal couple will learn about the environmental challenges Boston faces as well as meeting those who are combating the effects of climate change in the area. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 30: Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives at Logan International Airport on November 30, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the coastal city of Boston to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, an event which celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet. During their trip, which will last for three days, the royal couple will learn about the environmental challenges Boston faces as well as meeting those who are combating the effects of climate change in the area. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 30: Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive at Logan International Airport on November 30, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the coastal city of Boston to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, an event which celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet. During their trip, which will last for three days, the royal couple will learn about the environmental challenges Boston faces as well as meeting those who are combating the effects of climate change in the area. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
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John Tlumacki/Pool
British Airways plane carrying Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales arrived at Logan Airport on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022.
Royal watchers await the arrival of Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, for the Earthshot Prize ceremony, at City Hall Plaza in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 30, 2022. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
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Ashley Langan, a 20-year-old from Pembroke, showed up to Boston City Hall more than five hours early to see the Prince and Princess of Wales. “I’ve been following Will & Kate ever since I was a kid. I was obsessed with them as a kid. This is like my 11-year-old dream come true,” she said.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 30: (NO UK Sales For 28 Days Post Create Date) Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales visit Boston City Hall to start the countdown to The Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony on November 30, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Prince and Princess of Wales are visiting the coastal city of Boston to attend the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, an event which celebrates those whose work is helping to repair the planet. During their trip, which will last for three days, the royal couple will learn about the environmental challenges Boston faces as well as meeting those who are combating the effects of climate change in the area. (Photo by Samir Hussein – Pool/WireImage)
President Joe Biden is also scheduled to arrive in Boston to attend a political fundraising event, adding to the potential for significant traffic disruptions and road closures.
AAA is recommending people use the T to get in and out of the city since drivers are likely to see street closures and reduced parking due to the visit.
There will also be heavy rain and high winds Wednesday into Thursday which will make commuting into the city even more difficult.
There is a possibility that additional stops will be added during the visit.
The head of MassDOT said they have experience with visits from foreign dignitaries but cannot disclose their travel route.
The royals are in town for the Earthshot Prize Awards, and have a string of appearances scheduled ahead of the star-studded award ceremony on Friday.
A tent has been set up due to the rain that's expected in the afternoon.
Prince William and Princess Kate will be in Boston Wednesday ahead of their star-studded Earthshot Prize ceremony on Friday.
With the inclement weather, city officials said it’s hard to say how many people will show up to try to get a glimpse of Prince William and Princess Catherine during their first engagement in Boston. However, they guess it could be in the thousands.
At around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, they will be kicking off the Earthshot celebrations, counting down to the Earthshot Prize Awards Friday, and lighting up City Hall and other landmarks across the city in green.
“I think this is an opportunity to showcase Boston to the rest of the world, showing that we’re moving the needle in terms of the environment," Commissioner of Property Management for the City of Boston Eamon Shelton said.
Thursday, the royals will be visiting Greentown Labs and Roca Inc.
On Friday, Will and Kate will be spending time at The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard and the JFK Library – before wrapping up their visit to Boston with a star-studded Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony at the MGM Music Hall.
City officials and the Consul General to New England said the excitement for the royal visit is palpable.
Prince William and Princess Kate will visit Boston Wednesday.
“I think the excitement levels are pretty high, actually, judging by the reaction on social media and some of the folks that I talked to around Boston," Consul General to New England Peter Abbott said. "Everyone is thrilled and honored as well that the Prince and Princess of Wales would be visiting Boston for the second annual Earthshot Awards, so the excitement levels are high."
What Are the Earthshot Awards?
The Earthshot prize was founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2020. It was inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 challenge to America to land a man on the moon by that decade’s end, and aims to “discover and scale the best solutions to help repair our planet within the next decade,” according to a release.
Earthshot offers 1 million pounds ($1.2 million) in prize money to the winners of five separate categories: nature protection, clean air, ocean revival, waste elimination and climate change. The winners and all 15 finalists also receive help in expanding their projects to meet global demand.
Hannah Jones said the message is clear, we are now living in climate change. Jones said Boston was chosen for the environmental awards ceremony because of the city and state's commitment to climate justice and to sustainability.
The awards show will be co-hosted by actor Daniel Dae Kim and British TV presenter Clara Amfo. Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek will be presenting one of the awards, along with Princess Catherine and other stars.
William and Catherine plan to cover a lot of ground in three days, first meeting with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Wednesday to kick off the countdown to the Earthshot prize awards ceremony. The royal couple's itinerary also includes stops in Somerville, Cambridge and Chelsea.
Performers include popstar Billie Eilish, her brother Finneas, Annie Lennox, Chloe x Halle and Ellie Goulding.
Sir David Attenborough, the naturalist and documentary filmmaker behind shows like "Planet Earth," will appear in the ceremony, and Prince William will give a speech closing out the show.
Prince and Princess to Visit Roca Inc.
The royal couple will also be making their way to Chelsea during their visit, where they will see up close the way one organization uses brain science to help at-risk youth.
Roca Inc. focuses on teens and young adults at the center of violence. They collaborate with police, judges, child protective services and other stakeholders to reduce trauma, violence and incarceration. At the same time, the group works to find youth sustainable employment.
Roca's founder said that despite months of preparation for the royal visit, she's overwhelmed with excitement about the attention this will bring their mission.
Mayor Michelle Wu's office issued a media advisory Monday morning, saying that she will meet the royal couple for a welcome event Wednesday at City Hall Plaza.
"It’s just a huge gift that will elevate the work," Roca CEO and Founder Molly Baldwin said. "There are young people who struggle to connect with the resources we have in this country and we are so honored."
The Prince and Princess will meet with leaders of Roca and spend time with women in the young mothers program on Thursday.
As for Wednesday's event at City Hall Plaza, which is open to the public, Boston city officials have advised that people try to take public transportation. While streets won't be specifically shut down, some may be temporarily blocked off and a lot of the area will have no parking beginning at 7 a.m.
