William and Kate: Prince’s godmother quits Buckingham Palace role in race row as couple begin Boston visit

Prince William and his wife Kate arrive in the US on Wednesday for their first trip abroad since the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension to the throne of King Charles III.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, as they are now titled, have not visited America since 2014 when they attended events in New York City and Washington, DC.

They will visit Boston, primarily to attend an awards ceremony for the Earthshot environmental prize the prince set up. The royal couple will also visit the John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum where they will meet his daughter Caroline Kennedy.

The media spotlight of what is billed as a royal trip rather than a more traditional tour will be more intense as the heir to the throne’s California-based younger brother Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle will be in New York a few days later.

They will be honoured for their commitment to social change at the Robert F Kennedy Ripple of Hope Awards, which comes ahead of the release of a Netflix documentary and a revealing memoir by the prince. There are reportedly no plans for the couples to meet.

What is on the agenda for the prince and princess in Boston?

• America prepares to welcome William and Kate

• What is the Earthshot Prize and who will be attending?

• No plans for royal couples to meet in US, report says

• Will sibling unease dog the trip?

• Buckingham Palace aide resigns amid race row

The Earthshot Prize comes to Boston

17:56 , Oliver O'Connell

Lady Susan Hussey pictured at Prince William’s confirmation

17:45 , Oliver O'Connell

As Prince William’s godmother and a lady-in-waiting for Queen Elizabeth II, Lady Susan Hussey is a close member of the inner circle of the royal family.

Here she is pictured at the Prince of Wales’s confirmation in 1997.

Who is protecting the Prince and Princess of Wales when they visit Boston?

17:22 , Oliver O'Connell

When the royal family travels overseas, security is the top priority, and planning will have started months out from the Prince and Princess of Wales’s trip to Boston.

In the US, the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is responsible for the protection of Prince William and Princess Catherine during their three-day trip to Massachusetts, their first visit to America since 2014.

Agents from the DSS spoke with ABC News about the role of the agency and the process of arranging security for the royal couple.

“We are the law enforcement and security arm of the US Department of State and we protect the secretary of state, foreign dignitaries who are visiting the United States, foreign ministers, former heads of state, members of the royal family, in this case, as well as US citizens, athletes, corporate sponsors,” Andrew Wroblewski, the deputy assistant secretary and assistant director of the US Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) for domestic operations said.

Mr Wroblewski, who in the past has served on various protective details, said the agency has been working with the UK to firm up William and Kate’s schedule and protection strategy.

“So, whenever the Diplomatic Security Service has a visiting foreign dignitary, what we do is we assess the threat against that dignitary in the United States,” he explained.

“We have our Threat Investigations and Analysis Directorate, they’ll actually look at all source reporting from open source to classified intelligence. And we’ll make it a determination on whether or not we need to protect that person and at what level we need to provide protection.”

Matthew O’Brien who, as the assistant special agent in charge of the Boston DSS field, will be leading coverage for the visit, told ABC News preparations began in September.

The operation spans multiple jurisdictions and involves 11 law enforcement agencies, from local police to state police and the federal government.

“I’m confident in the plan we’ve we’ve built,” he told the network. “I will say that we cannot do anything without our state and local partners.”

‘Finding Freedom’ author notes ‘speedy response’ from palace over racism row

17:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Journalist Omid Scobie, the co-author of the 2020 book Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of A Modern Royal Family, notes Buckingham Palace has been quick off the mark to respond to the allegations of racism as the Prince and Princess of Wales head to the US on their first overseas trip since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

He tweeted: “A speedy response from the Palace, who have a history of silence or denial for incidents regarding race. Lessons finally learned? Or is this just not wanting anything to overshadow the Wales' Boston visit. Arriving in the US amidst another race scandal wouldn't be the best start.”

EXCLUSIVE: Charity boss accuses Buckingham Palace of institutional racism

16:30 , Oliver O'Connell

A Black charity boss has called for anti-racism training in royal workplaces after the late Queen’s lady-in-waiting resigned for making offensive remarks during a Buckingham Palace event.

Ngozi Fulani, of Sistah Space, Britain’s leading domestic abuse charity for Black women, said she had not yet received an apology from the Palace after the “traumatic” encounter which saw Lady Susan Hussey ask her what part of Africa she was from.

The palace aide, who served as Elizabeth II’s lady in waiting for more than 60 years, has since stepped down from her honorary role and expressed her “profound apologies for the hurt caused”.

“This is bigger than one individual. It’s institutional racism,” Ms Fulani told The Independent.

Charity boss accuses Palace of institutional racism after ‘traumatic’ encounter

Prince William responds to race row: ‘Racism has no place in society’

16:09 , Oliver O'Connell

“Racism has no place in our society” and the comments made at a Buckingham Palace reception were “unacceptable”, Prince William’s spokesperson has said.

This comes as Lady Susan Hussey, the late Queen’s lady-in-waiting, resigned and apologised after she made “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments” by asking Ngozi Fulani, a prominent Black advocate for survivors of domestic abuse, where she “really came from”.

William says ‘racism has no place in society’ as aide quits over Palace race row

Prince of Wales’s godmother resigns from palace role amid race row

15:53 , Oliver O'Connell

The member of the Buckingham Palace household who resigned after “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments” made to a Black charity boss is Prince Williams godmother, it has been revealed.

Ngozi Fulani, founder of Britain’s leading domestic abuse charity for Black women, says she was left “traumatised” after she was asked racially offensive questions about her heritage at the event.

Thomas Kingsley reports.

Prince William’s godmother resigns from Buckingham Palace role amid race row

What is the Earthshot Prize?

15:41 , Oliver O'Connell

Prince William’s annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony will take place on Friday 2 December, rewarding five individuals or organisations for their contributions to environmentalism and promoting solutions to climate change.

The ceremony itself will be presided over by a starry lineup of presenters including the Prince and Princess of Wales themselves, Sir David Attenborough, American actors Rami Malek, Catherine O’Hara, Shailene Woodley and Daniel Dae Kim and British radio and TV personality Clara Amfo.

Joe Sommerlad explains the intention of the prize and how it was conceived.

What is the Earthshot Prize and who will headline its awards ceremony?

Princess of Wales backs The Independent’s cost-of-living campaign

15:09 , Oliver O'Connell

The Princess of Wales today backed our On The Breadline Christmas appeal in partnership with the Evening Standard to help people struggling with the cost of living crisis.

In a heartfelt message, she thanked our readers and partners for supporting our “incredibly important” appeal, which she said is making a real difference to those in need.

The Independent’s Royal Editor Robert Jobson reports.

Princess of Wales backs The Independent’s Christmas cost of living campaign

Police investigated ‘disgusting and credible’ plots against Meghan Markle

14:49 , Oliver O'Connell

Police have investigated many “disgusting” and “very real” threats to the Duchess of Sussex, the former head of UK counter-terror policing has said.

There has “absolutely” been a genuine threat to Meghan’s life on multiple occasions, and people have been prosecuted as a result, said Neil Basu, an assistant commissioner at the Metropolitan Police.

Andy Gregory has the story.

‘Disgusting’ plots against Meghan Markle investigated by police

What to expect from the royal visit

14:29 , Oliver O'Connell

The Prince and Princess of Wales are on their way to the US ahead of the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony.

The royal couple will spend three days across the pond for a trip that will culminate in the star-studded ceremony, which will bring together activists, policymakers, and performers to celebrate the 2022 cohort of finalists.

When will Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive in the US?

Buckingham Palace aide resigns amid race row

14:08 , Oliver O'Connell

A member of the Buckingham Palace household has resigned after “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments” were made to a Black charity boss at the Queen Consort’s reception.

Ngozi Fulani, founder of Britain’s leading domestic abuse charity for Black women, says she was left “traumatised” after she was asked racially offensive questions about her heritage at the event.

The Independent’s Race Correspondent Nadine White reports.

Buckingham Palace aide quits after charity boss asked ‘Where in Africa are you from?’

No plans for royal couples to meet in US, report says

09:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The Prince and Princess of Wales and Duke and Duchess of Sussex will likely not meet this week despite their potentially overlapping trips to the east coast of the US, ET reports, citing a source close to William and Kate.

Just over a month ago, Us Weekly reported that the princess was keen on the four reuniting in New York City during their December visits, after she and the prince visited Boston, and while Harry and Meghan are there for the Robert F Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award Gala.

“Once Kate and William’s Boston plans are set in stone, she’s [Kate] planning to extend an olive branch to Meghan in a bid to reunite the brothers and heal the rift,” a source told the magazine in mid-October.

“Harry and Meghan are knee-deep with their hectic schedules, but Meghan is willing to put in the effort as long as dates don’t clash,” the source added. Kate’s hope to mend the group’s strained relationship stems from what she believes the late Queen and Princess Diana “would’ve wanted” for them.

Sibling unease dogs royal trip to US

09:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Prince William and the Princess of Wales will be looking to focus attention on their Earthshot Prize for environmental innovators when they make their first visit to the US in eight years this week, a trip likely to be dogged by tensions with Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, who have criticized Britain’s royal family in the American media.

William and his wife, Catherine, will travel to Boston on Wednesday for three days of public engagements before announcing the prize winners on Friday.

Read more via The Associated Press’s Danica Kirka.

William and Kate visit Boston for environmental awards - live

What’s on the agenda for the royal couple?

07:25 , Oliver O'Connell

It might be a short trip, but the royal couple has plenty packed in before the Earthshot Prize Ceremony on Friday night.

William and Kate will be welcomed at Boston City Hall by Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, before visiting the John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum with Ambassador Caroline Kennedy.

They will also see the work being done by local organisations to mitigate the risk of rising sea levels, a threat faced by the coastal city of Boston. The couple is set to spend time learning about some of the “green technologies” being developed in the area when they go to Greentown Labs in Somerville.

In addition to learning about climate-related challenges in Boston, William and Kate will also spend some time meeting with groups who work to support vulnerable members of the local community.

One of the organisations they will learn about is Roca, a non-profit that has been working for nearly 35 years to “bring public systems together in a cohesive approach” to help high-risk young people.

Kate also has a special visit of her own to make while in Boston. She will visit the Centre on the Developing Child at Harvard University, which is a world leader in research into the lifelong impact of experiences in early childhood.

The Princess is the royal patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance in the UK, as well as Action For Children and several other family and children-focused charities.

What we know about the Prince and Princess of Wales’s visit to Boston

06:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Prince William and Princess Catherine will arrive in the US later today ahead of the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony.

The royal couple will spend three days in Boston for a trip that will culminate in the star-studded ceremony, bringing together activists, policymakers, and performers to celebrate the 2022 cohort of finalists.

Here’s everything we know so far about the trip:

When will Prince William and Kate Middleton arrive in the US?

Meghan Markle addresses rumours about reality TV show

04:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Meghan Markle has addressed some of the rumours, which first circulated when she moved to the US in 2020, that she’ll be starring in a reality TV show.

Amber Raiken reports on what the duchess said.

Meghan Markle addresses reality TV show rumours

Watch: Prince and Princess of Wales visit Scarborough to discuss mental health funding

03:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Prince William and Princess Kate met with Scarborough locals to discuss how new funding for mental health support should be allocated.

This video shows the royal couple being greeted by cheering crowds as they arrived at The Rainbow Centre, a community centre.

The prince and princess heard stories of people who were being helped by the open-door support provided by the hub to anyone in need.

Said funding was created in a collaboration with the Two Ridings Community Foundation.

Prince William and Princess Kate visit Scarborough to launch mental health funding

Former private secretary says Kate ‘guides the family’

02:25 , Oliver O'Connell

The former secretary of the Prince of Wales has called the Princess of Wales a “matriarch” and said that she “guides the family”.

Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who was the private secretary to Prince William, Kate Middleton, and the Duke to Sussex from 2005 to 2013, added that he thinks Kate will take on the Princess of Wales title with “humility”.

Laura Hampson reports.

William’s former private secretary says Kate Middleton ‘guides the family’

What is the Earthshot Prize and who will headline its awards ceremony?

01:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Now in its second year, the extravaganza will be held at the MGM Music Hall in Boston, Massachusetts, and feature performances from pop superstars Billie Eilish, Annie Lennox, Ellie Goulding and Chloe x Halle.

The ceremony itself will be presided over by a starry lineup of presenters including the Prince and Princess of Wales themselves, Sir David Attenborough, American actors Rami Malek, Catherine O’Hara, Shailene Woodley and Daniel Dae Kim and British radio and TV personality Clara Amfo.

Joe Sommerlad has the details.

What is the Earthshot Prize and who will headline its awards ceremony?

Watch: Prince William carries out first official engagement as Duke of Cornwall

00:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Prince William has carried out his first-ever official engagement as the Duke of Cornwall.

This video shows the prince meeting with local children during his trip to the seven-acre Newquay Orchard.

While there, he also spoke with organisations supporting the community and staff working for the Duchy of Cornwall.

The orchard provides environmental education and training to members of the public.

His father, King Charles, bestowed the title on him when he ascended to the throne following the passing of Queen Elizabeth.

Prince William carries out first official engagement as Duke of Cornwall

Why are Harry and Meghan receiving a prestigious human rights award?

Tuesday 29 November 2022 23:25 , Oliver O'Connell

The president of the Robert F Kennedy foundation has revealed why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be given a prestigious human rights award.

Kate Ng reports.

Kerry Kennedy explains why Harry and Meghan will get prestigious human rights award

Earthshot Prize ceremony to air on PBS, BBC

Tuesday 29 November 2022 22:25 , Oliver O'Connell

The Earthshot Prize to honor groundbreaking solutions to environmental issues, will broadcast its second ceremony on PBS and the BBC.

Here’s when and how to watch:

Prince William's Earthshot Prize ceremony to air on PBS, BBC

Prince William’s resemblance to Princess Diana in viral video stuns fans

Tuesday 29 November 2022 21:55 , Oliver O'Connell

Royal fans are doing a double take after a video showing the Prince of Wales’ uncanny resemblance to the late Princess Diana went viral online.

The video, which has 4.5m views on TikTok, compares Prince William’s expression to his mother’s in what many commenters are calling “the Spencer look”.

Meredith Clark has the story.

Prince William’s resemblance to Princess Diana in viral video stuns fans

Watch: Prince William announces finalists for million-pound Earthshot prize

Tuesday 29 November 2022 21:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Prince William has revealed the finalists for his second environmental competition, the Earthshot Prize.

Five winners, awarded for contributions to environmentalism, will receive a £1m prize to develop their products.

For the first time, two of those shortlisted are based in the UK; London’s Notpla Hard Material, which makes packaging from seaweed and plants, and County Durham’s Low Carbon Materials (LCM), which uses unrecyclable plastic waste to make traditional concrete blocks carbon-zero.

Prince William announces finalists for million-pound Earthshot prize

Who is performing at the Earthshot Prize Awards?

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Megan Graye reports on who will perform and be seen at the star-studded Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston on Friday night.

Who’s performing at the Earthshot Prize 2022?

Prince William takes neutral stance in home nations World Cup clash

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:38 , Oliver O'Connell

The Prince of Wales has taken a neutral stance in a social media post about the crunch World Cup game between England and Wales, after previously saying he could not drop his support for the English team.

William and the Princess of Wales’s official Twitter page posted the message “Here we go…may the best team win!” in English and Welsh ahead of Tuesday’s game in Qatar.

Prince William takes neutral stance in home nations World Cup clash

No plans for royal couples to meet in US, report says

Tuesday 29 November 2022 20:23 , Oliver O'Connell

The Prince and Princess of Wales and Duke and Duchess of Sussex will likely not meet this week despite their potentially overlapping trips to the east coast of the US, ET reports, citing a source close to William and Kate.

Just over a month ago, Us Weeklyreported that the princess was keen on the four reuniting in New York City during their December visits, after she and the prince visited Boston, and while Harry and Meghan are there for the Robert F Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award Gala.

“Once Kate and William’s Boston plans are set in stone, she’s [Kate] planning to extend an olive branch to Meghan in a bid to reunite the brothers and heal the rift,” a source told the magazine in mid-October.

“Harry and Meghan are knee-deep with their hectic schedules, but Meghan is willing to put in the effort as long as dates don’t clash,” the source added. Kate’s hope to mend the group’s strained relationship stems from what she believes the late Queen and Princess Diana “would’ve wanted” for them.

Sibling unease dogs royal trip to US

Tuesday 29 November 2022 19:25 , Oliver O'Connell

Prince William and the Princess of Wales will be looking to focus attention on their Earthshot Prize for environmental innovators when they make their first visit to the US in eight years this week, a trip likely to be dogged by tensions with Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, who have criticized Britain’s royal family in the American media.

William and his wife, Catherine, will travel to Boston on Wednesday for three days of public engagements before announcing the prize winners on Friday.

Read more via The Associated Press’s Danica Kirka.

Sibling unease dogs Prince William's 'Earthshot' US trip

Police investigated ‘disgusting’ and ‘credible’ threats against Meghan Markle

Tuesday 29 November 2022 18:56 , Oliver O'Connell

Police have investigated many “disgusting” and “very real” threats to the Duchess of Sussex, the former head of counter-terror policing has said.

There has “absolutely” been a genuine threat to Meghan Markle’s life on multiple occasions, and people have been prosecuted as a result, said Neil Basu, the most senior police officer of colour in the country.

Andy Gregory reports.

‘Disgusting’ plots against Meghan Markle investigated by police

Where will the Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony be held?

Tuesday 29 November 2022 18:25 , Oliver O'Connell

The glamorous awards ceremony, which is being held in partnership with the John F Kennedy Foundation, will take place at Boston’s MGM Music Hall.

The Earthshot Prize was inspired by the former US president’s “Moonshot” challenge in 1962, which aimed to land a man on the moon within 10 years. This was achieved by Neil Armstrong and Edin “Buzz” Aldrin in 1969.

Among those performing at the ceremony are Billie Eilish, Annie Lennox, Chloe x Halle and Ellie Goulding. Radio host Clara Amfo is co-hosting the awards for the second year running, alongside actor Daniel Dae Kim.

What’s on the agenda for the royal couple?

Tuesday 29 November 2022 17:55 , Oliver O'Connell

It might be a short trip, but the royal couple has plenty packed in before the Earthshot Prize Ceremony on Friday night.

William and Kate will be welcomed at Boston City Hall by Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, before visiting the John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum with Ambassador Caroline Kennedy.

They will also see the work being done by local organisations to mitigate the risk of rising sea levels, a threat faced by the coastal city of Boston. The couple is set to spend time learning about some of the “green technologies” being developed in the area when they go to Greentown Labs in Somerville.

In addition to learning about climate-related challenges in Boston, William and Kate will also spend some time meeting with groups who work to support vulnerable members of the local community.

One of the organisations they will learn about is Roca, a non-profit that has been working for nearly 35 years to “bring public systems together in a cohesive approach” to help high-risk young people.

Kate also has a special visit of her own to make while in Boston. She will visit the Centre on the Developing Child at Harvard University, which is a world leader on research into the lifelong impact of experiences in early childhood.

The Princess is the royal patron of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance in the UK, as well as Action For Children and several other family and children-focused charities.

Will William and Kate see Harry and Meghan while in the US?

Tuesday 29 November 2022 17:43 , Oliver O'Connell

It is not thought that William and Kate will use this visit to the US to see the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but the California-based couple will also be on the east coast just a few days after the Prince and Princess arrive from the UK.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are due to be in New York to accept the Robert F Kennedy Ripple of Hope award for their commitment to social change.

America prepares to welcome William and Kate

Tuesday 29 November 2022 17:32 , Oliver O'Connell

Good afternoon, and welcome to our rolling coverage of the royal visit to Boston by Prince William and Princess Catherine.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will be arriving in Boston on Wednesday ahead of the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony.

The royal couple will spend three days in the city in a trip that will culminate in the star-studded ceremony, which will bring together activists, policymakers and performers to celebrate the 2022 cohort of finalists.

The Earthshot Prize was launched by Prince William in October 2020 to “incentivise change and help to repair our planet over the next 10 years”.

Focusing on five categories described as “simple but ambitious goals for our planet”, the awards will name each winner from a pool of 15 global finalists who will win £1m to scale and support their solutions.

William and Kate’s trip also marks their first US visit since 2014, when they visited New York City as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the titles they held before being granted their current ones following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.