Princess of Wales looks radiant in blue on first solo US tour engagement at Harvard

The Princess of Wales put on a stylish show for US royal fans today as she stepped out for her first solo engagement of her and William’s whirlwind three-day tour to Boston – once again smiling in the face of scandal amid ongoing controversy over the Buckingham Palace race row and Prince Harry and Meghan’s Netflix trailer. 

Kate, 40, stepped out alone for the first time since arriving in the US on Wednesday, waving and beaming at the crowds of supporters as she arrived at The Center of the Developing Child at Harvard University, where she will ‘have a discussion with researchers about the advances in science that can be harnessed to achieve a promising future for every child’.

Meanwhile, her husband William, also 40, will make a visit to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, where he will later hold a meeting with President Joe Biden, before heading off to his glitzy Earthshot Prize gala this evening – described by royal insiders as a ‘Super Bowl moment’ for the Prince. 

Ahead of their engagements today, the couple shared a series of artsy black-and-white photos of themselves preparing for the event, which, along with their three-day US tour, has been dramatically overshadowed by royal controversies. 

But Kate showed not a flicker of stress amid the ongoing scandal as she stepped out for her solo Harvard trip today, with the 40-year-old looking ever elegant in a blue collared houndstooth dress from Emilia Wickstead – which she’d had altered to add long sleeves.  

The Princess of Wales put on a stylish show for US royal fans today as she stepped out for her first solo engagement of her and William’s whirlwind three-day tour to Boston

Kate showed not a flicker of stress amid ongoing royal scandals as she stepped out for her solo Harvard trip today, with the 40-year-old looking ever elegant in a blue houndstooth dress

Upon her arrival at Harvard University, Kate was invited to sign the official guest book, before she joined a meeting with researchers ‘about the advances in science that can be harnessed to achieve a promising future for every child’

She chose not to use her royal title in the book, instead simply signing it ‘Catherine’, before adding today’s date

The mother-of-three accessorized her look with a pair of dark blue heels, a pale blue Mulberry handbag, and she wore some gold hoops in her ears.  

Upon her arrival at the Ivy League college, the Princess was invited to sign the official Harvard guest book – which her father-in-law, King Charles III, actually signed back in September 1986, when he took part in the university’s 350th anniversary celebrations, which he attended as the guest of honor. 

As Charles did nearly 30 years ago, Kate did not include her royal title in her signature, instead simply choosing to write her name as ‘Catherine’, before adding today’s date.  

The same Harvard University guest book was signed by King Charles III back in 1986

However, while Charles’ visit to the college was part of a celebratory occasion, Kate’s trip to Harvard was under much more serious circumstances – and was, a spokesperson said – ‘part of her ongoing work to elevate the importance of the early years to lifelong outcomes’.

In 2021 Kate launched her own Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which is working with organizations to help youngsters between the crucially formative ages of birth to five. 

While Kate is at Harvard today, her husband will make a trip to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, where he will honor the impact that the late JFK’s Moonshot speech had in inspiring his Earthshot Prize initiative. 

Prince William will be joined by JFK’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy – who is currently serving as the US Ambassador to Australia – as well as her husband, Edwin, and two of their three children: Jack and Tatiana Schlossberg. 

Later today, William will also have a meeting with President Biden, who was already due to be in Boston today. 

But while the couple has a jam-packed day of events, it is this evening’s soiree that marks the most important engagement of their whirlwind three-day tour. 

Along with Kate, Prince William will host a glitzy star-studded gala ceremony, where five winners will be presented with £1 million ($1.2 million) in prize money to fund their work in helping to solve the world’s climate change crisis.

Singers Billie Eilish and Annie Lennox, and actor Rami Malik will lead a stellar line-up for the Prince of Wales’ Earthshot Prize awards – and it was revealed today that David Beckham will also present an award at the ceremony. 

Kate had a notebook and pen at the ready for her meeting, which a spokesperson said was ‘part of her ongoing work to elevate the importance of the early years to lifelong outcomes’

The Princess had her brunette hair styled in her signature loose waves, and she wore her favorite pair of embellished gold hoops in her ears 

The Duchess was wearing a custom-made version of a $1,200 Emilia Wickstead dress – which she’d had altered to add sleeves

Kate was welcomed to Harvard by James Cairns, Senior Director for Strategic Engagements and Organizational Learning at the Center on the Developing Child, as well as Larry Bacow, Harvard President and Jack Shonkoff, Center Director

The Princess’s appearance at Harvard this morning comes after the very eco-friendly plans for the couple’s Earthshot gala were revealed today – with a lengthy list of clean, green measures shared ahead of the event. 

Needless to say, William and Kate need this evening’s event to go off without a hitch. While much pressure was already being placed on the gala – which has been described as the Prince’s ‘Super Bowl moment’ – that weight increased tenfold in the wake of the controversies that have overshadowed the couple’s US tour. 

While the Prince and Princess of Wales have not faltered in their engagements thus far, remaining cool, calm and collected, at least on the surface, behind-the-scenes, the Monarchy is grappling with two large scandals, both of which have unfolded during the couple’s first US trip in eight years. 

On Tuesday night, hours before William and Kate touched down at Boston Logan International Airport, the Prince’s own godmother, Lady Susan Hussey, sparked a furious race row when she was accused of making racist comments to black domestic abuse campaigner Ngozi Fulani at a Buckingham Palace event. 

As William and Kate were mid-flight, their Kensington Palace spokesperson issued a statement condemning the ‘unacceptable’ comments made by Lady Hussey – who resigned from her role in the royal household – however the controversy has already cast a bleak shadow over what was meant to be a ‘Super Bowl’ moment for the Prince. 

Then, on Wednesday morning – the first full day of engagements for the pair – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle dropped the trailer for their bombshell Netflix documentary in a move that has been described as a ‘declaration of war’ by Palace insiders. 

Kate was seen sitting in front of a wall that read ‘improving child outcomes, building adult capabilities’ 

She appeared to be throwing herself into the conversation with researchers and Harvard staffers

Crowds of royal fans gathered outside Harvard – proving that the Prince and Princess of Wales still have a very popular image in the US, despite the recent royal scandals 

While Kate is at Harvard, Prince William will make a trip to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, where he will joined by JFK’s daughter, Caroline Kennedy as well as her husband, Edwin Schlossberg, and two of their three kids : Jack and Tatiana Schlossberg (seen arriving today)

Caroline (seen with son Jack) had been due to join William and Kate at the official Earthshot launch on Wednesday night, however she was forced to cancel after inclement weather delayed her flight from New York City 

The teaser trailer dispelled any hopes that the Sussexes are willing to work towards a ceasefire in their acrimonious battle with the Royal Family.

As well as including dozens of supposedly private pictures from their family album, the footage includes a voiceover from Harry saying gravely, ‘no-one sees what’s happening behind closed doors’ over a black and white picture of his wife on an armchair, apparently crying.

The film then immediately cuts away to a shot focusing on a pinched-looking William and Kate at the 2019 Commonwealth Service in London, with the Sussexes sitting meekly behind them. 

The message, say royal sources, is unmistakable. ‘I don’t see how anyone could view it as anything other than a declaration of war,’ said one. 

However, William and Kate have pushed on with their tour through it all, seemingly remaining steadfastly cool and calm – and all the while with wide smiles on their faces whenever they have been in front of the cameras. 

Yesterday afternoon, their composure was put to the test once again when they came face-to-face with an African-American Reverend who gave a lecture about the ‘legacy of colonialism’ at their Earthshot launch on Wednesday – just hours after news of the Buckingham Palace race row emerged. 

Prince William and Kate Middleton are due to host their glitzy, eco-friendly Earthshot Prize gala in Boston this evening – and the couple shared a glimpse at some of their last-minute preparations on Instagram today 

In the artsy black-and-white photos, the Princess of Wales is seen strutting across a lit-up stage surrounded by greenery, while her husband is pictured chatting with organizers 

Needless to say, William and Kate need this evening’s event to go off without a hitch. While much pressure was already being placed on the gala – which has been described as the Prince’s ‘Super Bowl moment’ – that weight increased tenfold in the wake of the controversies that have overshadowed the couple’s US tour 

The Prince and Princess of Wales came together with Reverend Mariama White-Hammond for their third official engagement on Thursday, which saw them visiting Boston Harbor Defenses despite the biting cold to learn about the impact of rising sea levels on the city’s shoreline.

If the couple felt any awkwardness at being reunited with Reverend White-Hammond – who urged the crowds at their Earthshot Prize launch on Wednesday to ‘consider the legacy of colonialism and racism’ as the Prince and Princess watched on from the wings – they did not allow it to show on their faces. 

Although insiders insisted that Kate and William were ‘determined’ not to get side-tracked from their mission to launch the Prince’s Earthshot Prize awards in the US, the issues of race and equality were quickly brought to the forefront of the event by Reverend White-Hammond’s speech.

Just minutes before William and Kate took to the podium at the launch event, the Reverend, who serves as the city’s Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space, gave a strong speech in which she told the crowd to ‘consider the legacy of colonialism and racism’, particularly when it comes to their impact on climate change.

She continued: ‘The ways it has impacted people across the world and its connection, its deep connection to the degradation of land and our planet that we are all seeking to reverse.

‘The stories lost, the species made extinct, but also the persistence of people in the face of oppression and the fundamental dignity of all of our relations.’

Although no mention was made about Lady Susan, who was accused of making racist comments to black domestic abuse campaigner Ngozi Fulani at a Buckingham Palace event on Tuesday night, few could fail to connect the controversy with Reverend White-Hammond’s remarks.

Releasing trailer for Harry and Meghan’s Netflix show during William and Kate’s US tour is little less than ‘a declaration of war’ say insiders – as Waleses’ friends call Sussexes ‘the Kardashians’ who are ‘busy talking about themselves and making money’

• Trailer was posted on second day of Prince and Princess of Wales’ visit to the US
• Dispelled any hopes of Sussexes declaring ceasefire in battle with Royal Family
• The message, say royal sources, is unmistakable, ‘a declaration of war,’ said one
• The Netflix teaser suggests that the Sussexes will confront rumors head-on

BY REBECCA ENGLISH, ROYAL EDITOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL AND BRITTANY CHAIN FOR MAILONLINE

Harry and Meghan’s new Netflix documentary is being seen as a ‘declaration of war’ by the royals, sources said last night.

A promotional trailer, which was posted online on the second day of the Prince and Princess of Wales’ high-profile visit to the US, dispelled any hopes that the Sussexes are declaring a ceasefire in their acrimonious battle with the Royal Family.

As well as including dozens of supposedly private pictures from their family album, the footage includes a voiceover from Harry saying gravely, ‘no-one sees what’s happening behind closed doors’ over a black and white picture of his wife on an armchair, apparently crying.

The film then immediately cuts away to a shot focusing on a pinched-looking William and Kate at the 2019 Commonwealth Service in London, with the Sussexes sitting meekly behind them.

The message, say royal sources, is unmistakable. ‘I don’t see how anyone could view it as anything other than a declaration of war,’ said one.

Harry and Meghan’s new Netflix documentary is being seen as a ‘declaration of war’ by the royals, sources said last night

Another said the timing of the trailer’s release had not gone unnoticed among palace staff, adding: ‘None of this is a surprise’.

The minute-long Netflix teaser strongly suggests the Sussexes will confront rumours about their tempestuous relationships with senior royals head-on.

In a deliberately tantalising remark to a producer off-screen, Meghan says in the clip: ‘When the stakes are this high, doesn’t it make more sense to hear our story from us?’

Royal insiders reacted with horror and an increasing sense of anger yesterday as the trailer was released on social media ahead of the documentary being broadcast on Netflix next week as part of the Sussexes’ multi-million dollar deal with the streaming giant.

There was also disappointment that it had been released to coincide with William and Kate’s trip to the US, their first visit to the country since 2014, during which the prince is hosting his major environmental project, the Earthshot Prize.

While it is unlikely that the duke and duchess had much say on the trailer’s release date, the glee with which their supporters and publicists were treating it spoke volumes.

The Sussexes’ biographer, Omid Scobie, directly referred to the fact that Earthshot is so significant to William that it is being billed as his ‘Super Bowl moment’. He crowed on Twitter: ‘If tomorrow is Prince William’s Super Bowl – then here’s your half-time show.’

It’s also not the first time this has happened. In 2019, while William and Kate were touring Pakistan, ITV released the trailer for a documentary on the Sussexes’ trip to Africa.

The Netflix series refers to the couple just by their first names – ‘Harry & Meghan’ – which has prompted some commentary in royal circles about their parallels with the infamous reality family the Kardashians.

As well as including dozens of supposedly private pictures from their family album, footage shows a shot focusing on a pinched-looking William and Kate at the 2019 Commonwealth Service in London, with the Sussexes sitting meekly behind them

Undated handout photo issued by Netflix of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex kissing in a kitchen

‘It’s hard not to make the comparison, really,’ one insider said wryly.

The Kardashians’ reality series documents almost every moment of their lives – the good, bad and ugly.

A royal insider said the trailer indicates Meghan and Harry are willing to do the same – despite their repeated calls for privacy over the years.

The trailer has also coincided with a string of PR announcements by the Sussexes, including an appearance by Meghan at a women’s dinner in Indiana and the announcement of a charity donation of handbags she has facilitated.

‘One can only conclude this is a concerted publicity drive on their behalf to stoke up interest in this documentary and is designed to clash with the Wales’ visit this week,’ said another well-placed source.

‘The prince and princess’s high-profile trip to the States to shine a light on community projects in Boston and the environmental crisis is being apparently used as a platform for the Sussexes to create the drama and attention they so clearly crave on a personal level, as well as content for the multi-million dollar deal they have signed since quitting as working royals.

‘While the Waleses will carry on with their duties, Team Sussex appears determined to remind America of their own ”compassionate activism” – one lucrative contract at a time.’

The minute-long clip was viewed more than 300,000 times within an hour of being uploaded to Netflix’s Twitter account yesterday.

It features an assortment of private and public photographs, charting every stage of Harry and Meghan’s lives from birth to parenthood, set to a melancholic soundtrack.

Images include snapshots of the Sussexes’ life together, such as embracing in a photobooth, a selfie of the pair in casual dress smiling, Meghan’s pregnancy, and of Harry serenading his wife with an acoustic guitar.

There is also a shot of the Sussexes in their kitchen at Frogmore Cottage on the night of their penultimate engagement as royals in 2020, when they attended a remembrance event at the Royal Albert Hall.

Undated handout photo issued by Netflix of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in a photo booth

Royal insiders reacted with horror and an increasing sense of anger yesterday as the trailer was released on social media ahead of the documentary being broadcast on Netflix next week as part of the Sussexes’ multi-million dollar deal with the streaming giant

It shows Harry, casual in braces after taking off his uniform jacket, and Meghan having removed her cape kissing on their island unit.

It appears to have been taken by a professional photographer. Sources have said the couple often secretly employed their own photographer, Chris Allerton, even when they were working royals.

The photograph of the estranged Cambridges – as they then were – and Sussexes sitting one row apart at the 2019 Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey is also a controversial choice.

At the time the Fab Four, as they were known, were already on the rocks and steps were being taken to break up their joint household and charitable foundation.

With Meghan apparently gazing wistfully into the distance and Kate seemingly scowling at the camera, one insider remarked: ‘It’s as if someone scoured the Earth for the only unflattering picture of the Princess of Wales in existence.’

Friends of William and Kate are said to be ‘sickened’ by the implications drawn from the image.

Others pointed out that Meghan appeared to have ‘got her excuses in already’ in an interview with Variety Magazine in October. In it she said of the documentary’s director Liz Garbus: ‘It’s nice to be able to trust someone with our story – a seasoned director whose work I’ve long admired – even if it means it may not be the way we would have told it.’

One source described it as ‘classic deflection’, adding: ‘She’s already saying it wouldn’t have been her choice to do it like this but they needed it to be ‘authentic’. No-one is fooled.’

In another clip included in the trailer, Harry says: ‘I had to do everything I could to protect my family,’ accompanied by a compilation of scenes from the printing presses, folded newspapers, and banks of photographers.

This is thought to be a hint that the prince, 38, will renew his criticism of the media.

The series is reported to be airing on December 8, exactly three months after the death of Harry’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth.

Netflix said the show ‘explores the clandestine days of their early courtship and the challenges that led to them feeling forced to step back from their full-time roles in the institution’.

It features commentary from friends and family, most of whom have never spoken publicly before about what they witnessed, according to Netflix, and historians who discuss the state of the British Commonwealth today and the Royal Family’s relationship with the Press.

It adds: ‘The series does more than illuminate one couple’s love story, it paints a picture of our world and how we treat each other.’

Both Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace declined to comment last night.

Royal sources have said the Prince and Princess of Wales are determined ‘not to be distracted by other things this week’ and had not yet watched the trailer at the time of its release.

Their focus is on meeting communities and local people across Boston during their US trip, the sources said.

And fans in Boston have been overwhelmed upon meeting the royal couple. One particularly emotional fan broke down in tears when Kate approached her, before taking the Princess’s hand and thanking her for ‘everything she has done’.