Prince William and Kate Middleton.Photo: Alberto Pezzali - WPA Pool / Getty
Kate Middleton andPrince Williamare all set for what staffers are calling their “Super Bowl moment.”
Kate andPrince William, who last came to the U.S. in 2014 for avisit to New York City, are “both extremely excited for the visit,” a source close to the couple tells PEOPLE. “They feel and appreciate the warmth and excitement of the American people for their return to the U.S. and are really looking forward to meeting as many folks as possible.”
Prince Williamrefers to the Earthshot Prize Awards — which will air on PBS on Sunday, December 4 — as his attempt to provide some urgent optimism about tackling environmental issues and climate change. He and Princess Kate are “excited to be able to bring that to the United States and inspire people stateside and around the world through the incredible stories we are going to tell,” the source says.
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Royal Foundation
The source adds, “The prize has become the Prince’s Super Bowl moment of the year, and he looks forward to continuing to use the platform each year to shine a light on some of the most impactful projects doing amazing things around the world to save our planet’s future.”
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While the Earthshot Prize on Friday evening is the ultimate reason for their visit, the couple also sees it as an opportunity to “fact-find” about some of the causes and interests close to their hearts. “Some of the things we are focused on right now is supporting some of the most hard-pressed communities up and down the U.K. and we will continue to do that in Boston,” adds the source.
Prince Williamand Kate’s trip will start with a welcome at Boston City Hall, where Mayor Michelle Wu and Ambassador Caroline Kennedy will help the couple start the countdown to the glitzy, star-studded Earthshot Prize ceremony at the MGM Music Hall on Friday evening.
On Thursday,Prince Williamand Kate, both 40, will see the work that organizations in Boston are doing to create a more sustainable world, and they’ll learn about some of the innovative technologies being utilized at Greentown Labs in Somerville.
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Royal Foundation
Later on Thursday, they will hear about the efforts of Roca, a non-profit organization that’s worked for 35 years to create a cohesive approach to save and help change the journey of the lives of high-risk young people.
Princess Kate will make a solo visit to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University on Friday to learn some of the best practices that can be taken back to her own Royal Foundation andThe Centre for Early Childhoodas she builds her pioneering work in the area.
Meanwhile,Prince Williamwill tour the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. President John F. Kennedy’s Moonshot — which challenged America to put a man on the moon — is the key inspiration behind the Earthshot Prize.
Prince William.PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
Arriving in the U.S. will put the couple on the same continent as Prince William’s brotherPrince Harryand sister-in-lawMeghan Markle, although they’re not expected to spend time together.
The California-based couple is set for anEast Coast night of their ownon December 6, when they receive the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award at a New York City gala.
Meghan andPrince Harry’s Netflix docuseries is also expected topremiere in December.
Prince William.Yui Mok/Getty
This is alsoPrince Williamand Kate’s first trip abroad as Prince and Princess of Wales, and with that comes inevitable parallels with William’s parents — most especiallyPrincess Diana, who was so popular in the U.S.
“They realize the history and the warm affection people feel towards those roles, but they are keen to pave their own path and create their own history,” the source says.
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A source adds, “The golden thread for them is the commitment to duty and service — being there in the communities and supporting the communities up and down the country and around the world where they can.”
source: people.com
