Photo: James Rojas (WBZ)
SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Fans of the British Royal Family lined an entire block in Somerville to greet Prince William and Princess Kate Thursday morning.
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in Boston on Wednesday for a three-day visit to the Greater Boston Area, their first trip to the United States since 2014 and their first trip abroad since the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of King Charles III to the throne.
The pair visited Greentown Labs on Somerville Avenue, a company that brings together startups and investors trying to create businesses with technology that help and support the environment.
Dozens of people waited with anticipation in the cold weather for a chance to see the royal couple when they arrived.
"It's kind of a once in a lifetime experience, especially to do something, you know, so within reach," one woman told WBZ NewsRadio.
"It’s exciting, it’s part of history, and I was very fond of the queen and I feel a little nostalgic," another woman said.
Many were holding flowers and signs that read "Welcome to New England," but a few also brought their own messages criticizing the monarchy.
"We don't like monarchy, man, it's bad," one critic told WBZ NewsRadio. "[The sign] says 'We did it before and we'll do it again.' That means we ran the monarchy out of Boston and I want to do it again."
The prince and princess arrived with their entourage at Greentown Labs at around 10:30 a.m. and waved to the cheering crowd as they went inside. There was some disappointment, however, when they left without walking up and personally meeting the waiting fans.
"My daughter’s just upset," said one mother. "So, you know, it's sad."
In addition to visiting local environmental and social advocacy projects such as Greentown Labs and Roca, a Chelsea nonprofit organization looking to stop urban violence, the royal couple will attend an awards ceremony on Friday for the Earthshot Prize, an environmental award that the prince set up.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) reports.
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