William & Kate news - live: Prince and Princess of Wales sit courtside at NBA game after arriving in Boston

Prince William and his wife Kate have arrived in the US 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, last visited America in 2014 when they attended events in New York and Washington, DC.

Landing in Boston on Wednesday, the couple will attend an awards ceremony for the Earthshot environmental prize the prince set up and visit the John F Kennedy Presidential Library as well as local environmental and social advocacy projects.

The media spotlight on the trip is more intense as Buckingham Palace has become embroiled in a racism scandal that led to the resignation of the Prince of Wales’s godmother, Lady Susan Hussey. A spokesperson for the prince gave a sharp rebuke to her regarding comments to a Black advocate for domestic abuse survivors.

The couple sat courtside with Massachusetts governor-elect Maura Healey to watch the Boston Celtics play the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.

The royal couple are set to be greeted by President Joe Biden when he visits Boston on Friday but are not scheduled to meet with Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle who will be in New York a few days later.

Key points of the royal visit so far

• Prince William’s godmother, a Buckingham Palace aide, resigns amid racism row

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

• William and Kate arrive in Boston

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

• No plans for meeting with Harry and Meghan in US, report says

Ngozi Fulani says racism she experienced from Lady Hussey was ‘abuse’

10:24 , Kate Ng

The charity boss has claimed that the racist incident involving Lady Susan Hussey was a “form of abuse”

Find out more here.

Ngozi Fulani claims Lady Susan Hussey also touched her hair

09:38 , Kate Ng

Ngozi Fulani has said Lady Susan Hussey also touched her hair during the interaction at Buckingham Palace which resulted in the late Queen’s lady in waiting resigning from the household.

Fulani, of Sistah Space, told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “We support women of African and Caribbean heritage who are affected by domestic and sexual abuse.

“Ironically, that’s the reason why we got the invitation, so the last thing we expected to happen was that race would become an issue.”

Describing the incident, she said: “I was stood next to two other women - black women - and she (Lady Susan) just made a beeline for me, and she took my locks and moved it out of the way so that she could see my name badge.

“That’s a no-no. I wouldn’t put my hands in someone’s hair, and culturally it’s not appropriate.

“But you consider that this lady is of senior years, I have to consider many things - is she OK?- and also my environment, and who I represent - Sistah Space - and so I was a bit taken aback.”

Prince of Wales says racism has no place in society

09:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Racism “has no place in our society”, a spokesman for Prince William has said, as his godmother quit her palace aide role over “unacceptable” comments she made at a Buckingham Palace reception.

Lady Susan Hussey, the late Queen’s lady-in-waiting, resigned after she asked Ngozi Fulani, a prominent Black advocate for survivors of domestic abuse, where she “really came from”.

Buckingham Palace said it took the incident, at the Queen Consort’s reception on violence against women on Tuesday, “extremely seriously” and had investigated immediately.

Nadine White, The Independent’s race correspondent, reports.

William says racism has no place in society as aide quits over palace race row

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

09:00 , 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 has the details.

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

Ngozi Fulani says focus should remain on domestic abuse survivors

08:40 , Kate Ng

Ngozi Fulani stressed that the focus should remain on domestic abuse survivors rather than the race row and subsequent resignation of the late Queen’s lady in waiting.

Asked how she felt about Lady Susan Hussey’s resignation, the Black charity boss told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I want the focus to remain where it should be, which is on the women and girls who are affected by domestic abuse.

“Having said that, she’s influenced by Buckingham Palace, and it’s their decision and her decision to make, one that I had no part in.”

Asked if she would have preferred to accept Lady Susan’s apology instead of seeing her quit the household, Fulani said: “I would have preferred it did not happen.

“I would have preferred that I could go to a space where I’m invited and be treated as every other guest was treated.

“I would prefer that we kept the focus on the abuse against women and girls.”

PA

What are William and Kate scheduled to do in Boston?

08:30 , Oliver O'Connell

The Prince and Princess of Wales have touched down in the United States for their first visit in eight years.

The trip is centred around the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, which will take place in Boston, Massachusetts, on Friday 2 December. The organisation, founded by Prince William, honours and assists entrepreneurs who have come up with solutions to climate change and other environmental issues.

However, the awards ceremony on Friday evening is just one of several engagements and outings planned for the royal couple during their three-day trip to Boston, as Kate and William are expected to make a number of appearances in and around the city in the upcoming days.

Chelsea Ritschel looks at what is on their itinerary.

What are Prince William and Kate Middleton doing in Boston?

Ngozi Fulani: ‘You’re trying to make me unwelcome'

08:21 , Kate Ng

Ngozi Fulani has spoken to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme about her treatment by Lady Susan Hussey at the royal reception on Tuesday.

She said: “Let us be clear what this is. I’ve heard so many suggestions it’s about her age and stuff like that. And I think that’s a kind of a disrespect about ageism. Are we saying that because of your age you can’t be racist or you can’t be inappropriate?

“If you invite people to an event, as I said, against domestic abuse, and there are people there from different demographics, I don’t see the relevance of whether I’m British or not British. You’re trying to make me unwelcome in my own space.”

She added: “Although it’s not physical violence, it is an abuse.”

Lady Hussey, who is Prince William’s godmother, has resigned from the household and apologised after repeatedly asking Fulani where she “really came from” during the event.

Will the prince and princess meet with Joe Biden?

08:00 , Oliver O'Connell

There has been much speculation as to whether the Prince and Princess of Wales will be seeing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, on their trip to the US.

However, William and Kate have another meeting on the cards during their visit.

Are William and Kate meeting Joe Biden during their US visit?

William and Kate praised as ‘power couple’ over matching suits

07:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The Prince and Princess of Wales have been praised for giving off “major power couple vibes” with the outfits they chose for their arrival in the United States.

On Wednesday 30 November, the royal couple arrived in Boston, Massachusetts, for a three-day trip, which will conclude with the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony on Friday evening.

Chelsea Ritschel reviewed their sartorial choices.

Prince William and Kate Middleton praised as ‘power couple’ over matching suits

Who is performing at Earthshot 2022?

06:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The Earthshot Prize is the annual awards ceremony to celebrate the environmental charity and includes a star-studded line-up of performers. Megan Graye previews who is performing.

Boston welcomes Prince and Princess of Wales

Racism row erupted as royal couple crossed Atlantic

04:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The Prince and Princess of Wales made their first public appearance in Boston after William reprimanded his own godmother for racist comments that led to her resignation.

William and Kate were welcomed by the Governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker as they arrived for their United States tour at Boston Logan International Airport on Wednesday.

Graeme Massie reports on what they said when they landed.

Kate and William make first public appearance after godmother’s racist comments

Royal aide embroiled in racism row reportedly advised Meghan Markle

03:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The late Queen’s lady-in-waiting, who has resigned and apologised for “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments” made to a Black advocate for survivors of domestic abuse, once reportedly advised Meghan Markle.

Lady Susan Hussey, 83, who is a godmother to Prince William, served the late Queen for more than 60 years. During her time in the role, the palace aide was reportedly directed by Buckingham Palace to help the Duchess of Sussex settle into royal life prior to and after her wedding to Prince Harry, according to Tom Bower, author of Revenge: Meghan, Harry And The War Between The Windsors.

Chelsea Ritschel reports.

Royal aide embroiled in race row reportedly advised Meghan Markle

Sibling unease haunts Prince William’s climate change trip

02:15 , Oliver O'Connell

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

And that was before the latest racism scandal erupted at Buckingham Palace bringing past allegations back to the fore.

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

William and Kate watch Boston Celtics play Miami Heat

01:22

What is the Earthshot Prize and who will be at the awards ceremony?

01:15 , 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.

Now in its second year, the extravaganza will be held at the MGM Music Hall in Boston, Massachusetts.

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

William and Kate at NBA game with Massachusetts governor-elect Maura Healey

00:54 , Graeme Massie

William and Kate all smiles at Boston Celtics game

00:52 , Graeme Massie

00:46 , Graeme Massie

William and Kate courtside for Boston Celtics against Miami Heat

00:43 , Graeme Massie

William and Kate take in NBA game in Boston

00:41 , Graeme Massie

William and Kate attend Boston Celtics NBA game

00:33 , Graeme Massie

Buckingham Palace racism row: Who is Lady Susan Hussey?

00:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The member of the Buckingham Palace household, who stepped down after “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments” made to a Black charity boss, has been revealed as Prince William’s godmother, Lady Susan Hussey.

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

Saman Javed and Inga Parkel report.

Who is Lady Susan Hussey? Prince William’s godmother who quit Buckingham Palace role

Wednesday 30 November 2022 23:37 , Graeme Massie

Prince William and Kate Middleton praised as ‘power couple’ over matching suits

Wednesday 30 November 2022 23:15 , Oliver O'Connell

The Prince and Princess of Wales have been praised for giving off “major power couple vibes” with the outfits they chose for their arrival in the United States.

Chelsea Ritschel takes a look at the royal couple’s sartorial choices.

Prince William and Kate Middleton praised as ‘power couple’ over matching suits

Royal couple light Boston landmarks green to mark Earthshot Prize

Wednesday 30 November 2022 23:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Boston chosen as Earthshot host for two reasons

Wednesday 30 November 2022 22:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Prince William says there are two reasons for Boston being chosen to host the Earthshot Prize in 2022.

First, because it is the hometown of President John F Kennedy whose Moonshot speech inspired the launch of Earthshot, and second, because it is a major hub of technology, innovation, research, and startups.

In pictures: Kate and William meet Mayor Michelle Wu

Wednesday 30 November 2022 22:40 , Oliver O'Connell

Voices: The Palace racism outrage is more evidence Meghan Markle was telling the truth

Wednesday 30 November 2022 22:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Andrew Buncombe looks at what the latest Buckingham Palace racism scandal means in the context of Meghan Markle’s previous allegations regarding the way she was treated.

This latest Palace racism outrage is proof Meghan Markle was telling the truth

Prince William addresses crowd at Boston’s City Hall Plaza

Wednesday 30 November 2022 22:21 , Oliver O'Connell

The Prince of Wales is addressing the crowd gathered outside of Boston’s City Hall, despite the pouring rain, he thanks them for coming out despite the weather.

“May I say thank you to all the hardy Bostonians braving the rain this evening. Catherine and I are absolutely delighted to be with you today for our first engagement in the great city of Boston, as we start the countdown to The Earthshot Prize awards this Friday.”

William and Kate photographed flying commercial ahead of climate ceremony

Wednesday 30 November 2022 21:32 , Oliver O'Connell

William and Kate eschewed high carbon-emitting private jet travel for a commercial flight to Boston today for events to highlight the climate crisis.

The Royal couple were captured in cellphone pictures by a fellow traveler on the British Airways plane which landed on Wednesday afternoon in the Massachusetts city.

Senior Climate Correspondent Louise Boyle reports.

William and Kate photographed flying commercial to Boston for climate ceremony

Who arranges security for the royals in the US?

Wednesday 30 November 2022 21:20 , 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.

They coordinate with UK protection services and the palaces to arrange for coverage during visits by senior royals.

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

Kate waves to onlookers outside hotel

Wednesday 30 November 2022 21:18 , Oliver O'Connell

Are William and Kate meeting Joe Biden on their US trip?

Wednesday 30 November 2022 21:06 , Oliver O'Connell

There has been much speculation as to whether the Prince and Princess of Wales will be seeing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, on their trip to the US.

However, William and Kate are rumoured to potentially have another meeting on the cards during their visit.

Are William and Kate meeting Joe Biden during their US visit?

Voices: Is anyone really surprised by racist remarks at the palace?

Wednesday 30 November 2022 20:50 , Oliver O'Connell

Nadine White, The Independent’s race correspondent, writes:

I’m not sure what it’s going to take for the royal family to confront and address its racism. Or if, indeed, that is even possible when it is founded on structures of supremacy and privilege.

We know that Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was widely vilified and ridiculed by parts of the UK press and public after publicly speaking out about her experiences during that famous Oprah interview last March.

But today marks the first time in recent years that a palace staff member has left their role over racism allegations.

Read on:

Opinion: Is anyone really surprised by racist remarks at the palace?

Despite rain, crowds gather for royal couple at Boston City Hall

Wednesday 30 November 2022 20:42 , Oliver O'Connell

Racism row royal aide reportedly advised Meghan Markle and said marriage would ‘end in tears’

Wednesday 30 November 2022 20:36 , Oliver O'Connell

The late Queen’s lady-in-waiting, who has resigned and apologised for “unacceptable and deeply regrettable comments” made to a Black advocate for survivors of domestic abuse, once reportedly advised Meghan Markle.

Lady Susan Hussey, 83, who is a godmother to Prince William, served the late Queen for more than 60 years. During her time in the role, the palace aide was reportedly directed by Buckingham Palace to help the Duchess of Sussex settle into royal life prior to and after her wedding to Prince Harry, according to Tom Bower, author of Revenge: Meghan, Harry And The War Between The Windsors.

Chelsea Ritschel reports for The Independent.

Royal aide embroiled in race row reportedly advised Meghan Markle

‘Utterly delightful'

Wednesday 30 November 2022 20:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Passengers on British Airways flight 213 from London Heathrow to Boston Logan said the royal couple were “utterly delightful” and spoke briefly to other passengers in first class.

What are the prince and princess in Boston and what’s on their schedule?

Wednesday 30 November 2022 20:22 , Oliver O'Connell

The Prince and Princess of Wales have touched down in the United States for their first visit in eight years.

The trip is centred around the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony, which will take place in Boston, Massachusetts, on Friday 2 December. The organisation, founded by Prince William, honours and assists entrepreneurs who have come up with solutions to climate change and other environmental issues.

However, the awards ceremony on Friday evening is just one of several engagements and outings planned for the royal couple during their three-day trip to Boston, as Kate and William are expected to make a number of appearances in and around the city in the upcoming days.

The Independent’s Chelsea Ritschel takes a look at their schedule.

What are Prince William and Kate Middleton doing in Boston?

Kate and William make first public appearance after he reprimanded his godmother over racist comments

Wednesday 30 November 2022 20:08 , Oliver O'Connell

The Prince and Princess of Wales made their first public appearance in Boston after William reprimanded his own godmother for racist comments that led to her resignation.

William and Kate were welcomed by the Governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker as they arrived for their United States tour at Boston Logan International Airport on Wednesday.

Graeme Massie reports on the days developments so far.

Kate and William make first public appearance after godmother’s racist comments

Royal couple give a message of thanks to the people of Boston

Wednesday 30 November 2022 19:50 , Oliver O'Connell

The Prince and Princess of Wales have given a message of thanks to the people of Boston for the warm welcome.

“Catherine and I are delighted to be back in the United States and are extremely grateful to Gov. Baker and the first lady of Massachusetts for their warm welcome into Boston,” Prince William said.

“On this, our first overseas visit since the death of my grandmother, I would like to thank the people of Massachusetts and particularly of Boston for their many tributes paid to the late queen. She remembered her 1976 Bicentennial visit with great fondness.”

He added: “My grandmother was one of life’s optimists. And so am I. That is why last year we launched the Earthshot Prize with the ambition to create a truly global platform to inspire hope and urgent optimism as we look to save the future of our planet.”