Boston is preparing for a British invasion this week when Prince William and Princess Kate arrive on Wednesday, Nov. 30. The second annual Earthshot Prize will take place on Friday, Dec. 2. This will be the royals’ first international trip since the death of Queen Elizabeth II + their first visit to the US in eight years.
What is the Earthshot Prize?
The award was created to celebrate environmental innovators aiming to protect and restore nature, clean the air, revive the oceans, create a waste-free world, and address climate issues. Five winners will be announced on Friday and each will receive one million pounds (or ~$1.2 million in US dollars) to help make their solutions a reality.
Why Boston?
The name Earthshot was inspired by John F. Kennedy’s “Moon Shot” speech, so where would be better than the birthplace of JFK? Plus, we think Boston is the perfect place to host a major international awards ceremony with our ongoing conversations about Climate Change Impacts, the Urban Forest Plan, and the Emerald Tutu project.
What’s on the royal agenda?
The Prince and Princess of Wales have a packed schedule for their three-day trip. Which organizations are fit for the future king and queen? Greentown Labs in Somerville, Roca in Chelsea, and Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child. They will also visit the JFK Library and Museum with Caroline Kennedy + Mayor Wu will welcome the royals at City Hall with a public event at the plaza on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 4:45 p.m.
And the winner is...
The winners will be announced at MGM Music Hall during a star-studded ceremony that will be co-hosted by Clara Amfo and Daniel Dae Kim + headlined by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS, Annie Lennox, Ellie Goulding, and Chloe x Halle. The awards will be presented by Rami Malek, Catherine O’Hara, and Shailene Woodley.
Want to watch the ceremony? Tune in on Sunday, Dec. 4 on the BBC.
