Kate Middleton and Prince William kicked off their first trip to the United States since 2014, touching down in Boston on Wednesday. From sitting courtside at the Celtics’ game to visiting Greentown Labs, see all the photos from the royals’ stateside tour so far

Kate Middleton and Prince William Arrive in BostonKate Middleton and Prince William. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

Kate Middleton and Prince William landed in Boston on Wednesday to kick off their three-day trip in the area ahead of the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 40, arrived on a commercial flight to Boston Logan Airport.

02of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Mark First Trip Overseas Since the Queen’s DeathPrince William and Kate Middleton. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

After they arrived stateside, William released a personal statement about the couple’s visit to America, and paid tribute to his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II. He noted that it is the royals’ first time overseas since her death.

“My grandmother was one of life’s optimists. And so am I,” he said in part. “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.

“To the people of Boston, thank you. I’m so grateful to you for allowing us to host the second year of the Earthshot Prize in your great city. Catherine and I can’t wait to meet many of you in the days ahead.”

03of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Are Greeted Upon Arrival in BostonPrince William and Kate Middleton. OHN TLUMACKI/POOL/AFP VIA GETTY

Upon arrival, the Prince and Princess of Wales were greeted by Governor Charlie Baker, Lauren Baker, First Lady of Massachusetts, and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.

04of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William at Boston City HallPrince William and Kate Middleton.

Following their arrival on Wednesday, William and Kate appeared at Boston City Hall alongside Mayor Michelle Wu to start the countdown to the second annual Earthshot Prize Awards by lighting Boston’s City Hall and other local landmarks green.

05of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Kick Off Their Series of Outings in BostonPrince William and Kate Middleton. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

More than 1,000 people gathered to see the royal couple at Boston City Hall for the ceremony, despite heavy rain.

06of 37Prince William Addresses the Crowd at Boston City HallPrince William. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

Prince William addressed the crowd at the event beginning by thanking those who attended: “Thank you to Mayor Wu and thank you to all the hardy Bostonians braving the rain!”

He also explained why Boston was chosen as the Earthshot Prize Awards location this year.

“Sixty years ago, President John F. Kennedy’s ‘Moonshot’ speech laid down a challenge to American innovation and ingenuity. ‘We choose to go to the moon,’ he said, ‘not because it is easy but because it is hard.’ ” said William.

“It was that Moonshot speech that inspired me to launch the Earthshot Prize with the aim of doing the same for climate change as President Kennedy did for the space race. And where better to hold this year’s Awards Ceremony than in President Kennedy’s hometown, in partnership with his daughter and the Foundation that continues his legacy.

“Boston was also the obvious choice because your universities, research centers and vibrant start-up scene make you a global leader in science, innovation and boundless ambition. Mayor Wu, you have also been a leader in putting climate policies at the heart of your Administration. Thank you.

“Like President Kennedy, Catherine and I firmly believe that we all have it in ourselves to achieve great things, and that human beings have the ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve.”

07of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Light the NightPrince William, Kate Middleton, Governor-elect Maura Healey and Mayor Michelle Wu. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

The royals were joined by Mayor Wu and Governor-elect Maura Healey to kick off their visit and light up the city of Boston.

08of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Sit Courtside at the Boston Celtics GamePrince William and Kate Middleton.

Wednesday evening, William and Kate attended a Boston Celtics game at TD Garden for the team’s game against the Miami Heat. The royal couple was joined courtside by Mayor Wu, Governor-elect Healey and Emilia Fazzalari, businesswoman and wife of Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck.

09of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Support the CelticsPrince William and Kate Middleton. JIM DAVIS/THE BOSTON GLOBE VIA GETTY

The couple appeared happy from the sidelines and ahead of the game, shared a behind-the-scenes photo of the Celtics warming up. “Let’s go Celtics, let’s go!” they captioned the picture.

10of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Visit Greentown LabsMARY SCHWALM/AP/SHUTTERSTOCK

Thursday morning, the Prince and Princess of Wales were up and ready for a busy day of outings. First stop was Greentown Labs in Somerville, Massachusetts, where the pair spoke to Joe Curtatone, Director, Northeast Clean Energy Council.

11of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Meet with Start-upsPrince William and Kate Middleton. CJ GUNTHER/AP/SHUTTERSTOCK

During the visit, they learned how Greentown Labs is contributing to global efforts to address the climate crisis.

12of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Tour Greentown LabsPrince William and Kate Middleton. CJ GUNTHER/AP/SHUTTERSTOCK

The couple spent time speaking with some of the start-ups within the Greentown Labs community.

13of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William at Greentown LabsCJ GUNTHER/POOL/AFP VIA GETTY

The royals chatted with more of the start-up’s representatives.

14of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Have a Hands-on Experience at Greentown LabsKIRSTY O’CONNOR – POOL/GETTY

During their visit, the couple also had the chance to see (and touch and smell!) some of the prototypes that have been developed through Greentown Labs.

15of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Wear Coordinated LooksSAMIR HUSSEIN/WIREIMAGE

For Thursday’s outing, the two donned coordinated outfits, with William’s sweater matching almost perfectly to Kate’s suit.

16of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Are Greeted by a Mini GuardPrince William and Kate Middleton. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

While at Greentown Labs, the royal couple met a mini “Queen’s guard,” an 8-year-old named Henry, who gifted the Prince and Princess of Wales with a bouquet of flowers.

17of 37Kate Middleton Waves to the CrowdKate Middleton. ELDER ORDONEZ / SPLASHNEWS.COM

Kate wore a maroon suit paired with a light pink top and matching purse.

18of 37Kate Middleton Greets the Crowd at RocaIAN VOGLER – POOL/GETTY

The Princess greeted the crowd that gathered outside of Roca, a non-profit that works with high-risk young people, in Chelsea, Massachusetts.

19of 37Prince William Arrives at RocaPrince William. KARWAI TANG/WIREIMAGE

Prince William appeared to chat with crowds who gathered to see the royals outside of Roca. He even hopped on the phone with one fan’s mom!

20of 37Prince William Greets the Crowd at RocaPrince William. IAN VOGLER – POOL/GETTY

Prince William shook the hand of several admirers, including a woman in bright pink.

21of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Say Hello to the CrowdKate Middleton. IAN VOGLER – POOL/GETTY

Kate braved the cold (sans jacket!) to greet the crowd that gathered to meet her.

22of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Meet the Founder of RocaPrince William and Kate Middleton. REBA SALDANHA/POOL/AFP VIA GETTY

During their visit to Roca, the royal couple met with Molly Baldwin (left), founder of the organization.

23of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Visit the Boston ShorelinePrince William and Kate Middleton. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

The Prince and Princess of Wales bundled up as they visited Boston Harbor later in the day Thursday.

24of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Visit with the Mayor AgainPrince William, Kate Middleton, Mayor Michelle Wu and Reverend Mariama White-Hammond. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

During their visit to the harbor, the couple met with Mayor Wu, as well as with Reverend Mariama White-Hammond. The walk helped the pair learn about the changing face of the city’s shoreline as it contends with rising sea levels.

25of 37Kate Middleton at the Earthshot Prize Awards RehearsalKate Middleton. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

Ahead of Friday night’s Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Kate walked across the stage during rehearsals.

26of 37Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Awards RehearsalPrince William. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

Prince William took five at the Earthshot Prize Awards rehearsal ahead of Friday’s event that will recognize environmental heroes from around the world.

27of 37Prince William Visits the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and MuseumPrince William and Caroline Kennedy.

On Friday, Prince William visited the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, where he was greeted by members of the Kennedy family including Ambassador Caroline Kennedy.

28of 37Prince William Greets the Kennedy FamilyPrince William, Jack Schlossberg, Tatiana Schlossberg and Caroline Kennedy. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

Caroline Kennedy was joined by two of her children, Jack Schlossberg and Tatiana Schlossberg, to meet the Prince of Wales on Friday.

29of 37Prince William Tours the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and MuseumCaroline Kennedy, Prince William, Jack Schlossberg and Tatiana Schlossberg. PRESS ASSOCIATION VIA AP IMAGES

President Kennedy’s Moonshot — which challenged America to put a man on the moon — is the inspiration behind the Earthshot Prize, William revealed earlier in his visit.

30of 37Prince William Meets with President Joe BidenPrince William and President Joe Biden. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

Prince William was also joined at the library by President Joe Biden, in Boston for a separate event.

31of 37Kate Middleton Visits Harvard University’s Center on the Developing ChildKate Middleton. TIM ROOKE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Kate made her own solo outing Friday morning by visiting Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child outside of Boston.

32of 37Kate Middleton Speaks at Harvard University’s Center on the Developing ChildKate Middleton. TIM ROOKE/SHUTTERSTOCK

During her visit, Kate diligently took notes while speaking with researchers about the center’s work.

Jack Shonkoff, Center Director of Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child, said in part: “I was very inspired by how serious she is in wanting to lean into an early childhood agenda. It was remarkably relaxed and informative. It was a lovely one hour that we spent with her.”

33of 37Kate Middleton Greets Crowds at Harvard UniversityCJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

While visiting Cambridge, Kate was greeted by crowds that had gathered to see her. She was handed flowers and stuffed animals as she chatted with locals.

34of 37Kate Middleton Waves to the CrowdsKate Middleton. CJ GUNTHER/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

The Princess of Wales waved to the crowds as she continued on another busy day in Boston.

35of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Arrive at the Earthshot Prize AwardsKate Middleton and Prince William. SAMIR HUSSEIN/WIREIMAGE

To finish off their three-day trip to Boston, Prince William and Kate Middleton arrived in style at the Earthshot Prize Award ceremony Friday evening.

Guests were asked not to purchase new dresses or suits for the evening, to keep with the event’s earth-friendly theme.

36of 37Kate Middleton Wears a Rented GownKate Middleton. KARWAI TANG/WIREIMAGE

Kate’s bright green off-the-shoulder gown by Solace London was rented from HURR — a rental platform in the U.K. for designer dresses. She accessorized the look with an emerald and diamond choker that belonged to Princess Diana.

37of 37Kate Middleton and Prince William Greet Attendees at the Earthshot Prize AwardsPrince William, Kate Middleton and Ellie Goulding. SAMIR HUSSEIN/WIREIMAGE

Inside the event, attended by stars including Shailene Woodley, Rami Malek and Daniel Dae Kim, the royals caught up with singer Ellie Goulding, who performed at their 2011 wedding reception.