Prince William got his photo-op with Pres. Biden while Kate went to Harvard

Here are some photos of the Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales during their daytime activities on Friday, before Friday evening’s Earthshot Awards. Kate donned her Harvard Wiglet™ and wore a $1150 Emilia Wickstead dress with a houndstooth pattern. This dress is very Kate – pinched, prim, too conservative. If the choice is between “flattering her slim figure” and “emphasizing how thin she is,” Kate will always choose the latter. Kate apparently brought a pen and notepad and “took notes” in between her jazz hands performance with the Harvard academics.

Meanwhile, Prince William did a tour of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The tour was led by Caroline Kennedy and her son Jack Schlossberg (who is nice-looking and baby-faced at 29). After the tour, William got his photo-op with President Biden, who was in Boston for a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee fundraiser. Biden stopped by the Kennedy Library and their staffs organized the photo-op outside the building. Biden is, as always, a great pol and a good glad-hander. He turned up, shook hands and gave Peg his photo-op. I find it interesting that Kate wasn’t included, but I wouldn’t read too much into it, honestly. This was clearly done on Biden’s schedule and availability, and Kate’s staff had already planned out her Harvard visit before the Waleses figured out the logistics of adding on the Biden photo-op last minute.

I saw a lot of people talking about this NY Times piece called “Bostonians’ Take on the Royals’ Whirlwind Visit? Whatevah.” Basically, the Times sent a reporter to Boston to cover the lack of enthusiasm for the Waleses. Most Bostonians didn’t care one way or the other, but some were actively unimpressed by these two. One Boston woman even said she couldn’t talk about Will and Kate because she’ll “get mad” about how they treated the Duchess of Sussex.

Photos courtesy of Backgrid, Ian Vogler/Avalon Red, Cover Images.

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175 Responses to “Prince William got his photo-op with Pres. Biden while Kate went to Harvard”

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  1. Zazzoo says:

    I *need* audio. How am I meant to go through life without knowing what Kate discussed with Harvard professors.

    • MY3CENTS says:

      Or what she “wrote” in her notebook.

      • LL says:

        I’ve never seen a textbook sized notebook. That’s alotta notes.

      • Harla A Brazen Hussy says:

        @LL, that large book is a visitor book for her to sign, not her notebook….at least I hope so🤣🤣

      • Anastasia says:

        Who carried it in for her? Clearly she didn’t in her bag that’s a quarter of the size of the “notebook”

        It’s so pretentious.

    • Caseysmom says:

      I went to Harvard and am friends with the dean of the Grad School of Education. She posted a photo of her meeting Kate on Facebook. When asked about it, she wrote, “It was…. interesting.” I laughed because I knew that she meant Kate was out of her depth.

      Also said she looked lovely, had impeccable manners and seemed committed to children. This dean is a black woman, so I’m waiting for the real tea on how she and the other non-whites felt about their reception.

      • Juniper says:

        Sounds like when my coworker met Ivanka at the White House for a summit/discussion on a particular topic. She wouldn’t say anything but “it was … interesting.” and winked. She said she was beautiful and very polite. It’s like they’re the same person! (I apologize for being vague, I am afraid if I say the subject it will give everyone away.)

  2. Amy Too says:

    Ugh. I hate this dress too. So conservative and tight and buttoned up and ugly and matronly and somehow childish all at once. What is it with her and plaid for this trip? (I guess this is houndstooth. But same kind of vibe.)

    • Happyoften says:

      I was thinking School Marm, right down to the lunch pail purse.

      I bet those Harvard Professors we’re just thrilled to get even 30 minutes with someone so knowledgeable about the importance of the early years in the development of a child’s mind.

      This is their idea of a Superbowl tour?

      • Lorelei says:

        Very School Marm. Except even Miss Beadle, the teacher on Little House on the Prairie, wore more revealing outfits than Kate often does for the love of god

        Also, one of the articles covering her visit to Harvard called Kate’s “work” “pioneering.” Pioneering! 🤣 for days

    • Jais says:

      It’s the length and narrow fit that drive me crazy. In the video, you can see how it affects her walk. It’s not an easy length to walk in and it ends up looking weird. Like a hobble walk.

      • BeanieBean says:

        Interesting. I checked out the dress on What Kate Wore & saw that it was a bespoke version of one of EWs polyester wonders. The original is sleeveless and has a decent slit at the back hem to allow for walking. I’m guessing Kate had that taken out for some reason? You need either a slit or a pleat to enable you to walk in such a long slim silhouette. I like the color of the print, that’s about it.

    • Josephine says:

      Her stylists have a real skill at mixing childish and matronly. It’s so odd but they must be aiming for it because it’s remarkable how many times people describe her clothes as both childish and matronly at the same time.

    • swirlmamad says:

      Maybe this is her (poor) attempt at New England preppy? It’s giving prudish grandma for me though.

    • Lucy says:

      I can’t handle even crew neck shirts because they feel too constricting, so many times she chooses these neckline that make me feel strangled just looking at them. Other than that, I overall like the silhouette on her. Dislike how tight it looks on her arms, and if they took the slit out, it’s a hobble dress.
      I did see a quote where Biden greeted Other Brother by asking where his overcoat was, because it’s so cold. I saw another headline (online clock bait) about how will forgot his gloves for the trip.
      I would like to see what Kate “wrote.” It’s insulting how much they go to these things and feign interest and think that pretending to listen is the job.

    • Detnow359 says:

      Yes, everything you said plus that ridiculous hair. Ugh, I can’t with this woman!

    • Michyk says:

      I actually like the top part of the dress. I frequently wear my oxfords and button ups buttoned all the way to the tippy top. But as others have said the skirt length and lack of slit make it kind of awful. I imagine this above the knee with a side slit and maybe a moto jacket and boots or heels in a pop of color? Then I’d wear it probably.

  3. Beach Dreams says:

    1) Her face is *jacked*. Eyebrows and eye area in particular…did she get fresh injections or something?

    2) Apparently she visited Harvard for a grand total of 30 minutes. Shameless as usual.

    • Moira's Rose's Garden says:

      30 minutes and that was probably 29 minutes too long for the human version of that big ass empty book on the table.

      • Harla A Brazen Hussy says:

        30 minutes? After introductions, she had what 5-10 minutes to “listen and learn” from child development experts?

    • Julia K says:

      What? Only 30 minutes? All that notebook carrying, gesturing, swanning, posing and picture taking for 30 minutes? Her schedule led me to believe that she couldn’t be with William because she was spending the day at Harvard. Whatevah.

      • Jais says:

        Nah, she needed time to change into her sexy grinch costume for the holiday concert, wait no sorry, for the earthshot prize.

    • Beach Dreams says:

      Adding to my original post: the commentary from the Fail was hilariously shady. I saw a screenshot of the following excerpt on Twitter:

      “Kate spent half an hour with the experts and at the end, smiled and said: ‘I need all day.’”

      There’s definitely *something* going on with the British press and the Keens because they’ve been increasingly shady towards these two since mid-November. Additionally, none of the papers had photos of Earthshot on their front pages, and it definitely wasn’t too late for them to add some shots. They’ve waited later for a Sussex Christmas card before.

      • Roo says:

        @JuliaK, She’s copying Dr Biden, who was disappointed their round table in the UK was so short and superficial. Remember, she came with a huge binder and was prepared to dig in.

    • Laura D says:

      OMG! 30 minutes with some of the world’s brightest minds. Seriously? I’m am truly surprised. I thought she was spending at least a morning with them.

      • Blithe says:

        This whole trip seems like such a superficial waste of time. I guess I don’t fully get the importance of appearances and photo ops though. Meanwhile, I would kill to have the opportunity to talk about current research and how it can direct policy and interventions— with other people who deeply care about such stuff….

        I am evilly hoping that it comes out later if Biden was overheard saying something like: “Now, who was that again?” at some point surrounding the 30 second photo op. A girl can dream! lol.

      • Lorelei says:

        @Blithe, I know, it’s so frustrating. We know that whatever went into one of Kate’s ears came right out the other, because she wasn’t engaging with the others, she was constantly playing to the cameras and posing and making sure her face was arranged in the most flattering way possible. I bet if someone asked her one thing she’d learned as soon as she stepped out, she’d struggle to come up with an answer.

        The bigger question is why on earth would Harvard agree to waste their talent and resources with this nonsense? In the UK, when she visits patronages, the argument can at least be made that she’s “shining a spotlight” on an organization, particularly a smaller one, but Harvard? Please.

      • The Recluse says:

        Shocking, right?
        All that fuss for just a photo op?
        Ugh.

    • QuiteContrary says:

      Joe Biden would pose for a photo with anyone. He’s just a good guy. This is literally the least he could do LOL.

      • Aurora says:

        Exactly. He’s a born diplomat. He’s not going to insult the British by refusing to meet with this twerp. So he made time in his schedule for a brief handshake, let Bully Bill get his photo op, then left.

        I would’ve loved to be a fly on the wall on the car rides over and back from that meeting to get Biden’s real opinion on the professional dilettante.

      • booboocita says:

        I liked the staging of Biden/Baldy’s meet: outside, in close to freezing temps, with nary a bench or chair in sight, so no one was encouraged to get comfortable and settle in for a long chat. 30 minutes is just enough for greetings, photos, how are you, how’s the family, great work you’re doing with the environment and your little prize ceremony, well it’s too cold to stand around jawing, give my best to the missus, and out. Biden is one smart cookie.

      • The Recluse says:

        AND Biden was heard to ask the impractical prince: Where’s your overcoat? Apparently, William didn’t have the sense to wear one outside in that Boston cold.

  4. Moira's Rose's Garden says:

    Welp, I guess the idiot can now say that she went to Harvard.

    Wonder if she went to the Coop to buy a Harvard sweatshirt that she can wear to her next Early Years summit.

  5. Plums says:

    So did they even bother pretending Kate was at Harvard for any other reason than to be photographed wearing that dress and holding that bag, with an academic backdrop?

    • booboocita says:

      This entire trip is a photo op. Why should a visit to Harvard be any different? The only thing needed is for Harvard Pres Lawrence Bacow to get his Jamaican on and say, “Okay, did you get your photos?”

  6. Carrie says:

    She would have been scared witless all the time she was there in case she was asked any questions about Arly Yahs. Airhead.

  7. Moxylady says:

    So many researchers and child advocates would have given a whole lot to be able to talk to some of the top minds in the field, pick their brains etc. And Kate went for 30 minutes and multiple poses with strange hands to let everyone know she’s keen. Also where is her notebook? Was it a super tiny one with the spiral on top to fit in her dolly purse?

    • Josephine says:

      It was the tour of tiny purses. They look so ridiculous, especially during the daytime.

      • AmBF says:

        The tiny purses look like something you give a five-year-old to distract her while at an adult event. You could put a tiny coloring book in there, or a little doll. Also useful for stuffing her little gloves in when she gets fussy and yanks them off.

        Of course they’re also a nod to QEII’s handbags, which were of a functional size and NOT toys like Kate’s. For the Queen it seemed like a functional accessory. For Kate it signals “I am an ornament who carries ornaments; this is the most work I can do, to manage this teensy awkward bag”.

      • sparrow says:

        I hate them, too. The ultimate ughh about them with Kate is that she doesn’t carry anything that would need to be carried by her. It’s not like she has her keys and phone in there; her staff have got them. Why tote around a silly little bag and look like an old lady. Keep your hands free.

      • Gabby says:

        That’s exactly what I was thinking. What is she doing with that stupid little-girl pretend purse on a work visit? People who do things bring the supplies they need to get those things done. At least fake it with an empty tote bag.

    • Christine says:

      Yep. Apparently, we are all just waiting for the rest of the planet to catch up, and it is exhausting.

  8. Jazz Hands says:

    It’s like she’s reading comments here. Someone the other day commented that she should wear hoop earrings for a more modern look.

    • Brassy Rebel says:

      If she’s reading comments here, she must be a masochist.

    • Anonymous says:

      I always firmly believed that the Queen carried a gun in her purse. I think, given her age and the time and the circumstances in which she became Queen and rules through, it was probably determined that she should always have it for protection. Something about the way she always not just had it close, but held it, also gave me that vibe.

      Kate’s doesn’t look big enough and she probably wasn’t carrying a gun, and they definitely would’ve picked-out at least iphone sized bags if they insisted on her having accessories on this trip. But if I were her I’d want something planned if it was going to be when I has my period, so maybe that’s what’s going on. Because I don’t think Kate has always insisted on carrying a purse…unless I’m not remembering correctly!?!

      You’re right she always chooses thin and maybe she thinks that’s flattering, but it’s not. She might have body dysmorphia or an eating disorder.

    • Anonymous says:

      I always firmly believed that the Queen carried a gun in her purse. I think, given her age and the time and the circumstances in which she became Queen and ruled through, it was probably determined that she should always have it for protection. Something about the way she always not just had it close, but held it, also gave me that vibe.

      Kate’s doesn’t look big enough and she probably wasn’t carrying a gun, and they definitely should’ve picked-out at least iphone sized bags if they insisted on her having accessories on this trip. But if I were her I’d want something planned if it was going to be when I had my period, so maybe that’s what’s going on. Because I don’t think Kate has always insisted on carrying a purse-certainly not to the degree the Queen did-although I never paid too much attention.

      You’re right, she always chooses what makes her look thinnest and maybe she thinks that’s flattering, but it’s not. She might have body dysmorphia or an eating disorder.

  9. Roop says:

    The work done on her face… she has cat eyes now! She just looks so TIGHT. Lay off the fillers, Keen! It’s not a good look.

    I love houndstooth, but goodness, could this dress be anymore stuffy? It looks like something an 80-year-old librarian might wear.

    • Tessa says:

      Or school teacher Barbie outfit

    • amb says:

      I’m betting the 80-year-old librarians among us 1) have a more modern fashion sense than that and 2) aren’t stuffing themselves into sausage casings and high heels.

      • Feeshalori says:

        Retired librarian here, not 80, and l never dressed this way at work, we couldn’t. I worked in the trenches at the local library where it was hands-on work with books and book bins.

      • booboocita says:

        Academic librarian here, retiring in 5-7 years if all goes according to plan. I never dress like this, now or in the past. Polo shirts and chinos are my uniform, or an Oxford shirt. And no, I don’t own any cardigans.

      • Feeshalori says:

        Exactly and wearing sneakers.

    • Geegee says:

      Ya she is going to have full on melted candle face by the time she is 45

    • Jen says:

      I love a good houndstooth, too. Imagine this print in just a normal, knee-length pencil skirt, with classic black sweater or blouse! It could have been a cute preppy look.

      What drives me bonkers about her looks is that with just a *little* bit of guidance she could look good. She has access to the best clothes and jewelry. And then consistently makes unflattering, event-inappropriate choices. I don’t get it.

    • Detnow359 says:

      It’s way too long. The length does nothing for her.

  10. MY3CENTS says:

    Harvard Wiglet! Dying.
    Wonder if they added a new category at the Coop.

  11. Kim says:

    The picture the Waleses (or whatever we’re supposed to call them) posted on their instagram of Will and Biden meeting is hilarious. They look like they’re in a stand-off and Will is clenching his teeth. Biden really said “you’re getting the bare minimum”. Also funny that Macron was in Dc and the waleses were invited and Macron didn’t go to Boston. It’s like an hour and a half flight. I like to think they’re all Team Harry & Meghan but I may just have an overactive imagination.

    • Jess says:

      Macron went to New Orleans. Why would he bother to squeeze in an unnecessary trip to meet the Waleses. I’m sure he’s met them already and if he hasn’t so what. They are in waiting, not Head of State like he is.

      • AmB says:

        Macron: “Boston in December vs. New Orleans in any season. Hmm. How will I ever choose.”

      • BeanieBean says:

        @AmB: I went to a conference in New Orleans in January one year. It was below freezing most of the week! During the day!!! With a stiff wind! I was so unprepared.

      • Gabby says:

        I’ve been to NOLA in August and would have to choose Boston in December.

      • Flowerlake says:

        Also, since Brexit, the UK isn’t exactly the priority for EU leaders, so that’s evrn less reason to bother for Macron to make an effort.

        If he wants to see them, it’s a short distance from Paris to London anyway, but I think he has better things to do 🙂

    • Kick says:

      Please let’s stop with this whole team Harry and Meghan thing. Of course they weren’t invited to a state dinner it wouldn’t make sense diplomatically since Sunak hasn’t even been invited. Also Macron has actual business to parktake in not fluff.
      It has nothing to do with Harry and Meghan and bringing them into the conversation is unnecessary.

      • MrsBanjo says:

        It has to do with H&M because the whole trip for these two was organised because they’re in a one-sided competition with the Sussexes. Earthshot was a literal vanity project for William. There’s nothing substantial about it. They don’t go in-depth about the projects. It’s only about being William’s Big Thing. Same with Kate’s Early Years that she does nothing more than 5 common-sense questions and 30 min bullshit photo ops for.

      • Nic919 says:

        Since the state dinner was to celebrate Macron, who is head of state, William who has no actual role in the UK government would be considered number two and he would never tolerate that.

        Despite the bs of the UK media, the only one who matters is the monarch. Macron as head of state of France and Biden, head of state of the U.S., outrank William because he’s no different than when Ivanka was at these events.

      • Christine says:

        As you can see from this one article, the Wails are being propped up as diplomats, for England, who should absolutely meet the President of this country. Where are Harry and Meghan being mentioned?

    • BeanieBean says:

      I love it! It looks like Biden stopped his car en route to somewhere & William dashed outside the library to the sidewalk to get his photo op.

      • LightPurple says:

        That is exactly what happened.

      • Saucy&Sassy says:

        BeanieBean, you’re probably not far off the mark! The President’s schedule is not easily changed. There is a lot of advance work for the Secret Service before the President goes anywhere. I think Biden took one on the chin, because he agreed to make room on an already busy schedule, but this was the only time he would or could do it. Fails made sure he got that on his schedule. Does anyone know why he was insistent to shake hands with Biden? I found it interesting that this happened outside, where everyone could see exactly what was said. I don’t think Biden wanted anyone to think they had anything of substance to say to each other.

        I wonder what C-Rex and the PM think about this?

      • Suze says:

        @Saucy – I have two guesses for why Wills was so insistent. First guess, he badly wants to be seen as a statesman, so meeting with the President ticked off a very important box for him. Like, look I’m important, Biden himself met with me! My second guess is his personal competition with Harry. Harry has met President and Dr. Biden because of Invictus, and has good relationships with both of them. Biden even joked that Harry had *too* good of a relationship with Jill. So William wants to make sure that there are pictures of him with Biden so he can brag about their good relationship, and downplay Harry.

      • OverIt says:

        What made me chuckle is that in some pictures you can literally see cones that are marking where the Harborwalk is crumbling. Super classy. Haha. A friend of a friend works there and apparently everyone got kicked out of the building and had to work remotely for Peg’s vanity visit. God forbid he see commoners!

  12. Amy Bee says:

    I know designers are getting extra money for these customized outfits but the original version of this dress looks so much better and more modern. If I was Emilia wickstead I would refuse to change my designs because the customised version gives impression that her designs are frumpy. Plus what did Kate actually achieve by visiting Harvard?

  13. S808 says:

    Okay I love the dress but not crazy about the bag choice.

    • Taehyung’s Noona says:

      I like the dress too, but it’s too long. I think the bag ruined the look. Made it too precious. Shoes aren’t great either.

    • Blithe says:

      So do I. I really, really like this dress. If she had paired it with a simple bag with a shoulder strap, maybe in black, navy, or even Harvard crimson, I’d be terrified by how much I like this dress. I even sort of kind of think her hairstyle nicely softens the look of the dress. Gulp. The hoop earrings and the spiral notebook are a nice touch.

      • Saucy&Sassy says:

        Wails always has her dresses too long. That’s the first thing I always notice. How can she always get that so wrong? It wouldn’t be awful if it was shorter and had a short slit in back for walking and moving about. What is it with her and peter pan collars? I would change that, too.

      • SomeChick says:

        Peter Pan collars aren’t pointy – they’re the little curved ones. I do agree that the high and tight necklines don’t do her any favors. I will be happy when collars go away again. Kate looks upholstered here. She will always be excessively buttoned down, no matter the design. She looks best in athleisure or her outdoorsy styles.

  14. Tessa says:

    Perhaps will was incandescent when he and kate did not get an invite to state dinner.

    • Teddy says:

      Lol! Came here to comment on them not being invited to state dinner. But it makes sense since Bill isn’t head of state.

      People Mag has been trying to gin up enthusiasm but you can tell the Bill and Cathy tour isn’t getting the clicks because the stories fall off the top of the page almost immediately.

  15. Beverley says:

    That dress is a disaster!

  16. Tessa says:

    The dress should have been shorter. It is not flattering.

  17. Jay says:

    I actually like the hounds tooth dress, but it’s wayyyy too long. Imagine if it hit her at the knee, more like a pencil skirt? That would be cute, and create more of a shape over her narrow hips. The wiglet is embarrassingly bad – a smooth bun would look better in my opinion.

    I’m laughing at the idea of Kate feverishly taking notes as if she’s personally responsible for bringing this valuable knowledge back to Britain in her notebook. It’s not like there’s any other way of sending research, you know?

    • Pumpkin (Was Sofia) says:

      I agree. I like the dress but it needs to be shorter. I think if it above the knee and she paired it with some black tights it would have been a polished look.

  18. Befuddled says:

    I’m embarrassed to admit I like the dress.

    • TheVolvesSeidr says:

      I am too, but in our defense, this dress would sexy af on someone with curves.

    • SAS says:

      I love the dress tbh, especially the original sleeveless version. I haaaaate how tight it is on her. Both this and the McQueen suit were literally pulling on her and restricting her movements.

      She constantly tailors too tight, which affects the fall of her clothing be it coats, dresses, suits. It’s an insult to the designers and doesn’t look anywhere near as flattering as she thinks it does.

  19. Cerys says:

    It’s an awful dress which looks as if it would be very uncomfortable to wear or even walk in.
    William will be glad he got his photo op with the president. It will help the image of a “world statesman” that he is trying to project.
    The few pics I saw from his visit to the JFK Library looked like the best part of the trip for him. He seemed please to meet Caroline and her family and seemed interested in the things that were shown to him. Or maybe he was just glad to get away from Kate for a while.

    • Brassy Rebel says:

      Even though they’re Irish, the Kennedys have been known for their anglophilia going back to Joseph P. But why they would agree to let William co-opt JFK’s moonshot for this event which is so insignificant by comparison puzzles me. I would have laughed at any request from the royals to hold the ceremony at the JFK Library. Like, who do you think you are, bro?

      • LightPurple says:

        The ceremony was not at the Library. The Library doesn’t have a large enough room for it.

      • Brassy Rebel says:

        Wherever it was held, I still don’t get Caroline and her family allowing a British royal to co-opt JFK’s legacy. It was more about celebrating William and his celebrity friends than celebrating people who were making a difference on climate and environment since it was an awards show in which the winners were not actually present. Who does that? ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

      • booboocita says:

        If I had to guess, this event is the result of Caroline Kennedy doing a solid for Michael Bloomberg, not the Wailses. I doubt she cares about the BRF one way or another. Bloomberg and Kennedy go way back, with Bloomberg supporting her appointment to the US Senate seat that Hillary Clinton vacated when she became Obama’s Secretary of State (she wasn’t appointed, but word in the NYTimes was that Bloomberg pushed HARD for her). And Bloomberg Philanthropies has long supported Caroline Kennedy’s charitable initiatives.

    • Princessk says:

      A pointless meeting, which Biden agreed to purely out of kindness to Britain.

  20. Kaye says:

    Joe Biden looks dapper. Perfect tailoring.

    • MipMip says:

      Will should ask Biden for his tailor’s contact info.

    • Michelle says:

      President Biden is such a good guy. He took time out of his crazy schedule to give W+K visit a boost since it was a bust. God love him.

  21. Mrs. Smith says:

    The dress is ok, but it’s so stiff looking, super-slim fitted and buttoned up tight at the neck. It’s hard to look at since it reads as SO uncomfortable.

    And hold on a sec — she was only there for 30 minutes?! I didn’t know that. So, she walked in, took a few photos, sat down for a minute (took some notes??) and left? That’s it? That was her big trip to Harvard?

  22. Lauren says:

    My favorite part is how everyone is quoting Biden asking William where his coat is. Because that’s what you want in an article about meeting a world leader.

    • Harper says:

      Biden seemed so cranky with Burger King. You’re getting the bare minimum. Where’s your coat? Biden didn’t want to be there and his true feelings leaked. They both look super cold in the pics too. Fail.

      • booboocita says:

        I don’t know, of course, but I’m guessing Baldy expected Biden or someone to say, “It’s so cold — why don’t we go inside?” or “You don’t have a coat? We’ll go inside.” And then Baldy would sit on a comfy sofa or chair and settle in for a “summit.” Biden kept it quick: outside, in the wind, so he couldn’t be accused of making an overly quick getaway — “It was too cold to linger!”

  23. Elizabeth says:

    I’d read somewhere that she spent an hour and took notes diligently, but with what? And if she’s so concerned with the early years, why did she spend so little time at Harvard, especially since we keep hearing that they are such a big supporter of the royal foundation and Keen’s Early Years Centre. What did she do for the rest of the day? She could have visited a school or a children’s museum, something. Going to the Harbor to learn about the Boston Tea Party would have been out of the question!

    • Mrs. Smith says:

      100% @Elizabeth! How easy would it have been for her to be a surprise guest for one of the childhood development classes that are currently in session at Harvard. I think those students would have loved a brief pop-in by her? It also would have been a fun photo for the Wales’ social media.

      • Nic919 says:

        American students are unlikely to know who she is. Especially if we are talking about younger kids. British royalty is not important to them.

  24. Alix says:

    More cosplaying. I can see her thinking that academics wear tweed and houndstooth.

    More importantly, her comments about research were so stupid that I have legit third party embarrassment. She said something sophomoric about how “we need to share,” which shows she clearly has no clue what academics and researchers do: we share and exchange our work, be it through publications, collaborations, etc. I’ll be curious to hear the scuttlebutt on her visit from colleagues at Harvard.

  25. Jensa says:

    Having seen some of the photos from this PW/Biden “meeting”, it looks like they accidentally passed each other in a car park or something. PW got the absolute bare minimum.
    To think he was expecting to make a huge splash and for the US to bend over backwards for him.
    And don’t get me started on the Harvard visit. Did Kate have a single useful or interesting comment to make? Did these academics come away thinking Kate is fired up and full of ideas about her chosen subject? I think we know the answer to that.

    • Taehyung’s Noona says:

      The thing is— the president met with him. That’s minimally symbolic power. I wish 🥚hadn’t gotten that photo. 🤬😤🤬

      • Kels says:

        They will always have a little “soft” power until they are abolished. Same with other royals. In this case it was because Biden happened to be there. He wouldn’t have flown in just for this event.

        But it’s the same for Harry and Meghan even though they aren’t working royals. They still have the same soft power..that why they were met with the governor and mayor in NY and why the same happened in the Netherlands and Germany. It’s also why Biden sent a delegation to invictus games and why Trudeau gave millions to help support Invictus games.
        The difference is that the BM tries to make it seem like Harry and Meghan don’t have pull when they do.

      • booboocita says:

        I honestly think Baldy would have been better off without the Biden drive-by. All of the photos I’ve seen just confirm that the whole thing was shoehorned in at the last minute, and Biden couldn’t even be persuaded to stick around long enough to have a cuppa with the Burger King. In other words, the entire “event” screamed, “Just being polite! Byeeeeeee!”

  26. Laura D says:

    So, we’ve had pictures at Harvard, with the Mayor, with the Pres. and yet we never got to see one picture any of the finalists. Not one! I heard about the winners this morning and once again the youngsters have come up with some fabulous projects. They really do deserve far more promotion for their hard work and ideas than their “patron” affords them.

    Someone should tell William and Kate that the reason Invictus works is because Harry has NEVER made it about him. He has gone out of his way to make it all about the contestants. The King of Netherlands didn’t attend the games for a photo-op.y The king stayed and watched the contestants and joined in with the crowd. That’s what real royals do. They interact, they get involved, they show an interest in those around them. They don’t turn up empty handed and say “look at me”!

    • PunkPrincessPhD says:

      @Laura D: you’re so right. This is all so superficial, when their causes (environment, early years, etc) all deserve real engagement and the kind of platform that high-profile “statesmen” could and should create.

      Instead it’s bad fashion choices and wasted opportunities.

    • Michelle says:

      Word! I saw this morning that the “winners” of the Earthshot prize had to attend the Boston event BY ZOOM! OMG! Celebrities were flown in, the royal couple flew in but hello? No one flew in the winners? That screams, “this is an ego project.” Add to it the fact that most of the $$ for the “charity” goes to William. It’s disgusting.

  27. Tiredmomof2 says:

    I see she did manage to meet President Bacow and his wife. Would love to know what was discussed with her

    • Polo says:

      Only Biden was there on his way to a fundraiser for democrats and to help do call for Warnock.
      They apparently just did a basic chat and moved on.

      • windyriver says:

        @Tiredmomof2 (sorry to hear it!) is apparently referring to the Harvard president, Lawrence Bacow. So, Kate was there somewhere berween 30 and 60 minutes, spent some time meeting the president and his wife and probably some others, posed for multiple pictures – and spent how much time with actual researchers? Sounds pretty much like her event with Jill Biden, where Dr. Jill showed up with a binder full of info to talk about, only to have the “panel discussion” wrap up after about 15 minutes. Bet the people at Harvard were about as impressed with Kate and her “work” as Dr. Jill was.

  28. HeyKay says:

    Will looks uncomfortable with Biden.
    Photo opp. nothing more.
    Waste of time for Biden.

  29. Southern Fried says:

    The photo of stiff Willy and Biden should be shown right next to the one of Biden with his arm around Harry’s shoulders, both grinning, that was taken a few years ago.
    Love the lines of kkkate’s dress and the necklace is beautiful but on her both are a fail. Loving the green screen jokes.

  30. Mslove says:

    Peg’s desperate attempt to get a photo with President Biden was successful. I’m dying laughing at Kate’s Harvard visit, she seemed awkward and uncomfortable.

  31. Steph says:

    I usually forget these are coatdresses and not coats so I don’t hate them as much as most of you do. My brain always goes to fun ways to style them. Then I remember, nope. Can’t wear em any other way. If this was a piece of proper outerwear I could have fun with it.

    • Marguerita says:

      I was wondering where HER coat was?? What the heck was she wearing under that then? Another dress?? The whole concept of a coatdress just seems very wasteful. Layering is the only way to go.

  32. girl_ninja says:

    Oh my goodness with the hands! Why won’t someone tell her she’s not more convincing or interesting when she does this. Ridiculous woman.

    As for PJB and Caroline Kennedy meeting with Bill of course they did. They are kind and benevolent unlike Bill and his nasty, racist, ugly lot.

  33. aviolet says:

    William is too stupid to realize a respected statesman doesn’t get treated like a mere tourist and gets more than a sidewalk snapshot. Biden showed the barest civility he had to offer. William did try to pretend this was an important meeting of diplomats by leaving his overcoat inside but Biden’s overcoat flagged that clout chase. Zero pomp, just circumstance. Otherwise he would have invited W&K to DC and had a photo op in the oval with a cabinet-level official for environmental or trade affairs. Trump showed that level of hospitality to visiting Russian spies. Biden did not for the royal visitors.

    • Rapunzel says:

      I think one DailyFail headline said Biden actually asked Will where his overcoat was. Cause Uncle Joe couldn’t believe this knucklehead went outside in Boston in December with no coat.

      • Feeshalori says:

        There’s a video where Biden asks where’s his coat. And I didn’t care how. William took his time to meet the president waiting outside.

  34. Julia K says:

    Joseph Kennedy Sr was ambassador to the U.K. around WW 2 era. Perhaps she and her family met with him to show respect for her grandfather’s years of service

  35. Allyn says:

    This occurred to me on Thursday.

    William ready should have attended the tree lighting on Boston Common Thursday night. The tree comes from Nova Scotia, an annual thank-you to Boston for sending assistance in December 1917 after the Halifax Explosion. As it symbolizes the bibd between the United States and Canada, as it’s a gift from a province in one of his father’s realms to the country he’s visiting, as the premier of Nova Scotia was there, as he happened to be in Boston at exactly the moment of the tree lighting, it would have been entirely appropriate for him to be there and show his “future king” chops.

    100%, I’d bet he and his people had no idea it was happening nor why it would be important.

    • LightPurple says:

      The cast of SIX performed at the tree lighting. They’re enough for British royalty without putting that crowd through security.

  36. Jaded says:

    There was nothing of substance that came out of this other than Khate’s usual fashion parade. These two are nothing but performative nothingburgers and bring nothing substantive to the table. Keep on failing guys, the tide is turning.

  37. Athena says:

    Will kept Biden waiting for that photo op which was rude. There’s Biden standing there in the cold for a couple of minutes so Will can do his stroll in for his photo op, just ridiculous. Biden is too nice.

    • Emmy says:

      Will is such a petty jerk. You know he was livid since he didn’t get the state dinner invite while Macron was in DC.

      So keeping POTUS waiting was Will’s attempt to show his ‘soft power’ and underline what a gargantuan A-hole he is.

      Biden got game and standing next to Biden just showcase what a waste of space Will inhabits.

    • JustBitchy says:

      Biden was giving him a pity photo opp. Biden is a great politician

    • LightPurple says:

      In the cold with the wind whipping off the Harbor behind him. That spot is really windy, surrounded by water on three sides, and yesterday was a very windy day.

  38. MsIam says:

    If I were Kate I would have worn a jacket over this dress, maybe a duster. Something to break up that long column. Or made the dress knee length like others have suggested. Right now its giving spinster vibes, or evil assistant.

    • Blithe says:

      Nailed it! I’ve been wondering why I like this dress so much. You nailed it, MsIam: it’s the evil assistant vibe — Wednesday Addams checks out Harvard. Love it! lol

  39. Jen says:

    I love a cute small handbag, but they’re weird when she’s supposedly there for something business-adjacent, when a tote would make more sense. A suit or at least separates would also make more sense for this, too. I saw the Earthshot photos last night and hated her really harsh eye shadow, and this looks like the same heavy handed eye shadow, in daytime. She has no sense of dressing or styling appropriate to the occasion.

  40. Mrs.Krabapple says:

    I didn’t invite these people.

    The best thing about their vanity trip is that it’s over. But PLEASE do not send us Ed and Sophie to make up for Will & Kate’s flop again, because that never works either.

  41. paintergal says:

    Yikes, Caroline looks even thinner than Kate.

  42. sparrow says:

    Why always the dress shape that goes to the mid calf. It doesn’t suit her. It makes her look like Olive Oyl. She’ll be mad with that photo of her in front of the window where the backlighting shows her jowls. One night with her favourite lighting (flash on the red carpet) and now this.

  43. Therese says:

    Who said Americans aren’t polite? They showed up for these two and were polite to them. Just some thoughts: Caroline looks good, doesn’t she? Her son looks just a little like her brother. Kate was sitting at a table with a glass of water in an etched glass and I saw the notebook there as well: unopened, and the pen in her hand – unopened. She looked tired and like she didn’t feel well. Her smiling photos begin to look like she has lock-jaw. In one picture, there are people behind her, non-smiling, not happy, as I am beginning to notice in pictures of how others seem to be reacting to showings of Kate and Will. I really wish I knew what was going on behind the scenes, though, with Will and Kate. I guess there is an arrangement, but I wish I knew who was making the concessions. Whether it is Kate who has agreed to soldier her way through for the looks of things until a certain point, or Will who has agreed to put up with the image until a certain point. Were I her, I would not want to be Princess of Wales or Queen of England at such a price. I would not want to be miserable, I would rather at peace on a farm somewhere instead of being a puppet in a play with so many machinations that amount to nothing. Those jewels are beautiful, and cold.

  44. Lululu says:

    Kate looks like she’s there to “raise awareness” just with her precious Princess presence, not do anything meaningful. She should have worn business clothes and arrived with a briefcase full of work materials, not a mini purse that makes it look like her priority is to keep her nose powdered and her lipstick fresh. She should have spent the whole day, set out a specific task to accomplish, and been prepared to announced something at the conclusion besides “Kate visited with smart people.”

    But what do I know?

  45. jferber says:

    Lulu, “meaningful” is not in Kate’s skill set. The Harvard dress made her look like a literal mannequin in a store– frighteningly skinny, like the Barbies before they re-shaped their bodies closer to normal. What people call her vacuity or blankness (unless she’s scarily enraged by Meghan’s presence and turns into Witchy Kate) may really be due to lack of nutrients to feed the brain. She may get her energy from uppers so she doesn’t just fall down in a pile of bones, like a wind-up doll who needs re-winding.

  46. LynnInTx says:

    Only 30 minutes at Harvard?! I have absolutely zero professional interest in early childhood development and I’d still pick the brains of Harvard experts for a lot longer than that. Good lord. That’s basically a round of introductions, the thesis statement for one point of research, and the photo-ops. And I’m not even sure about the middle part.

    I am continually amazed (and not in a good way) at how she seemingly has zero intellectual curiosity or motivation to learn more, despite all the access she has. She could have any and every door open for her to learn anything she wanted. They both could. And both of the Waleses just… don’t. I truly don’t understand it. I’m a broke peon and I am constantly taking courses from somewhere just to learn more about anything and everything. There is so much out there.

    I like the dress she wore to a point. Personally, I’d change the neckline to something more open (boat neck, cowl neck, scoop neck, something like that) then wear a scarf in a contrasting color. I’d make the sleeves a bit looser, change the belt to a black one, and either make the skirt fuller for the same length OR shorten it. It’s not completely hideous (she’s donned far, far worse, let’s get real), it’s just…. it’s akin to what I would have dressed up in as a child to pretend to be an old librarian. All she was missing was the baby-powdered bun and fake reading glasses. People above nailed it when they called it simultaneously childish and old.

    • SomeChick says:

      tailored clothes are supposed to have ease – which is the term for room to move in them. (this was also the case with the green dress. while the fabric was stretchy, it was too tight.) her clothes look uncomfortable because they have no ease. her personality has no ease. she’s a miserable show pony.

      honestly, for her sake, she would be so much better off if they broke up and stopped trying to pretend that she’s suitable for any of the requirements of her position. she could find some rich dude to take care of her or go back to her parents.

  47. Sindy says:

    In that 5th photo above she looks like she’s grinding her teeth and trying to smile at the same time. I’ve seen pics of her doing that before, she is drinking way too much Gin!

  48. jferber says:

    LynnInTx, Maybe 30 minutes was all the Harvard professors could stand of her. I’m sure she compared unfavorably with their students, undergrads and grads with a real interest in knowledge. This is just a photo op she checks off on a list, seeing if she can reach maybe 80 “events” a year. This was an easy one, staring blankly at men in suits as they failed to engage her. Just check the box, Kate.

  49. Christine says:

    Nothing says “future king” like guarding your genitals while standing next to the nicest American President, probably ever. Yeah, Biden is totally going for the junk punch, you are totally winning the media wars this weekend, Willnot!!!!

  50. PixiePaperdoll says:

    This dress is giving me strong Bethany-Frankel-I-can-wear-my-child’s-clothes vibe.

  51. Seaflower says:

    Someone needs to send Willie to a new tailor asap.

  52. Mr. Burns goes to Boston

  53. Eurydice says:

    I think the general assessment of the tour would be “That Happened.” It was a nice break to have something different and flashy in Boston for a bit and we brushed through it without major incident, but now it’s time to move on. It’s up to the British media to analyze if the trip was successful or not for W&K.

  54. Giddy says:

    Her jazz hands reminds me of when Ivanka thought that by waving her hands she could hang with world leaders at the G20.

  55. RoyalBlue says:

    What was she hoping to learn in 30 minutes that she couldn’t google for herself.

  56. raj kumar says:

    In the fifth image above, she appears to be grinding her teeth while attempting to smile. I’ve seen pics of her doing that before, she is drinking way too much Gin!

  57. CC says:

    Kate’s Hands: A Four Photo Essay
    “Sometimes I stand and hold up a hand from one side of my body.
    Sometimes I sit and hold up my hands far apart.
    Sometimes I still sit and hold up my hands closer together.
    Sometimes I stand again and hold up a hand from the other side of my body.
    Thank you for your time, Harvard.”

  58. Sass says:

    1. Biden is an honorary octogenarian with more hair than William
    2. A few weeks ago I wore a dress similar to Kate’s and felt so out of my element and even said “I feel like I’m cosplaying Kate Middleton.” It was beautifully made and comfortable but so prim. It was so costume like to me that I WORE IT ON HALLOWEEN and some kids told me I looked like a “classy Mary Poppins witch”. Out of the mouths of babes.

  59. Bonnie says:

    Again, a very positive set of events. William, a future head of state, meeting with the our POTUS and the JFK Library and Museum.. JFK made the Moonshot his priority & William is using the Earthshot as one of his signature causes.

    Catherine’s visit to the Harvard Center was also a positive event. I would never expected her to be as well versed in the topics concerning early childhood development, but she definitely made some connections and perhaps the professional a working with her in the UK can work with the experts at Harvard.

    The visit was not a flop by any means.

    • Saucy&Sassy says:

      Bonnie, you know it didn’t look like POTUS and Fails was meeting. It looked like a greeting, which is what is on POTUS’s schedule. I cannot imagine in what manner you have determined that Wails has the intellectual curiosity or ability to be “well versed”. There simply isn’t any audio of her saying anything of substance about the early years. We have a number of people–very well-educated people-on this site who would not bother to meeting with her, because she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Unfortunately for her, her staff and the bm have made out that she’s some brain trust about the early years. She’s simply incapable of living up to that mark. I would be astonished to discover that she made any connections. It seems that Harvard may have done a report for her “office” (which they were paid for), so the staff knows how to get in touch with them.

    • Jaded says:

      @Bonnie, you really are stretching aren’t you, on this and other posts on CB. Biden squeezed in a brief photo op because that’s who he is. He has integrity which Wm doesn’t because he kept the President of the United Effing States waiting in the cold. The only people working hard on Earthshot are Wm’s legion of obsequious underlings, and the fact that the prize winners were not invited while the Wails and some celebrities celebrated was a slap in the face. How on earth was Kate’s visit to Harvard a positive event? She interrupted their day with nothing but photo ops and platitudes. You’re giving her wayyyyy too much credit for basically doing nothing but a performative, self-aggrandizing and brief visit, during which I doubt anything of any substance or importance was discussed. No, she’s not the lynchpin between her *work* (SNORT) and Harvard. If there is any sharing of research it’s already been done without her having to lift one lazy finger.

    • SomeChick says:

      how could anything be accomplished in half an hour, besides photos and introductions? it’s ridiculous.

      also ridiculous: the part about how they didn’t have the prize winners or finalists at their celebrity gala! what?!

      the Prince and Princess of Fails strike again!

    • Christine says:

      If this “visit” was meant to show how the Prince of Wales is embraced by everyone, as a world leader, William would have been at the White House for the Kennedy Center honorees, who were, SHOCKINGLY, in attendance, rather than flailing about in Boston, with zero “Earthshot” award winners.

      Biden did a brief layover in Boston, to take a photo, with a man without a time or purpose.

      “Positive set of events” and “well versed”?

  60. AC says:

    Funny how the ill-informed British tabloids think WK US tour was a hit and tried to blame HM for stealing their thunder. In contrast it was the French President who got a glamorous state dinner at the White House and a much better reception in New Orleans- even Macron dancing to jazz at the French Quarter and being more relatable talking to a big crowd of locals there . And most of all not getting Booed or snubbed. Not to mention he was also there to talk about Climate Change!

    • Saucy&Sassy says:

      AC, the UK is the only place they really need to be a “hit”, so the bm lying through their teeth has no impact on the US. They were here and that’s pretty much it, and I say that there’s really very few people who knew they were here.

  61. Kyle O says:

    Bill and Kate are not ready for prime time. They held their signature awards ceremony and didn’t invite the recipients to said event. Enuff said!!

  62. Emily_C says:

    The dress looks like a tablecloth. That tiny purse is completely off. And that is all there is to say about this, because she didn’t do a damn thing.

  63. Denise says:

    I like the print of the dress and even the neckline but think the hem line should have been knee-length.