The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, sat courtside at the TD Garden in Boston on Wednesday night as their landmark US tour begins.
The pair are visiting the United States for the first time in almost a decade for the 2022 Earthshot Prize, an initiative launched by William to tackle the climate crisis, but they found time to watch the Boston Celtics host the Miami Heat in the NBA.
It was a memorable night for Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who racked up 49 points including eight three-pointers and he earned himself a new fan on Wednesday. Sitting alongside Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, his wife Emilia Fazzalari and local politicians, William turned to Kate and seemed to say "He's very good" as Tatum drained another shot from three-point land.
Prince William is a big football fan, supporting Aston Villa as well as being the president of the Football Association since 2006 and he is sure to be keeping a close eye on England's World Cup progress in Qatar, but he was treated to an entertaining contest on the court as the 18-4 Celtics beat the Heat 134-121.
There was a mixed reception for the royals throughout the first evening of a three-day stint in the city from the notoriously raucous Boston crowd, with a smattering of boos mixed in with chants of "USA, USA" as they were pictured on the big screen in the arena.
Meanwhile, it has been an uncomfortable week back at Buckingham Palace after senior aide – and Prince William's godmother – Lady Susan Hussey resigned amid a racism row. The 83-year-old has apologised after asking a black British charity boss where she was "really" from.
Ngozi Fulani said she was repeatedly questioned by Lady Hussey about her background and heritage on Tuesday at a charity event at the palace, despite making clear she was British-born.
Ms Fulani told the Mirror: "[What she did] was racism. Through and through. It was prolonged racism.
"The fact that it was just done in the open in front of people, on a day when we should be working towards violence against women."
The Prince's spokesman issued a statement condemning his godmother's actions.
"I was really disappointed to hear about the guests' experience at Buckingham Palace last night," they said.
"Obviously, I wasn’t there, but racism has no place in our society. The comments were unacceptable, and it is right that the individual has stepped aside with immediate effect."
