Charity Earthwatch gets royal treatment

Boston-based Earthwatch got a royal surprise yesterday when it was named to the list of charities that Prince William and Kate Middleton want their wedding guests to support. William and Middleton’s guests — and international fan base — are encouraged to donate to the couple’s chosen causes, including Earthwatch, instead of buying them expensive wedding presents. According to Earthwatch’s website, its mission is to “engage people worldwide in scientific field research and education in order to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.’’ Tereza Byrne, Earthwatch’s spokeswoman, said the group’s executive vice president, Nigel Winser, worked from Earthwatch’s Oxford office to get the group placed on the royal list. She said she has no idea how much Earthwatch will get from the nuptials but acknowledged that the whole world is watching this wedding. “We’re just thrilled to be named as one of the charities and to be so publicly associated with such a wonderful event,’’ Byrne said. Asked whether any of the 50 Earthwatch employees in Boston will get an invite to the big day, Byrne joked: “We are invited. This is it.’’ Other charities on the list include the Army Widows’ Association, Ocean Youth Trust UK, PeacePlayers International-Northern Ireland, and the Association for Children’s Palliative Care.