The Royal Visit to Equity Office's Ferry Building on Monday, November 7 increased the worldwide recognition of the Marketplace as an artisan food destination. "The phone call came to our office in late August," said Ferry Building senior property manager Mary Hunter. "Matthew Goudeau, Mayor Gavin Newsom's chief protocol officer, explained, in hushed tones, that parties representing His Royal Highness, were interested in hosting an event at the Ferry Building and to expect a phone call shortly from the city's British Consulate."

A few days later, representatives from the Royal Staff arrived at the Ferry Building, including The Royal Highnesses Private Secretaries and the British Consulate.  Members of Scotland Yard, US Secret Service, San Francisco Police Department as well as the Mayor's Officer of Protocol also attended. The group discussed with the Equity Office building team how the Ferry Building might figure into the royal visit. The group then went on a building tour to discuss security concerns, points of interest and feasible space for the event.

After the tour, the Prince's Private Secretary exclaimed that the Ferry Building was perfect for the planned agenda. The mission of the Marketplace, to be a celebrated source of local, sustainable food, would fit perfectly with the ethos of the Prince’s visit – a focus on organic farming and environmental concerns. A phone call a day later confirmed that all parties agreed that the Ferry Building's grand hall would be the perfect venue for His Royal Highness's luncheon and official keynote speech.

On Monday, November 7, Equity Office's Regional Sr. Vice President Mark Geisreiter and Ferry Building Communications Specialist, Jane Connors met the Royal Party at approximately 12:50 pm at the entrance to the Ferry Building's back plaza. "The roar of the crowd indicated the Royal Party had arrived. After a quick walk through the crowd on the back plaza, Charlotte Schultz introduced Mark and myself to the Royal Couple" said Ms. Connors. The Prince immediately asked, "Where are the food stalls?" The Prince and the Duchess were able to connect with several of the merchants in the Marketplace, including: Frog Hollow Farm, I Prefert Di Boriana, Far West Fungi, Prather Ranch Meat Company, Recchiuti Confections, Stonehouse Olive Oil and The Gardener. At each store the Prince was able to engage in conversation about products and farming practices.

At the end of the Marketplace tour Mark Geisreiter bid farewell and offered the Prince a pictorial history book of the Ferry Building inscribed by the author Nancy Olmstead (granddaughter of famed landscape architect Frederick Olmstead). The Prince remarked on how impressed he was with the historic restoration and the sustainable standards set forth in the Marketplace. Mark Geisreiter, the consummate dealmaker, took this opportunity to offer His Royal Highness a kiosk at the Marketplace that would feature His Royal Highness's line of organic food products – Duchy Organics. The Prince eyes brightened and he exclaimed "Really? Could we? Here is my Private Secretary's card. I'd love to have a shop here. Where could we do it?" Looks like a consummate Equity Office dealmaker has struck a royal deal.