My Love, My Life | Prince Christian & Madison Nolan

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Wedding Reception

September 13th, 2013 - Buckingham Palace

The crisp September air carried a sense of excitement as the sun began to set over London on the evening of September 13, 2013. Buckingham Palace, already a beacon of grandeur, seemed to glow with an extra touch of magic as it prepared to host the wedding reception of Prince Christian and Madison Nolan, now the Duke and Duchess of Albany.

In a quiet room just off the palace's main corridor, the newlyweds found a moment of solitude amidst the whirlwind of their royal wedding day. Prince Christian gently took Madison's hands in his, his eyes filled with love and wonder.

"Before we go in there and become the Duke and Duchess for everyone else," he said softly. "I just want to tell you how incredibly happy you've made me, Mads. You've changed my world in the most beautiful way."

Madison's eyes glistened with tears of joy. She reached up to straighten Christian's tie, a gesture both intimate and familiar. "Oh, love," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I never imagined I could feel this much love. You've given me a fairytale, but more importantly, you've given me a partner for life. I love you, handsome."

Christian cupped her fact gently, wiping away a tear with his thumb. "And I love you, sweetheart. Ready to start our forever?"

Madison nodded, a radiant smile spreading across her face. They shared a tender kiss, a private seal on their vows before facing the world as husband and wife.

Taking a deep breath, they turned towards the doors that would lead them into the reception. Christian offered his arm, and Madison placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, her touch grounding him as it had countless times before.

The massive doors swung open, and Edward started to announce the couple at all the guests in attendance, "Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Albany."

A wave of applause and cheers erupted as Christian and Madison stepped into the State Ballroom. The room was a vision of elegance, with cascading floral arrangements in shades of cream and blush adorning every corner. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, romantic light over the gathering of 600 esteemed guests, a mix of royalty, dignitaries, celebrities, and close friends and family of the newlyweds.

As they made their way through the crowd, accepting congratulations and well-wishes, their eyes were drawn to the head table, where the Queen sat centre stage, a proud smile gracing her features. The Duke of Albany, resplendent in his black tuxedo, couldn't take his eyes off his bride. Madison, the new Duchess, was a vision in her second gown – a beautiful long lace white dress with a slit at the front.

The gentle clink of crystal signalled the start of the speeches. The Queen rose first, her presence immediately commanding the attention of the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, her voice warm yet regal. "It gives me great joy to welcome you all as we celebrate the union of my grandson, Prince Christian and Madison." The Queen's eyes twinkle as she continued, "In welcoming Madison to our family, we not only gain a lovely new granddaughter but a bright young woman who will undoubtedly enrich both our family and our nation."

As the Queen concluded her heartfelt speech, raising a toast to the happy couple, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Prince Christian and Madison beamed, their hands clasped tightly together under the table.

Next to speak was the Prince of Wales, whose speech was peppered with humorous stories from Prince Christian's childhood, eliciting laugher from the guests and a good-natured eye roll from the groom. "And now," he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "I have officially have the pleasure of welcoming Madison to our family. My dear, in the eleven years you and Christian have been dating, your intelligence, compassion, and strength have already made such an impact on all of us, especially my son. I couldn't be prouder to call you my daughter-in-law."