The Princess Diaries 3

Let's catch up

"Presenting Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi Queen of Genovia." Says the Palace announcer.

* * *

It's been 15 years since Mia's coronation and a lot has happened since then. Her and Nicolas began dating and were engaged after 2 years. Their wedding was immaculate and so elegant. Nicolas was given the title of Prince to signify his marriage to the Queen but not to override Mia's position as sovereign. Mia's best friend, Lily, finished grad school at Berkeley and returned to Genovia to work with Mia as one of her head advisors. Mia's mother and step father decided to move back to San Francisco to raise her half brother, Trevor, but still come to visit quite often. The former Queen Clarisse moved to the countryside with her husband, Joseph, to relax and enjoy their retirements. She does, however, still visit the Palace often providing Mia with advice when appropriate.
Three months following their wedding, Mia and Nicolas announced she was pregnant with their first child and the heir to the throne. The entire country was thrilled to finally be getting an heir. Mia was, of course, well taken care of throughout her pregnancy. Princess Adelaide Lilith was born later that year and the whole country celebrated the arrival of the heir. There were crowds and crowds of people surrounding the hospital hoping to get a glimpse of the new princess. Mia and Nicholas were rockstars raising little Adelaide while also running an entire country.
About eight and a half years later, Mia and Nicholas delightfully shocked the people of Genovia by announcing she was pregnant again with their second child. Prince Benjamin Phillip was born soon after. Again, the streets were filled with crowds of people hoping to see the royal family.
That brings us to the present. Princess Adelaide has just turned 13 years old and is the spitting image of her mother. She isn't your average teenager. Her interests include rock climbing with her mother and cooking with her father. She has also recently taken up sword fighting, which is similar to fencing. Prince Benjamin is 4 and a half years old and giving his parents a run for their money. He's your typical toddler, running around, getting into things, making messes. But, who could get mad at his sweet toddler face. His favorite activities as of late have been coloring and drawing and also tumbling like you would see at baby gymnastics.
Today, a Monday, marks a very special day in the royal family calendar. Today is Princess Adelaide's first day of "normal, public" middle school. Her parents thought it was a good idea to integrate her into a public school so she could make "normal" friendships and learn "normal" school things. In her past years, she has had a private tudor for schooling, which has had its benefits, but Mia and Nicholas both agreed this year Adelaide would benefit more going to a public school. Now, for those of you worried about security, don't; Adelaide's step-grandfather, Joe, came to the rescue with a fool proof security plan for keeping her safe and comfortable at school. Despite all of the efforts her parents, grandparents, and Palace staff have gone through to make her transition to public school easy, Adelaide still is not thrilled and rather pissed about having to go today.
"But Mom, I don't know anybody there?" Adelaide says to Mia as they are eating breakfast in the sun room.
"Honey, that is the beauty of it... you'll get to make new friends. A whole bunch of them." Mia explains.
"I don't want to be friends with anyone there."
"Why do you say that?" Nicholas asks while cutting up Ben's french toast.
"Because public school kids are commoners. I bet they're dirty and smelly. And, I don't want to be friends with them!"
Both Mia and Nicholas stop and look at Adelaide. They are utterly shocked by what their daughter just said.
"Adelaide Lilith. That is not how we talk about anybody especially Genovian citizens." Mia exclaims. Adelaide starts to slowly put her head down. "Did we not teach you about the love and respect we have for all of Genovia? Do you realize you would not be living the life that you have if it weren't for the Genovian people?" Mia and Nicholas continue to look at Adelaide. She takes a breath and then looks up at her parents.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I was just frustrated because I really don't want to go."
Mia looks at Nicholas for some backup. "And that's fine that you were frustrated. But you have to go into this with an open mind and open heart. Who knows, you could meet your next best friend today." Nicholas goes on.  "But, I can tell you from experience that if you go in with a big head and a big attitude, no one is going to want to be your friend."
"Yes, first impressions stick, honey." Mia says. "Promise us, you'll try? Promise you'll be nice... to everyone?"
"Okay, fine." Adelaide agrees.
They all go back to eating their breakfast. When they're done, Adelaide goes to her room to get dressed and ready for school. Nicholas cleans up Ben and then takes him to his play room where his nannys will watch him during the morning. And, Mia goes to her office to work on some things before it's time to take Adelaide to school.

About 15 minutes later, Adelaide, Nicholas, and Mia all meet in the foyer at the Palace's front entrance where their driver and security team are waiting for them. The royals all hop in the car and then they are off on their way to Adelaide's new school.
"You guys didn't have to come with me. I'm sure Grandpa Joe has enough security in place that I could've gone by myself." Adelaide explains.
"Well of course he does. But, I would not miss my daughter's first day of school for the world." Mia says with a grin on her face.
Adelaide just rolls her eyes. She isn't at the age where she can appreciate her parent's effort and love just yet.
They arrive at Pyris Middle School and there is, of course, a large crowd of people waiting for the royals' arrival. There are a mix of paparazzi and the public all awaiting the royal limo to arrive. The middle school's principal, vice principal, head counselor, and Adelaide's teacher are waiting out front for her. The royal limo drives through the parking lot and stops in front of the main entrance. The driver gets out to open the back door for the royal family. Nicholas steps out first. He turns around and gives a hand to Mia who steps out second and then he also gives a hand to Adelaide who steps out last. They thank their driver and then all walk to the front entrance.

"Your Majesty. Your Highnesses. It is an honor and privilege to have you here today." Principal Smith says. "We are so glad you've chosen Pyris Middle School for Princess Adelaide's education. I am Mr. Smith, principal here."
"Mr. Smith, we are so happy to meet you as well. Pyris is the middle school Nicholas attended when he was a boy so we know Adelaide will be well taken care of." Mia states.
"If I may introduce my vice principal, Mrs. Corey. Our head counselor, Ms. Whitney. And, Princess Adelaide's teacher for the year, Ms. Dutton." They all curtsy when Mr. Smith introduces them.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all." says Mia. "I do believe my daughter is in good hands."
"Well, I do believe it is just about time for the bell to ring." says Principal Smith.
"Okay, give us a hug and you have a good day, honey." Nicholas says as he reaches down to hug his daughter. Mia gets a hug next and gives Adelaide a kiss on the cheek. The two principals, head counselor, and teacher walk Adelaide to the front doors while Mia and Nicholas watch. Once she gets inside, the royal limo driver comes around and opens the door again for the Queen and Prince Nicholas. A few security members clear a path for the limo to get through and then they head back to the Palace.
"I really hope she has a good first day." Mia goes on. "I just really want her to make some normal friends."
"I completely agree. She needs some normalcy. All this Palace royalty stuff has gotten to her head." Nicholas explains.
"Well that's all she's known. She was raised in the Palace, grew up in the Palace. She doesn't know any different right now."
"Yes, I know. And I just hope that's what she takes away from this. Just how privileged and blessed she is."
"I agree. She needs to build humility and empathy if she wants to one day take on the throne."
Mia and Nicholas arrive back at the Palace and go right into work to take their minds off their daughter's first day of school.