| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 7: A SUMMER AT BALMORAL

Summer 2014

The rolling hills of Balmoral stretched out beneath a sky so blue it seemed almost endless, dotted only with the occasional drifting cloud. The summer air was crisp and fresh, carrying with it the scent of pine trees and wildflowers that bloomed in the meadows. Balmoral, the royal family's cherished Scottish retreat, was alive with the sound of laughter and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. It was a place where royal formality melted away, replaced by the freedom of the countryside. For Princess Matilda, it was her first real taste of this idyllic escape.

Now three years old, Matilda had already become a seasoned traveler, but Balmoral offered something different: a chance to simply be a child, away from the public gaze, to run through fields, splash in streams, and spend long afternoons with family. It was also the first summer she would spend time with her cousins—most notably, Mia Tindall, the boisterous daughter of Zara and Mike Tindall. Their bond would blossom in these wild Scottish landscapes, forming the foundation of a lifelong friendship.

On a warm July afternoon, Matilda raced across the sprawling green lawn outside Balmoral Castle, her laughter echoing through the open space. She was dressed in a light tartan dress, her cheeks flushed from running, and her blonde curls bounced with every step. Mia, only a year older but already a bundle of energy, was hot on her heels. The two girls had taken an instant liking to each other, and their days were filled with adventures—exploring the castle grounds, finding hidden corners of the garden, and making daisy chains by the river.

"Mia, wait for me!" Matilda giggled, stumbling slightly as she tried to keep up with her cousin, who was always just a little faster.

Mia turned around, grinning cheekily. "You're too slow, Tilda!" she teased, sticking her tongue out playfully before running off again.

Not far behind them, Catherine and Zara sat on a checkered picnic blanket, keeping an eye on their daughters while chatting softly. Catherine looked fondly at Matilda, who was now tumbling onto the grass with Mia in a fit of giggles.

"They're inseparable," Catherine said with a smile, watching as the girls rolled on the ground, picking at blades of grass and pointing out bugs to each other.

"They're thick as thieves already," Zara replied with a laugh. "Give them a few more summers together, and we'll have to watch out for their mischief."

Catherine nodded. "It's lovely seeing Matilda bond with her cousins. With all the travel and royal duties, moments like these are precious."

Meanwhile, the girls' giggles continued to fill the air as they plotted their next adventure. Mia, always the leader, pointed towards a small stream at the edge of the estate.

"Come on, let's go find frogs!" Mia declared, her eyes wide with excitement.

Matilda hesitated for a moment, glancing back at her mother and Zara. "But what if we get wet?" she asked, unsure.

Mia shrugged, completely unfazed. "So? It's just water! Let's go!"

With Mia's infectious enthusiasm, it didn't take long for Matilda to follow. The two girls raced toward the stream, their little feet kicking up patches of wildflowers. When they reached the edge of the water, Mia immediately crouched down, peering into the stream, her hands already splashing in the cool water.

"Look!" Mia gasped, pointing at a tiny frog hopping on the rocks. "There's one!"

Matilda, with wide eyes, knelt beside her, her fingers just brushing the surface of the water. "It's so small," she whispered, mesmerized by the little creature.

As the day stretched into the golden hours of the evening, the girls reluctantly returned to the picnic, their dresses slightly damp and their shoes caked in mud, but their faces glowing with the joy of discovery. William and Mike joined the group, having spent the day on a hiking trip through the nearby mountains.

"Look at the state of them," William chuckled as he approached, shaking his head in mock dismay at Matilda's mud-splattered clothes.

"They're enjoying themselves. That's what matters," Catherine replied, giving him a playful nudge. "Besides, I think she takes after you with all the outdoorsy mess."

William grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."

As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows over the hills, the family gathered around for dinner. The Tindalls, the Cambridges, and other members of the extended royal family filled the air with lively conversation and laughter. Prince Charles and Camilla watched fondly from their seats, occasionally glancing over at their grandchildren, who were now sitting quietly, tucking into their plates of food after a long day of playing.

At the head of the table sat Queen Elizabeth II, smiling warmly at the scene before her. Balmoral had always been her refuge, a place where the family could gather away from the pressures of royal life, and seeing the younger generation—especially little Matilda and Mia—brought her immense joy. She leaned over to Prince Philip, who was equally content, and whispered, "They remind me of the children when they were that age, so full of life."

Philip nodded, his eyes twinkling. "They'll have many more summers like this."

As dinner came to an end, the children were coaxed back inside, where a fire crackled in the grand hearth of Balmoral's sitting room. The adults sipped tea, and Matilda, now wrapped in a warm blanket, sat on her father's lap, her eyes drooping as the events of the day finally caught up with her. Mia, equally tired, snuggled up next to Zara, her head resting on her mother's shoulder.

"Tomorrow, can we go back to the stream?" Matilda asked sleepily, her tiny voice barely a whisper.

William smiled down at her. "Of course, darling. We'll explore as much as you want."

"Goodnight, Mia," Matilda mumbled, her eyes already closed.

"Goodnight, Tilda," Mia replied, yawning as she drifted off as well.

As the fire crackled softly and the room quieted, the summer at Balmoral continued to weave its magic. For Matilda, these long, carefree days would leave an indelible mark on her, filled with laughter, exploration, and the simple joys of family. The bond she formed with Mia this summer would grow stronger over the years, a friendship forged in the Scottish highlands that would last a lifetime.