| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 8: FIRST CHRISMAS IN LONDON

December 2014

Kensington Palace, with its towering gates adorned in twinkling lights and grand Christmas trees placed at every corner, was alive with festive cheer. It was the first Christmas that Princess Matilda would spend in the bustling heart of London, marking a special occasion for the young royal, now nearing four years old. The grand halls were filled with the scent of freshly baked gingerbread, pine, and the gentle hum of Christmas carols echoing through the rooms. Outside, snow gently fell, dusting the palace grounds in a soft, glittering white blanket.

For the Cambridge family, this Christmas felt different. In previous years, they had spent the holiday at Sandringham or at Anmer Hall, but this year, William and Catherine decided to host their own intimate celebration in London. It was the first time Matilda was truly old enough to take part in the royal family's beloved Christmas traditions, and her excitement was palpable.

Early in the morning, Matilda woke up with a burst of energy, her tiny feet padding across the hardwood floors of Kensington Palace. She was already dressed in her Christmas pajamas—red with white snowflakes—having refused to take them off the night before.

"Mummy! Daddy! It's Christmas!" she exclaimed, tugging at the duvet covers as William groaned playfully, pretending to stay asleep.

Catherine laughed softly, rubbing her eyes and pulling Matilda up onto the bed. "Are you ready to see what Father Christmas brought you?"

Matilda's eyes lit up, wide with excitement. "Yes! Yes! Did he leave presents? Are the reindeer still here?"

William sat up, wrapping his arms around his daughter. "Maybe we should check downstairs and see if he left any crumbs from the mince pies we set out."

With that, Matilda was off, her little feet racing toward the grand staircase. The glow of the Christmas tree in the drawing room was already spilling out into the hall, and as Matilda rounded the corner, she gasped at the sight. Beneath the towering tree were carefully wrapped gifts, their golden ribbons shimmering under the lights. Stockings hung from the fireplace, plump with little treats, and the table was set for a lavish Christmas breakfast.

"Mummy, look! He was here!" Matilda cried, pointing at the half-eaten mince pie and an empty glass of milk by the fireplace. "Father Christmas really came!"

Catherine and William joined her, smiling at their daughter's wide-eyed wonder. "He must have been very impressed with how good you've been this year," Catherine said, kneeling beside Matilda and smoothing her blonde curls.

"But look—what's this?" William said with mock surprise, pulling a small box from beneath the tree. It was wrapped in red and gold paper with Matilda's name scrawled across the top.

Matilda carefully opened the gift, her face lighting up as she pulled out a tiny, handmade doll dressed in a miniature version of a royal gown. "Oh! She's beautiful," Matilda whispered, turning the doll over in her hands. "Is she a princess?"

"She is," Catherine said softly, smiling as Matilda hugged the doll tightly. "Just like you."

As the morning unfolded, more family members began to arrive at Kensington Palace, adding to the festive cheer. Carole and Michael Middleton joined them, as did Pippa, and soon, the grand dining room was filled with laughter and conversation. Matilda, clutching her new doll, played near the Christmas tree, occasionally glancing over as more gifts were opened and passed around.

While the adults enjoyed their breakfast—scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and fresh pastries—Matilda wandered over to the fireplace, mesmerized by the flickering flames. It was here, near the warmth of the fire, that her grandmother, Carole, found her.