| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 9: MATILDA MEETS THE OBAMA IN HER PYJAMAS

Summer 2015

The grand sitting room at Kensington Palace was bathed in the soft glow of early evening light. It was a momentous night for the royal family, as they were expecting none other than the President of the United States, Barack Obama, and the First Lady, Michelle Obama. The visit was part of the Obamas' final tour of the United Kingdom before the end of Barack's second term in office. Prince William and Catherine had been busy preparing for the event, ensuring that the evening was as elegant as it was relaxed.

Matilda, now four years old, had been full of excitement all day, peppering her mother with questions about the visitors. "Will they be wearing crowns?" she'd asked with wide eyes, a little unsure about the difference between royalty and heads of state.

"No, darling," Catherine had laughed softly. "They're not kings and queens, but they're very important people, and very kind, too."

As the evening crept closer, the palace was a quiet hum of activity. Staff moved swiftly, finalizing last-minute details. Meanwhile, Matilda, oblivious to the formalities, was in her room, getting ready for bed. After a long day filled with play and exploration, Catherine had decided it would be best for her daughter to wind down and not be overwhelmed by the adult conversations.

"Into your pyjamas now," Catherine said gently as she helped Matilda button up her pale pink nightshirt, decorated with little elephants. "You won't see the Obamas tonight, but maybe tomorrow if you're lucky."

Matilda pouted slightly but complied. She was used to hearing about important visitors, though she found it disappointing that she wouldn't meet them herself.

Just as Catherine kissed her goodnight and was about to leave the room, the door to the nursery creaked open. William appeared, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Guess what?" he said, kneeling beside Matilda's bed. "President Obama and Mrs. Obama are here a bit early—and they've asked if they can say hello to you."

Matilda's eyes widened with excitement. "In my pyjamas?" she gasped.

William grinned. "I think they won't mind. Would you like to come down and meet them?"

Matilda nodded enthusiastically, hopping off her bed. Catherine and William exchanged amused glances as they helped her slip on her little slippers. Within minutes, Matilda was bounding down the grand staircase of Kensington Palace, her excitement barely contained.

In the main drawing room, Barack and Michelle Obama were deep in conversation with William and Catherine when they heard the patter of tiny feet approaching. They turned just as Matilda entered the room, peeking shyly from behind her mother. The sight of the young princess in her pink pyjamas, with her tousled hair and wide-eyed innocence, brought warm smiles to the faces of the Obamas.

"Well, hello there," Barack said, crouching slightly to be on her level. "You must be Matilda. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Matilda blinked, taking a small step forward. "Are you the President?" she asked in a soft voice, her hands clutching the edges of her nightshirt.

"I am," Barack replied with a gentle smile. "And this is my wife, Michelle."

Michelle waved, her eyes twinkling. "It's wonderful to meet you, Matilda. I love your pyjamas!"

Matilda beamed, her earlier shyness melting away. "Thank you! They have elephants," she explained, proudly pointing at her nightshirt. "Do you like elephants?"

"I do," Michelle said warmly. "They're amazing animals. Maybe we can talk more about them next time."

The brief interaction was enough to leave a lasting impression on both the Obamas and the little princess. After a few more words of pleasantries, Matilda, who was starting to yawn, was gently ushered back upstairs by William.

As he carried her to bed, Matilda rested her head on her father's shoulder. "Daddy," she mumbled sleepily, "the President is nice."

"He is," William agreed softly, tucking her back into bed. "You did a great job meeting him, even in your pyjamas."