| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 14: FIRST TRIP ENGAGEMENT IN POLAND

July 2017, Warsaw, Poland

The summer sun shone brightly over Warsaw as George, Charlotte, and Matilda accompanied their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on an official visit to Poland. It was a momentous occasion for the young royals, and Matilda was bubbling with excitement, having already traveled once before to Germany and now relishing the opportunity to explore a new country.

"Do you think we'll get to see castles?" Matilda asked eagerly as they boarded the plane. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, imagining grand palaces and enchanted gardens.

"Maybe! Or we might see a palace that used to be a castle!" Charlotte replied, bouncing in her seat. George rolled his eyes, but even he couldn't suppress a smile.

"Don't forget the Polish food! I want to try pierogi," George added, grinning.

Their parents, seated across the aisle, exchanged amused glances. "As long as you don't get too messy, you can try anything you want," Kate said, her voice light but with an undertone of parental vigilance.

Upon their arrival in Warsaw, the royal family was greeted by enthusiastic crowds, waving flags and cheering. Matilda waved back, her heart swelling with pride. "Look at all the people, Mum! They're here for us!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of excitement and disbelief.

"Yes, sweetheart, but remember to be polite and smile," William reminded, giving her a gentle nudge.

As they stepped out of the car and onto the red carpet, Matilda felt like a real princess. Cameras clicked away, capturing the moment as they made their way to the welcoming ceremony. Charlotte held her brother's hand tightly, trying to stay close to him as they walked, while Matilda glanced around, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

"Welcome to Poland!" a local dignitary said, bowing slightly. The children curtsied and nodded, imitating their parents.

Throughout their visit, the family participated in various official events, including a visit to a local school, where Matilda and her siblings interacted with Polish children. They played games and learned a few words in Polish, much to Matilda's delight.

"Dzień dobry! That means good morning!" she announced proudly to her parents after mastering the pronunciation. William and Kate beamed with pride as they watched their children engage with others.

One of the highlights of their trip was a visit to the Royal Castle in Warsaw. As they walked through the grand halls, Matilda's imagination ran wild. "This is like a real-life fairy tale!" she whispered to Charlotte, who nodded enthusiastically.

"Do you think they have ghosts?" George asked, peeking around a corner.

"Probably! They might have a ghost princess!" Matilda replied, her eyes wide with wonder.

Their parents laughed at their imaginative musings but encouraged them to learn about the history of the castle and the role it played in Polish culture. "Every castle has stories," Kate said, guiding them through the exhibits. "Let's see if we can find out about the princesses who lived here."

After exploring the castle, the family enjoyed a boat ride on the Vistula River. The gentle breeze and the sound of laughter filled the air as they sailed along, taking in the stunning views of the city.

"This is the best day ever!" Matilda shouted over the wind, her hair flying in all directions.

"Wait until you try the ice cream later!" George countered, already planning his next favorite moment.

On the last day of their visit, the family attended a traditional Polish dinner hosted by local officials. As they sat around the table, Matilda was eager to try all the dishes, especially the pierogi.

"This is delicious!" she exclaimed, her mouth full. "I love it here!"

William chuckled. "I think we have a little foodie on our hands," he said, sharing a knowing look with Kate.

As the evening progressed, the children were invited to join a local dance, learning traditional Polish steps while the adults watched, clapping and laughing. Matilda twirled with joy, her dress spinning around her, feeling completely at home in this new place.

When it was finally time to head back to England, Matilda felt a bittersweet tug at her heart. She had loved every moment of the trip and wished it could last longer. As they boarded the plane, she turned to her parents.

"Mum, can we come back to Poland one day?" she asked earnestly.

"Of course, sweetie," Kate replied, brushing Matilda's hair back. "There's so much more to see and do. We'll plan another trip."

As the plane took off, Matilda gazed out the window, watching the beautiful landscape fade away. She felt grateful for the experiences she had shared with her family and knew that every adventure was another story to tell.

"I can't wait for our next adventure!" she declared, her spirits high.

And with that, the royal family soared through the skies, their hearts full of memories and laughter, ready for whatever adventures lay ahead.

4o mini