| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 28: FIRST DAY FOR PRINCESS CHARLOTTE+ ROYAL TENSION

September 2019 - The First Day of School

The crisp September air enveloped London as the sun beamed brightly on the royal family's residence, Kensington Palace. It was a morning filled with excitement and nervous energy, as the time had come for Princess Charlotte to step into a new chapter of her life: her first day at Thomas's Battersea School.

For many, this was a monumental moment. The press had already gathered outside, cameras clicking and flashes lighting up the serene streets of the palace. The little princess, dressed in her new uniform and holding her mother's hand, had become the star of the day. But for someone else, this day would be just as important — her older sister, Princess Matilda.

Matilda, who had turned eight just a few months before, stood just a step behind Charlotte, her expression a mixture of love and protectiveness. She wasn't just a sister; she was a companion, a confidante, and a quiet pillar of support.

As Charlotte held on to Kate's hand, a slight apprehension flickered across her face. It was the first time she would be away from the familiar warmth of home, surrounded by other children, and immersed in the world of education. It was all a bit overwhelming, even for the brave little girl.

"Don't worry, Char. You'll love it," Matilda whispered, her hand gently resting on her younger sister's shoulder.

Charlotte, who had always looked up to Matilda, gave a small smile, feeling a little reassured by her sister's confidence. Matilda was not just her older sibling; she was the one who always made everything seem easier.

As the family made their way through the grand gates of the school, the eyes of the world were on them. The press snapped photos, the crowds cheered, and the royal family smiled graciously for the cameras. But it was Matilda's moment of silent support for Charlotte that would become the subject of many headlines that day.

The cameras captured the soft yet protective look Matilda gave her sister, the way she held her hand before they entered the school together. The image of the two young sisters, one reassuring the other, became an instant sensation. It was a moment of true sibling love that the public adored, and soon, Matilda found herself trending across social media platforms, with people calling her "the most relatable royal" and "the future of the British monarchy."

In a world where royalty often seemed distant, Matilda's genuine kindness and maturity struck a chord with the public. People admired how she cared for her younger sibling, how she seemed to handle her royal duties with such grace despite her young age. Some even commented that she had a wisdom beyond her years.

The internet exploded with praise for the young princess, with many comparing her to past royals like Princess Diana. The newspapers dedicated front-page coverage to her protective gesture toward Charlotte, calling it "a royal moment for the ages."

But not everyone was pleased with the attention Matilda was receiving.

Meanwhile, at Frogmore Cottage, the Sussex household was far from peaceful.

The quiet hum of Windsor Castle seemed a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside the home of Harry and Meghan. Tensions had been rising for weeks, and on that day, with all the media focus on the Cambridges, Meghan felt an overwhelming sense of jealousy and resentment.

She had been watching the news, seeing photos of Matilda and Charlotte, and the flood of adoration pouring in for Matilda. Meghan clenched her fists as she stared at the screen. It wasn't the praise that bothered her — it was the way the public seemed to have chosen a new favorite royal. Matilda, with her natural charm, was now the most beloved royal in the UK, and it felt as if Meghan's own status was being overshadowed by a younger, seemingly more relatable royal.

In a fit of frustration, Meghan slammed the remote onto the coffee table.

"Harry," she called, her voice tight with anger.

Harry, who had been sitting in another room, came in quickly, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. He found Meghan standing by the television, her face pale and eyes flashing with fury.

"What is it now, Meg?" Harry asked cautiously.

"It's Matilda," Meghan snapped, her voice rising. "She's everywhere! The media is obsessed with her — the 'future of the monarchy,' they're calling her. She's stealing all the attention. And it's not just about her... it's about them — the Cambridges. Everything they do is celebrated, and now, they've got everyone convinced that Matilda is the new star of the royal family."

Harry took a deep breath. He had seen Meghan frustrated before, but this was something different. Her jealousy was consuming her, and her bitterness was clouding her judgment.

"I don't know what you expect me to do, Meg," Harry said, his voice calm but weary. "You know how this works. The media latches on to whoever they find 'new' and 'interesting.' Matilda's just a kid. She doesn't deserve the hate you're throwing her way."

Meghan turned sharply to face him, her eyes wide with fury. "She doesn't deserve it? You think she's innocent in all of this? She's playing her role perfectly — being the perfect little princess, making the public love her while the rest of us get the cold shoulder. You think she's not aware of it? You think she didn't plan this?"

Harry was taken aback. He had never heard Meghan speak with such venom. "Meg, this is... this is madness. Matilda has done nothing wrong."

But Meghan wasn't listening. Her thoughts were spiraling. "I'm done, Harry," she spat. "I'm done with this place. The Cambridges get all the praise, while we're stuck in this never-ending circus. Maybe we should leave. Leave the UK. Go to Los Angeles. Away from all this... hypocrisy."

Harry felt a sharp pang of fear. Meghan's suggestion wasn't just a passing thought — it was a serious proposal. She was ready to give up everything, to leave behind the royal life they had built for something else.

But it wasn't just the idea of leaving that unsettled him. It was the bitterness in her words, the way she seemed to wish harm on the people she envied. "Meghan, you can't be serious. You can't mean what you're saying," Harry replied softly.

"I do mean it," she responded, her voice breaking. "I'm tired of being in the shadow of the Cambridges. And I'm tired of feeling like we're the ones who don't belong. I just want to live my life. And if that means leaving everything behind, then so be it."

Harry's heart sank as he watched the woman he loved speak with such anger. He had hoped this moment would pass, but he feared it was only the beginning of a much deeper rift between them and the rest of the royal family. He wasn't sure where this path would lead them, but he knew one thing for certain: things were never going to be the same again.