This is the story of Princesse Matilda Victoria Eleanor de Galles. The Eldest daughter of Princess Catherine and William of Wales. The futur queen of England.
As the family gathered to celebrate Prince Philip's 98th birthday, excitement buzzed through the halls of Windsor Castle. The Queen had arranged for a private family event, focusing on spending quality time with Philip, who, even at his age, remained lively and full of stories from years past. For Matilda, who adored her grandfather and admired his strength and resilience, this was a particularly special occasion.
Matilda stood beside her cousin, Lady Louise, chatting animatedly about horses. The two shared a deep love for riding, and their passion had created a strong bond with their grandfather. Both girls felt a thrill every time Philip shared stories of his own experiences in equestrian activities and his years of attending the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Matilda admired her cousin Zara, the celebrated equestrian and Olympic medalist, and hoped to follow in her footsteps one day. In fact, she dreamed of making her grandfather proud by becoming an Olympic champion like Zara, with Philip often giving her tips and encouragement whenever they discussed her aspirations.
As the morning light streamed through the windows, the family began gathering for a light breakfast in one of the sunlit sitting rooms. Matilda sat beside her grandfather, proudly taking in every detail of his strong but gentle presence. Though Philip had retired from royal duties, his stories and wisdom were constant sources of inspiration for her.
After breakfast, the family planned a relaxing day of activities tailored to Philip's interests and the family's favorite pastimes. Prince Edward, Lady Louise's father, suggested a horse-riding session for the younger members of the family, knowing how much Philip enjoyed seeing his grandchildren embrace this royal tradition. Matilda and Louise lit up with excitement, quickly changing into their riding attire and heading to the stables. There, the two young royals spent a joyous hour riding through Windsor's scenic trails, feeling the thrill of the cool morning air and the freedom of galloping along the paths. Philip watched them fondly from a distance, his eyes bright as he saw his two favorite granddaughters embodying the grace and skill he admired.
Returning to the castle, Matilda and Louise joined their grand grandfather for a quiet lunch on the terrace, where they shared stories from their morning ride. Philip chuckled as they described their imagined races and jumps, delighted by their enthusiasm. Matilda eagerly leaned forward, asking Philip about his own early days of riding. He spoke about the years he spent traveling, his time in the Navy, and the many countries he'd visited, bringing history to life with his detailed memories.
The family then gathered in the grand drawing room for an informal afternoon tea, a long-standing family tradition. The Queen, always meticulous about her tea selections, had arranged a variety of her husband's favorites—scones with clotted cream, sandwiches, and a rich chocolate cake, one of Philip's guilty pleasures. As everyone enjoyed the treats, the grandchildren took turns giving him small, thoughtful gifts. Matilda, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves, handed him a carefully wrapped package. Inside was a small, framed picture she'd painted of Philip's favorite pony. The piece was simple but filled with love, and Philip, touched, gave her an approving nod and warm smile.
In the late afternoon, a family game of croquet was arranged on the lawn, and Matilda and George, always up for a bit of fun competition, eagerly joined in. The sight of Philip overseeing their game, occasionally offering pointers and laughing along with their antics, made the event feel all the more special. Even though his energy wasn't what it used to be, Philip's presence was reassuring and steady, and the younger royals felt a sense of pride in having him close.
As evening approached, the family gathered for a formal dinner in one of the castle's grand dining halls. Philip sat at the head of the table, with Matilda and Lady Louise close by. The young royals took every opportunity to ask questions about Philip's life and adventures, which he answered with a mixture of humor and sincerity. Each story seemed to connect the past and the present, weaving a tapestry of family heritage and tradition that Matilda felt honored to be a part of. She loved hearing about the ways he'd served the nation and supported the Queen, and she often imagined how she, too, could someday contribute in a meaningful way.
After dinner, the family moved to a cozy parlor room, where a slideshow of family photos was set up. Images of Philip from his Navy days, his early years with the Queen, and snapshots from family gatherings over the decades flashed on the screen, sparking laughter and nostalgia. For Matilda, this was a touching reminder of the life her grandfather had led—a life filled with adventure, duty, and love for his family. She exchanged a glance with Louise, both girls feeling grateful for the legacy they were part of.
Before bed, Matilda spent a few more quiet moments with her grandfather, confiding in him about her dreams of becoming a top equestrian like Zara. Philip looked at her with pride and told her that with hard work, resilience, and determination, she could accomplish anything she set her mind to. His words left a deep impression on her heart.
As she bid him goodnight, Matilda hugged her grandfather tightly, filled with love and gratitude. She knew she'd carry his advice and his stories with her always, hoping to live up to the example he set as she grew older. The day had been a celebration not only of Philip's remarkable life but also of the bonds of family, tradition, and the inspiration he continued to provide.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
