| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 32: LOCKDOWN & FAMILY TIME

March 2020: Anmer Hall

The sun shone brightly over Anmer Hall as Princess Matilda stepped out into the garden on the morning of March 15, 2020. It was her 9th birthday, but this year, the usual festivities would be replaced with a quieter, more reflective celebration.

Her parents, William and Catherine, had made sure that Matilda felt special despite the uncertainty that gripped the world outside. The past few weeks had been strange; the media had been reporting the spread of the coronavirus, and whispers of lockdowns in other countries filled the air. But nothing could have prepared the young princess for the world that was about to change.

"Happy Birthday, darling," Catherine said, her smile warm but with a trace of concern in her eyes. She took Matilda's hand and led her into the brightly lit dining room, where the family had set up a small birthday breakfast.

George and Charlotte bounded into the room, their energy uncontainable. "Happy Birthday, Matilda!" George grinned, presenting her with a hand-drawn card, his handwriting more wobbly than usual.

Charlotte added, "I made you a crown with glitter! It's pink, just for you!"

Matilda's heart swelled with affection as she took the card and crown. "Thank you, you two," she said, her voice soft with gratitude. "This means so much." She beamed, grateful for the small yet significant gestures that made the day feel a little brighter.

Catherine ruffled her daughter's hair affectionately. "We'll have a small party later, but for now, how about a walk outside? You and your siblings need to get some fresh air before we start today's lessons."

Just as Matilda was about to reply, William walked into the room, holding up a gift bag. "I've got something for you too, Matilda," he said, his voice steady, though a hint of exhaustion lingered in his eyes. He had been staying up late, keeping track of the ongoing developments of the pandemic and making sure his royal duties were still being handled.

Matilda took the bag eagerly. Inside, she found a beautiful, leather-bound notebook, the pages thick and inviting. "I thought you could use this to write down all the stories in your head," William said with a knowing smile. "You have such a wonderful imagination, Matilda."

Her eyes sparkled. "Thank you, Papa," she said, hugging him tightly. "I'll write in it every day."

The mood in the room shifted, however, when the announcement came that the UK was going into lockdown. It wasn't a huge surprise—it had been expected—but it was still a jolt to the system. The royal family, like so many others, would have to adapt to a new reality, one that would require patience, flexibility, and a deep sense of resilience.

Later that afternoon, Catherine gathered the children in the living room. "Alright, team," she said, trying to inject some cheer into her voice. "We're all going to be spending a lot more time at home now. So, we're going to make the most of it. You'll be doing schoolwork here at Anmer Hall, and we'll keep up with everything just like we normally do, but in a new way."

Matilda looked at her mother, a hint of concern in her eyes. "What about the royal duties, Mummy? Will we still see the Queen?"

Catherine smiled reassuringly. "We'll find ways to keep in touch with everyone, darling. Even if it's from a distance, we're all still working together. The Queen, for example, will continue to do her royal duties, but everything will be virtual for now. Even the most senior members of the royal family have to adjust."

It wasn't long before the reality of the situation settled in for the Cambridge children. William and Catherine, balancing the weight of their royal responsibilities with the education of their children, became both parents and teachers. Matilda, as the eldest, took on a special role. Though George was in Year 2 and Charlotte was still adjusting to her first year, it was Matilda who helped them stay focused, guiding them through their lessons with a patience and maturity beyond her years.