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.
June arrived with a mixture of celebrations and quiet moments of reflection for the royal family. For Matilda, it was a month full of special memories, though like much of the world, the Cambridges were adjusting to the new normal created by the pandemic. Despite the challenges, the family found ways to come together and honor important milestones—one of which was the 99th birthday of her great-grandfather, Prince Philip.
It had been a strange year, one where family gatherings and public celebrations had been all but impossible. But the Cambridges, in their own way, found small joys in their secluded life at Anmer Hall. The family had been more grounded than ever, taking long walks in the Norfolk countryside, spending time together outdoors, and making the most of each other's company.
For Matilda, who had just celebrated her 9th birthday in March, the arrival of June was a reminder of how quickly time passed. She found herself thinking a lot about her great-grandfather, who had always been a part of her life in one way or another. Though they hadn't been able to visit him in person due to the lockdown, the family made sure to celebrate Prince Philip's milestone birthday in a way that felt personal and meaningful.
"Happy 99th birthday, Grandpa Philip!" Matilda had called out brightly during a video call, her voice full of affection. Prince Philip, seated in the comfort of Windsor Castle, smiled warmly at the sight of his great-grandchildren.
"Thank you, my dear Matilda," he had responded in his usual dry, straightforward manner, though his eyes twinkled with pride. "You've grown quite tall for your age, haven't you?" He had always been fond of teasing the young royals, and Matilda had learned early on to take his playful comments in stride.
The family shared laughter and fond memories, though there was an undeniable sense of bittersweetness. This year's birthday celebrations were muted compared to the usual grand affairs, but the love between the family members was more evident than ever.
Meanwhile, another royal occasion was taking place, albeit in a very different format. June 13th marked the Queen's official birthday, and for the first time in decades, the traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony was to be held without public spectators. The historic event, usually a spectacle of military precision and public admiration, was instead scaled down significantly due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. The iconic parade was replaced by a smaller, more intimate gathering at Windsor Castle, and it was clear that, despite the limitations, the royal family was committed to upholding tradition.
Matilda watched from the windows of Anmer Hall as the news coverage of the day's events filled the airwaves. Her parents had explained that Trooping the Colour was one of the oldest traditions in the royal calendar, and though it would look different this year, it was important to continue the observance. Even at 9 years old, Matilda understood the significance of the moment—the Queen had been leading the country for more than six decades, and her commitment to public service remained unwavering. It was a legacy that Matilda, as part of the younger generation, felt deeply proud to be a part of.
That morning, Matilda, George, Charlotte, and Louis were still waking up to the sounds of birds chirping in the Norfolk countryside when Kate and William gathered them for a family breakfast. As they sat around the table, enjoying warm croissants and fruit, Matilda couldn't help but notice the quiet excitement in her parents' eyes. Today was an important day for the family—despite the absence of public celebrations, the Cambridges were preparing to pay tribute to the Queen and Prince Philip in their own way.
"We're going to be part of something special today," William said with a smile, his tone filled with warmth. "Even though we're not all in London this year, we'll still be honoring the Queen's birthday and celebrating with the rest of the family."
Matilda, still not fully understanding the grand scope of the event, nodded seriously. "Are we going to see Great-Grandpa Philip?" she asked, her eyes lighting up at the thought.
"We'll be seeing him later, sweetheart, but for now, we'll be joining the family in honoring the Queen's special day. This year, we'll be doing it in a different way—just like everyone else is having to adjust to new things," Kate explained as she poured them each a glass of juice.
As the day progressed, the family watched the historic Trooping the Colour event from the comfort of their home. The Queen made her traditional appearance on the balcony of Windsor Castle, though this year, it was a much quieter moment. Prince Philip stood beside her, though the crowd was missing.
Matilda, who had seen previous Trooping the Colour events on television, felt a touch of sadness that the parade and crowds weren't there to celebrate the occasion. But she understood. Her parents had taught her that in times of uncertainty, people must find ways to adapt, and that resilience and perseverance were as much a part of the royal family's duties as their public appearances. She was learning, at her own pace, that royal life was not just about grand ceremonies and public duties—it was also about the quiet moments behind closed doors, when family came together in support of one another.
Later that afternoon, William led the family in a tribute to his grandmother, the Queen, and his grandfather, Prince Philip. They gathered around a specially arranged family video call, where Matilda was able to join in with George, Charlotte, and Louis to wish the Queen a happy birthday.
"Happy birthday,Ganny!" Matilda said, smiling at the screen as she sat beside her siblings. "We hope you have a wonderful day, even though it's different this year."
The Queen smiled warmly from the screen, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "Thank you, Matilda," she said, her voice steady and kind. "It's lovely to hear from you all. These are challenging times, but it's good to see the younger generation taking part in our family traditions."
The call ended with cheerful words of encouragement, and the family celebrated quietly, knowing that the spirit of the occasion was what truly mattered. Despite the unusual circumstances, the Queen's birthday had been marked with love, and the family's bond remained strong.
As the day came to a close, Matilda reflected on the importance of the occasion. She had seen firsthand how even the smallest gestures—whether it was clapping for the NHS or taking time to connect with loved ones virtually—could have a lasting impact. In her own quiet way, Matilda was beginning to understand that being part of the royal family was not just about grandeur, but about the values of duty, compassion, and tradition that had been passed down through generations.
It was a month of quiet celebrations, of smaller but no less meaningful moments. Matilda had learned that the royals, too, had their challenges to face, and that family, love, and commitment to tradition would always guide them through, no matter the obstacles. As June drew to a close, she couldn't help but look forward to the lessons and milestones yet to come.
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