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.
The summer of 2020 felt different, almost like a breath held too long and finally released. The world was still adjusting to life in a pandemic, but for the Cambridge family, there was a sense of stability and normalcy that came from being together. This summer, as it always had been, was about family. And as July 22 approached, there was an air of anticipation for a special family event—the birthday of Prince George.
Prince George was turning 7.
For Matilda, this day was about more than just cake and presents. It was a moment to reflect on her younger brother, to marvel at how much he had grown. She remembered when he was just a tiny baby, and now here he was, nearly a full-fledged second-grader, wise beyond his years. It wasn't just that George was her younger brother; Matilda had always felt a unique responsibility toward him, as the oldest of the Cambridge children. She saw herself in a way as his protector—whether it was helping him with his schoolwork or keeping him company during quiet moments in the house.
The days leading up to George's birthday were filled with excitement. As the family continued to spend their time in the safety and tranquility of Anmer Hall, the usual birthday preparations took on a simpler, more intimate tone. Kate, as always, made sure that George felt special on his day, but there was a shared understanding between William and Kate: it was about making memories, not hosting a grand celebration. The family had long since embraced the notion that, as royals, they could make any moment meaningful if they simply paid attention to the small things.
Matilda could sense this. The family would celebrate George's birthday together in their own way—away from the press and public attention, focusing instead on what truly mattered: love, family, and laughter.
On the morning of July 22, Matilda was one of the first to greet George with a big hug. "Happy Birthday, George!" she said with a smile, her voice filled with warmth. She handed him a small, carefully wrapped gift, something she had picked out herself with the help of Kate. It was a special little journal, one with a leather cover, for George to document his thoughts and adventures as he grew older.
"Thanks, Tilda," George grinned, his blue eyes lighting up. "Can't wait to write in it. I'll need to write down all the adventures I have today!"
Matilda beamed, happy that her gift was so well received. She knew how much her younger brother loved exploring the grounds of Anmer Hall, whether it was going on treasure hunts through the nearby woods or watching the animals on the estate. Today, like every day, he would be free to explore—but this time with an extra bit of joy in his heart. After all, this was his special day.
The day was spent much like any other birthday within the Cambridge household—simple, yet full of meaning. Kate and William ensured there was a small, homemade cake, decorated in a way that George would love. The cake was decorated with icing that resembled the colors of his favorite football team, complete with a number "7" written in bold letters. They sang "Happy Birthday," and George couldn't help but smile as his parents and siblings gathered around him.
As the family sat down for lunch later, there was a sense of quiet joy in the air. Even though it wasn't the kind of celebration the public might expect from the royal family, it was the kind that made a family strong. There were no crowds, no royal duties to attend to, and no official appearances to make. Just the Cambridges, their love for one another, and the simplicity of family time.
"You're getting so big, George," Matilda remarked at one point, watching him eat with a grin on his face. "Before long, you'll be taller than me!"
"I don't know about that," George said, glancing sideways at her. "You're pretty tall, Tilda."
It was a moment of casual conversation, but to Matilda, it was everything. It was a reminder of how special it was to have these quiet moments with her family, to feel grounded and secure in their love.
As the day stretched on, Matilda and her siblings, along with their parents, spent the afternoon in the large gardens of Anmer Hall. They played games, had a little picnic, and even spent time doing arts and crafts in the makeshift art studio set up by Kate. The light breeze rustled through the trees, and the sound of children's laughter filled the air. It was, in every sense of the word, a perfect family birthday.
Meanwhile, the royal family continued to navigate their duties with adaptability, even in these unusual times. Though much of the world remained under lockdown, the royal family was continuing to set an example in their approach to public service. Prince Charles and Camilla had resumed public engagements through virtual meetings and messages, continuing their support for various causes. Prince Charles had recently launched a series of virtual calls to charities, making sure to show his unwavering support for the people who were working tirelessly during the pandemic. His messages of hope and strength were a reminder to the nation that they were not alone in facing such a difficult time.
Over in Windsor, the Queen and Prince Philip were keeping their distance from the world while still fulfilling their royal duties. Though the Queen had been careful to limit her public appearances, she continued to stay engaged with the people through video calls and public broadcasts. Her message of hope, resilience, and gratitude to frontline workers remained a steady source of inspiration for the British public, as well as for her family.
Matilda, while she may not have fully understood the intricacies of her great-grandparents' roles, could sense the weight of their responsibilities. She knew that, despite the quiet and simplicity of the day, there was much happening beyond the gates of Anmer Hall. The royal family was always working behind the scenes, finding ways to stay connected and supportive during a time of uncertainty.
At the end of the day, after the cake had been cut and the laughter had died down, Matilda found herself sitting on the lawn with George, Charlotte, and Louis. The setting sun cast a warm golden hue across the landscape, and for a moment, the world seemed to slow. Matilda looked at her siblings—George with his new journal in hand, Charlotte with her usual sparkle of curiosity, and Louis, who had fallen asleep beside them.
"It's been a really good day," Matilda said softly, her voice filled with contentment.
George, his eyes wide with excitement, grinned back. "Yeah, I think it's been the best birthday ever."
Matilda smiled at him, knowing it had been the kind of birthday that would stay in their hearts forever. No matter what the world threw at them, the love and bond between the Cambridge siblings—and the rest of the royal family—was unbreakable.
And as they sat there in the golden light of the evening, surrounded by the love of their family, Matilda realized that this, in its simplest form, was what it meant to be royal. It wasn't the grand ceremonies, the sparkling jewels, or the crowds—it was the quiet moments of togetherness, of shared memories, of supporting one another through thick and thin.
The birthday celebrations, though small, had been filled with meaning. And for Matilda, that was all that truly mattered.
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