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.
Place: Thomas's Battersea, London | Anmer Hall, Norfolk
As the summer days began to wane and the familiar chill of autumn set in, the Cambridge children prepared for another significant transition. After months of homeschooling and the uncertainty that had accompanied the pandemic, September marked the return to in-person schooling for George, Charlotte, and Matilda. For Matilda, this return to the classroom was something she had both anticipated and carefully navigated.
At 9 years old, Matilda was already feeling the weight of her responsibility as the eldest of the three siblings. With George in Year 2 and Charlotte just beginning her school journey, Matilda understood the importance of setting a positive example, especially with the new safety protocols in place due to COVID-19. As she prepared for her own return to Thomas's Battersea, she took it upon herself to ensure that her younger siblings felt confident about the changes. Matilda made sure to remind George and Charlotte about wearing their masks, practicing social distancing, and following the new rules, which had become the new norm.
The morning of their return to school was crisp, the autumn air filled with the scent of fallen leaves and the hum of the city. Matilda dressed herself neatly, as always, in her school uniform—a navy blazer, white blouse, and dark skirt, complete with the Thomas's Battersea crest. She tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear and checked that her schoolbag was packed with all the essentials: her books, a pencil case, and, of course, her mask. She had grown used to the mask by now, even if it felt odd at first.
"Ready for your first day back?" William asked, smiling as he bent down to help Matilda with her coat. "How do you feel about everything?"
Matilda looked up at him with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I'm excited to see my friends again. But also... I want to make sure I follow all the rules. I want to set a good example."
William smiled proudly, ruffling her hair. "You're always a good example, Tilda. We're all so proud of you."
Kate joined them in the hallway, George and Charlotte in tow. She adjusted George's tie, her face alight with the joy of a new chapter, despite the circumstances. "Remember, you're all setting a wonderful example," Kate said, her voice filled with encouragement. "And don't forget to be kind to each other, especially with everything going on. You're all doing amazing."
The children nodded, eager for the day to begin. Though the world had changed in many ways, the routines of family and school remained steadfast. As they all piled into the car, Matilda gazed out the window, wondering what the day would bring.
The drive to Thomas's Battersea felt strangely quiet. The usual buzz of excitement on the first day back was tempered by the knowledge that their world had shifted. Social distancing, smaller class sizes, and hand sanitizers at every turn were now part of daily life. But even with these changes, Matilda felt a sense of relief. For her and her siblings, school was a place of normalcy, a space where learning and growth continued, no matter the challenges.
As September unfolded, the Cambridge children settled back into their school routine. Matilda, in particular, was diligent about the new safety protocols. She reminded George to wash his hands regularly, helped Charlotte navigate the new school day structure, and made sure that they all followed the rules during lunch and break times. Despite the new normal, her sense of responsibility for her younger siblings never wavered. She was a role model, not only to her siblings but to her peers, always looking out for the well-being of everyone around her.
At home in Anmer Hall, the family continued to embrace their newfound sense of togetherness. Even though the pandemic had changed many aspects of their lives, it had brought the Cambridges closer than ever before. William and Kate made it clear to their children that they were all in this together—navigating schoolwork, finding new hobbies, and making time for family.
For Matilda, the blend of schoolwork, outdoor activities, and quality family time became her anchor. She took great pride in her academic work, especially her love for art and history. She spent hours drawing in her sketchbook, capturing the beauty of Anmer Hall's grounds, and delved into her history lessons, fascinated by stories of kings and queens from centuries past. Matilda's curious mind was one of her defining traits, and she found comfort in the structure that school provided.
Meanwhile, outside the gates of Anmer Hall, the royal family was also adjusting to the new reality. Prince Charles and Camilla, though residing in Scotland at Birkhall, continued their public duties in a way that adapted to the circumstances of the pandemic. Charles had recovered from a mild case of COVID-19 earlier in the year and, despite the health challenges, was determined to show resilience. Through virtual meetings, he continued his support for various charities and organizations, championing those on the front lines of the pandemic.
"I'm so proud of you, Charles," Camilla said one evening as she and Charles sat together after a virtual meeting. "You've been such a strong pillar for so many."
Charles smiled, his eyes tired but satisfied. "We must do what we can. It's our duty, Camilla. The world is depending on us."
The Queen, too, was fulfilling her royal duties from Windsor Castle, adapting to the virtual world by hosting meetings and delivering public addresses through video calls. Her leadership remained unwavering, even in this digital age.
Back in London, Prince William and Kate were also stepping up, launching initiatives that focused on mental health and well-being. They had seen firsthand the toll the pandemic had taken on families, and as parents themselves, they were particularly invested in helping others navigate the emotional challenges of isolation. One initiative they launched encouraged families to share their experiences and find strength through community, even if it was virtual.
"We've all been through a lot this year," Kate said during one virtual conversation. "But it's in these moments that we must find strength in each other."
Matilda, though not yet fully aware of the impact these royal duties had on the wider world, could see the ripple effect of her parents' efforts. She saw the kindness in her parents' eyes as they spoke to families on Zoom calls, the care they took in reaching out to communities, and the importance of staying connected—even when physically distant.
It was an era of adaptation, of finding new ways to remain present and supportive during an uncertain time. And as September passed, with the return to school, new royal responsibilities, and adjusted routines, Matilda and her family continued to prove that, no matter the obstacles, they would face them together—stronger as a unit and more resilient than ever before.
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