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.
October 2020 arrived with a sense of quiet reflection for Matilda and her family. While the world still navigated the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the royal family found ways to honor important traditions and keep their focus on the values that defined them—resilience, duty, and service. For Matilda, this was a month of learning, as significant historical events unfolded and discussions about sacrifice, remembrance, and the importance of family filled their home.
One of the most poignant events of the month was Remembrance Day, a day dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of military personnel who gave their lives in service of the country. While Matilda was too young to attend the official ceremonies, her parents made sure to teach her about the significance of the day and the deeper meaning behind the rituals.
The Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Cenotaph in London is a solemn occasion for the royal family, with members of the monarchy paying tribute to the fallen. This year, however, like many events in 2020, the ceremony had to be adjusted due to health restrictions. While the event still took place, there was no large public gathering, but it was broadcast for the nation to see.
As the family gathered around the television that morning at Anmer Hall, Matilda felt the weight of her parents' quiet reverence. Prince William and Kate were at the Wreath Laying Ceremony, but this year, they participated from home. They wanted their children to be aware of the event's meaning while still being able to honor it safely.
"Why do we wear the poppies, Mommy?" Matilda asked as she looked at the small poppy pin pinned to Kate's coat. It was a question she'd heard many times, but this year, something in Matilda's voice made it feel more important than ever before.
Kate smiled gently and placed a hand on Matilda's shoulder. "The poppy is a symbol of remembrance, darling. It helps us remember all the brave men and women who fought and died for our country. It's a way to say thank you."
Matilda looked down at her own poppy pin, the small red flower standing out against her coat. "So, it's like we're saying thank you, even when they're not here anymore?"
"That's right," William said from the chair beside them, nodding in agreement. "We remember them, and we remember that freedom isn't free. It's something we're lucky to have, and it's important to show our respect for those who made it possible."
As the ceremony aired live, the children sat quietly, watching as Prince Charles—dressed in his military uniform—laid a wreath on behalf of the royal family. The sight of the wreath, carefully placed in front of the Cenotaph, was a reminder of the deep respect the royal family had for the military and the history of the United Kingdom. For Matilda, it was a moment that brought a sense of pride, despite not fully understanding the gravity of the occasion. She felt connected to something larger than herself, part of a family that upheld the values of remembrance, duty, and service.
Later that day, when the ceremony ended, Kate asked her children to reflect on the day's meaning. "What do you think it means to serve, Matilda?" she asked.
Matilda paused for a moment, her brow furrowing as she thought carefully. "It means... helping people. Even if it's hard or scary."
"That's right," William affirmed, his voice warm with pride. "It means putting others before yourself. And sometimes, it means making sacrifices."
This was one of the first times Matilda truly grasped the idea of sacrifice—how people gave their lives for the greater good. It wasn't something she could fully understand, but it was something she felt deeply in her heart, especially when she saw how solemn her parents were during the ceremony.
As the month progressed, the royal family continued to embrace new ways of fulfilling their duties in a pandemic-stricken world. Prince William and Kate traveled to Northern Ireland and Scotland, places that held special meaning for them both. During these trips, they focused on two important causes: mental health and environmental issues.
In Northern Ireland, William and Kate spoke to mental health professionals and those affected by mental health issues. They were particularly focused on the Royal Foundation's mental health initiatives, which were created to help communities support one another during tough times. With the pandemic weighing heavily on many, they wanted to ensure that people knew they were not alone. The royal couple met with local leaders, who were working tirelessly to provide mental health support in their communities. William, especially, was deeply moved by the stories of resilience he heard during the trip.
At one point, during a conversation with a local woman, Matilda's mother, Kate, asked, "What has helped you the most during this difficult time?"
The woman, a volunteer for a mental health charity, smiled, her eyes a little weary but full of hope. "Connection. Knowing that there are people out there who understand and who care—that's what's helped the most. Sometimes it's just knowing that someone's thinking about you."
Kate nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the words. She would later share the conversation with Matilda, explaining how important it was to stay connected to others, even when it was hard.
For Matilda, this idea of connection became more meaningful as she spent time with her family. She could see how deeply her parents cared for people—how they worked tirelessly to ensure that others were supported. While the younger Cambridge children were too young to fully participate in these discussions, Matilda had begun to understand that her family's role was not just about royal titles and privileges—it was about using their influence to make the world a better place.
William and Kate's trip to Scotland also focused on environmental issues. Scotland, with its rugged beauty, was a natural setting for discussing the royal family's commitment to protecting the planet. They met with environmental groups and participated in discussions about sustainable farming practices and climate change. William, a passionate advocate for conservation, spoke about the need for all generations to work together to protect the Earth.
During their stay in Scotland, Matilda and her siblings took a break from their studies and spent time outdoors with their parents. The countryside was perfect for walks, and Matilda reveled in the opportunity to explore the rugged terrain. She was often seen picking up litter from the path, her little hands carefully placing it in a bag. It was a small act, but for Matilda, it was part of her growing understanding that every action, no matter how small, mattered in the grand scheme of things.
"Matilda, you're doing a great job," Kate said one afternoon as she watched her daughter carefully pick up a piece of trash by the trail.
Matilda beamed, feeling proud to contribute. "We should always take care of the Earth, shouldn't we, Mommy?"
"That's right, darling," Kate responded, her voice filled with warmth. "The world is a beautiful place, and we must do our best to protect it."
As the month of October drew to a close, the royal family continued to reflect on the importance of service, sacrifice, and the responsibility they carried in shaping the future. While the world outside remained in turmoil, the Cambridge family found solace in their efforts to make a difference in their communities, ensuring that the values of resilience, kindness, and environmental stewardship would be passed on to the next generation.
For Matilda, this October would remain etched in her memory—a month of learning, reflection, and meaningful conversations that helped her begin to understand the role her family played in the world. Even as a child, she knew that one day, she too would carry these lessons forward, just as her parents were doing now.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
