| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 47 : SUMMER IN JORDANY

Date: August 5, 2021
Place: Amman, Jordan

The hot August sun shone brightly over the ancient city of Petra as the royal family made their way through the rocky cliffs, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. It was the first family holiday in a long time, and Catherine had insisted on taking William and the children to Jordan for a much-needed break. With the stress of public duties and the pandemic slowly becoming a distant memory, the Cambridges were finally able to enjoy some quiet moments together.

"This place is incredible," Catherine said, her voice filled with awe as she looked around the ancient city. "I never imagined it would feel this magical."

William smiled at her, adjusting his sunglasses as they walked hand-in-hand. "It is extraordinary. The history here is... overwhelming," he replied, scanning the sandstone cliffs that seemed to rise from the desert floor like ancient giants.

The family had spent a few days in Amman, enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the city before they ventured out to the desert to explore the ruins of Petra. The children, George, Charlotte, and Matilda, were absolutely enchanted. They ran ahead, weaving in and out of the narrow rock passages, their laughter filling the air.

"George! Wait for us!" Charlotte called out, giggling as she tried to catch up with her older brother.

Matilda, always eager to keep up, raced alongside her, her small feet kicking up sand. "Look, look!" she shouted, pointing at a large stone structure. "It's like a castle from a storybook!"

William caught up with them and smiled down at his daughter. "You're right, Tilly. It's like a castle from another world."

The heat was intense, but the children seemed to have boundless energy as they explored, their curiosity about the world around them more powerful than the midday sun. Catherine watched them from a distance, a soft smile on her face. It was moments like these—simple, carefree times—that made her feel grateful for her family.

Later that evening, after returning to their private villa in Amman, the family gathered on the terrace to enjoy the view of the surrounding hills. The villa was perched on a quiet hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city below. The air was warm, but a gentle breeze made the evening comfortable.

"I can't believe this is the last night of our holiday," Catherine remarked, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and purple.

William poured a glass of water for each of the children, who were sprawled out on the cushions of the outdoor seating area. "Time always flies when you're having fun," he said with a smile. "We'll have to come back someday. The kids are loving it here."

George looked up from where he was playing with a toy car, a look of excitement on his face. "Next time, can we ride camels? I saw some earlier, and they looked awesome!"

Catherine chuckled softly. "We'll have to make sure you're old enough to ride one next time," she teased. "Camels are a bit tricky."

"Please, Mama, please!" Charlotte begged, bouncing up and down with excitement. "I want to ride a camel too!"

William laughed, wrapping an arm around Charlotte's shoulders. "Looks like we'll have to plan another adventure soon."

As the evening stretched on, the family shared stories, jokes, and laughter. It felt like a rare moment of normalcy for the royal couple, who were often surrounded by the weight of royal obligations. Tonight, though, they could simply be a family, enjoying each other's company in a beautiful, peaceful place.

The Photo Moment: William's 40th Birthday

As the days passed in Jordan, the royal family's trip took on a deeper significance. William's 40th birthday was approaching, and Catherine had planned something special. The last evening of their holiday was to be a celebration of not only the royal family's time together but also of William's milestone birthday.