| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 49 : MATILDA NO TIME TO DIE PREMIERE

Date: September 28, 2021
Place: London, Royal Albert Hall

The evening air in London was alive with excitement as spotlights swept across the red carpet outside the Royal Albert Hall. Fans lined the barriers, cheering and waving as luxury cars pulled up one by one. For Matilda, dressed in a simple yet elegant white dress that once belonged to her mother, it was her very first movie premiere—a night unlike any she had ever experienced.

"Is it always like this?" she whispered to her mother, Catherine, as they stepped onto the plush red carpet. The glittering golden Jenny Packham gown Catherine wore shimmered under the lights, drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd.

"Not always," Catherine replied with a smile, adjusting Matilda's hand in hers. "But this is a special occasion. It's the premiere of the new James Bond movie, and your grandparents are here too. Just enjoy it."

William, looking dashing in a classic tuxedo, offered Matilda an encouraging smile. "Are you ready to meet some very important people, Tilly?"

Matilda nodded, her eyes wide with wonder as photographers called out their names. She could hear the rapid click of cameras and the murmurs of admiration from the crowd. Despite the whirlwind of activity, she felt a little like the princess in the stories her father used to read to her—except this was real.

Meeting the Cast

As they made their way down the carpet, the family was greeted by the cast and crew of No Time to Die. First came Cary Joji Fukunaga, the film's director, who bent down slightly to speak to Matilda.

"And who do we have here?" he asked, his warm smile putting her at ease.

"I'm Matilda," she said shyly, glancing up at her parents for reassurance.

"Well, Matilda, I hope you enjoy the film. It's a big one!" Fukunaga said, giving her an encouraging thumbs-up before stepping aside to make way for Daniel Craig, the star of the evening.

"Hello, Princess Matilda," Craig said, extending a hand to her. He was every bit as charismatic in person as he was on screen, though Matilda thought he seemed friendlier than James Bond. "I hear this is your first Bond film?"

"Yes!" she replied, her voice filled with excitement. "My papa says you're the best Bond ever."

"Well, that's high praise," Craig said with a chuckle, glancing at William. "I hope I live up to the title tonight."

Catherine leaned in, smiling. "We've been looking forward to this for a long time. Matilda's been humming the theme music all week."

Craig laughed. "Then you'll love meeting someone special in a moment," he said with a wink.

A Special Encounter

As the family moved further down the line, Matilda froze in awe. Standing before her was Billie Eilish, the young artist behind the movie's hauntingly beautiful theme song. Billie's edgy yet elegant black ensemble contrasted sharply with the shimmering lights around them, and her warm smile immediately put Matilda at ease.

"Hi, Matilda," Billie said, crouching slightly to meet the young princess at eye level. "I'm Billie. It's so nice to meet you!"

Matilda stared for a moment, then blurted, "I love your song! I listen to it all the time."

Billie's smile widened. "Thank you so much! That means a lot to me. Are you excited to watch the movie?"

"Yes!" Matilda replied. "I can't believe I'm here. Your voice is amazing."

"Well, you've made my night," Billie said, glancing at Catherine and William. "You've got a wonderful little fan here."

The two posed for a quick photo, with Matilda beaming ear to ear. As Billie turned to greet other guests, Matilda whispered to her mother, "She's even cooler in real life."

Catherine chuckled. "I thought you might say that."

Inside the Royal Albert Hall

Once inside the Royal Albert Hall, the family joined Prince Charles and Camilla in their royal box, a prime viewing spot for the evening's event. Matilda found herself sandwiched between her parents, her gaze darting around the grand interior. The chandeliers above sparkled like constellations, and the rich crimson seats gave the room a regal air.

"Isn't this place amazing?" William asked, leaning toward Matilda.

She nodded vigorously. "It's like being in a palace for movies."

Before the film began, Charles spoke briefly with the cast, and the room buzzed with anticipation. As the lights dimmed and the iconic Bond theme filled the hall, Matilda felt her heart race with excitement. She gripped her mother's hand tightly, leaning forward in her seat as the film began.

After the Film

When the credits rolled, the audience erupted into applause. Matilda was among the most enthusiastic, clapping until her hands were sore.

"Did you like it?" Catherine asked as they made their way back to the car.

"Like it? I loved it!" Matilda exclaimed, her face glowing with excitement. "James Bond is so cool, and the action scenes were amazing!"

William chuckled. "I think we've got a new Bond fan in the family."

"I want to watch all the movies now!" Matilda declared, practically skipping as they reached their car.

"Maybe we'll have a Bond marathon one weekend," Catherine suggested, earning a cheer from her daughter.

A Memorable Night

As the car drove them back to Kensington Palace, Matilda stared out the window, her thoughts swirling with the glamour and excitement of the evening. She couldn't wait to tell her siblings all about it—and perhaps, one day, share the story with her own children.

Later, as she climbed into bed, she found a small card tucked on her pillow. It was from Billie Eilish, who had asked one of the staff to deliver it after the premiere.

To Matilda, it read. Keep being amazing, and keep dreaming big. Love, Billie.

Matilda hugged the card to her chest, her smile lingering long after the lights were turned off. It had been a night of firsts, but she knew it wouldn't be the last time she stepped onto a red carpet. And as she drifted off to sleep, the haunting notes of Billie's song played softly in her mind, carrying her into dreams of adventure and elegance fit for a princess.