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.
It was a tranquil morning when Matilda padded into the sitting room in her slippers, still in her fleece pajamas patterned with tiny snowflakes. She found her siblings, George and Charlotte, huddled by the window, their breaths fogging up the glass as they watched pheasants wander through the snowy garden.
"What's going on?" Matilda asked, rubbing her eyes.
"George says he saw a deer by the woods," Charlotte replied, pointing excitedly.
"I did! It was huge, with antlers and everything," George said, turning to face her.
Matilda squinted at the garden. "I don't see it. Maybe it's hiding."
"Or maybe you were dreaming," Charlotte teased.
"Was not!" George shot back, his voice rising.
Before the argument could escalate, Catherine entered the room, her calm presence instantly settling them. "What's all this noise about?"
"George saw a deer," Matilda explained. "But Charlotte doesn't believe him."
Catherine smiled. "Well, there are plenty of deer around. Why don't we bundle up and take a walk after breakfast? Maybe we'll spot it again."
"Yes!" the children chorused, scattering to get ready.
After breakfast, the family set out across the estate, bundled in thick coats and scarves. William led the way, pointing out tracks in the snow while Louis clung tightly to his hand.
"Are those from the deer, Papa?" George asked, crouching to examine a trail of hoofprints.
"Could be," William said with a nod. "Let's see if they lead anywhere."
Matilda lagged behind, distracted by the way the snow sparkled in the sunlight. She reached down to gather some, shaping it into a small ball.
"Don't even think about it," Charlotte warned, eyeing her sister suspiciously.
Matilda grinned mischievously. "You're no fun."
Their banter was interrupted by a rustling sound in the distance. The group fell silent as a graceful stag emerged from the trees, its antlers casting long shadows on the snow.
"There it is!" George whispered triumphantly.
Even Louis, usually the most energetic of the group, stood perfectly still, his eyes wide with wonder.
Catherine knelt beside Matilda, her voice soft. "See how quiet it is? That's how we respect nature—by observing without disturbing."
Matilda nodded, feeling a deep sense of calm as she watched the animal move gracefully across the clearing before disappearing into the woods.
Back at the house, the children gathered in the sitting room for hot chocolate while Catherine and William joined the Queen and Prince Charles in one of the larger parlors. The senior royals had been taking great care to stay safe during the ongoing pandemic, but there was a quiet joy in being together, even in a limited capacity.
"Matilda, your marshmallows are sinking!" Charlotte said, giggling as she pointed to Matilda's mug.
"Quick, save them!" George added dramatically, grabbing a spoon and pretending to stage a rescue operation.
Matilda laughed, stirring her drink. "It's okay. They'll be extra melty—and that's the best part."
Louis clambered onto the sofa beside her, his face smeared with chocolate. "Can we play a game after this?"
"Hide and seek?" George suggested, his competitive streak kicking in.
"No, let's build something," Charlotte countered. "We could use the blocks in the nursery."
"What about drawing?" Matilda offered, always eager to pull out her sketchbook. "I could draw the deer we saw."
Louis clapped his hands. "Yes, deer!"
"Fine," George said with a mock sigh. "But only if I get to color in part of it."
Later that afternoon, Catherine found Matilda sitting alone by the window, sketching the stag in careful detail.
"That's beautiful, darling," Catherine said, leaning over to admire the drawing.
"Thanks, Mama," Matilda replied. She hesitated, then added, "I like being here. It's quiet and peaceful."
Catherine smiled, her gaze drifting to the snowy landscape outside. "I think we all needed a bit of peace after the last year. It's good to slow down sometimes, isn't it?"
Matilda nodded, her pencil moving swiftly across the page. "Do you think things will get busier again soon?"
"Probably," Catherine admitted. "But we'll always find time for moments like this. They're what keep us grounded."
That evening, as the family gathered for dinner, the conversation turned to stories from past winters at Sandringham.
"Do you remember when George tried to sled down the hill and ended up rolling all the way to the bottom?" Charlotte teased.
George groaned. "Why do you always bring that up?"
"Because it was hilarious," Matilda said, giggling.
Even William joined in. "It was quite the spectacle, George. But you got back up and tried again—that's what counts."
As laughter filled the room, Matilda felt a warm sense of belonging. The world outside might be uncertain, but here, surrounded by her family, she knew she was safe and loved.
Before heading to bed, she added the finishing touches to her drawing, proud of how it captured the beauty of the deer they'd seen. She placed it on her mother's desk with a small note:
"For Mama, to remember our special day. Love, Matilda."
Catherine found it later that night and smiled, tucking it into her journal as a keepsake of another cherished winter at Sandringham.
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