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.
The crisp morning of February 6, 2022, dawned bright and clear over London, a rare gift in the heart of winter. It was no ordinary day. The nation stood poised to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne, marking her as the first British monarch to achieve a Platinum Jubilee.
For the Cambridge family, however, it was also a day of personal significance. Princess Matilda was turning twelve, and though she wouldn't join the public events of the day, she woke with a mixture of excitement and nerves.
"Matilda, are you awake?" Charlotte's eager voice called through the door.
"Yes, come in," Matilda replied, rubbing her eyes as her sister bounded into the room, clutching a small, wrapped box.
"Happy birthday!" Charlotte said brightly, plopping down beside her on the bed.
"Thanks, Lottie!" Matilda said, taking the box. She carefully unwrapped it to reveal a delicate bracelet with a tiny charm in the shape of a crown.
"It's from George and me," Charlotte explained, her face glowing with pride.
"It's perfect. Thank you!" Matilda said, hugging her sister tightly.
Downstairs, the breakfast table was already set with a special spread in honor of both occasions. A small stack of pancakes sat waiting for Matilda, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of strawberries.
"Happy birthday, Tilly!" William greeted her with a smile, kissing her forehead.
"Thank you, Papa," Matilda replied.
Catherine joined them, her arm around Louis, who was still rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Are you ready for your big day, darling?" she asked.
"I think so," Matilda said, her smile slightly shy. Though she wouldn't be appearing on the balcony with the rest of the heirs, she knew her birthday would be marked in a quieter, equally meaningful way with her family later that evening.
The Balcony Moment
Later that morning, the crowds began to gather in front of Buckingham Palace. The Mall was a sea of red, white, and blue as Union Jacks waved high in the brisk February breeze. Excited chatter filled the air as people speculated about the day's events and who would appear on the famous balcony.
The royal family was preparing behind the scenes. William adjusted his ceremonial uniform, while George fidgeted slightly in his formal attire.
"Hold still, George," Catherine said gently as she smoothed down his collar.
Nearby, Matilda watched the preparations with curiosity. She would stay back with her mother and younger siblings, but she understood the importance of the moment. "Will there be a lot of people?" she asked William.
"Thousands," he said with a nod. "But they're here to celebrate Granny and all she's done for the country. It's a moment of gratitude."
As the clock struck noon, the royal family stepped onto the balcony. The Queen stood at the center, flanked by Prince Charles, Camilla, and the Cambridges. Cheers erupted from the crowd as they waved, the atmosphere electric with patriotism and admiration.
From a quiet room within the palace, Matilda watched the scene unfold on a television screen with Charlotte and Louis. "It looks amazing," she said, her eyes wide.
"Do you think people would cheer like that for us?" Charlotte asked, tilting her head thoughtfully.
Matilda shrugged. "Maybe one day."
The Public's Reaction
Down below, the British public was abuzz. Many carried banners reading "Long Live the Queen!" and "Platinum Jubilee 2022!" Reporters moved through the crowd, gathering reactions from jubilant attendees.
"This is such a historic day," said Margaret Harper, a retired schoolteacher from Kent. "I remember the Queen's Silver Jubilee when I was a child, and now to see her Platinum Jubilee—it's just incredible. She's been a constant in our lives."
Nearby, a group of teenagers waved flags enthusiastically. "We're here because our grandparents always talk about the Queen," said 17-year-old Emily Clarke. "She's like a grandmother to the nation."
Others couldn't help but comment on the younger royals, especially Princess Matilda. "She's growing up so beautifully," said Denise Tucker, a mother of two. "It's lovely to see her embracing her role but still being just a normal girl at heart."
The BBC broadcast the day's events live, with commentators highlighting Matilda's place in the line of succession. "The Princess is just twelve today, but she's already winning hearts," one presenter noted. "The Windsors certainly have a strong future ahead with the next generation."
Evening Celebrations
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Cambridge family gathered for a private celebration in honor of Matilda's birthday. Catherine had arranged a small dinner party at Sandringham, complete with Matilda's favorite meal and a cake shaped like a stack of books—a nod to her love of reading.
"Make a wish, darling," Catherine said softly as Matilda leaned over to blow out the candles.
Matilda closed her eyes tightly, thinking of her family and the future, before extinguishing the flames in one confident breath.
After dinner, she showed her parents the sketches she'd been working on—a collection of portraits inspired by her family.
"This one's Granny," she explained, holding up a detailed drawing of the Queen. "And this is you, Mama, on the balcony today."
Catherine's eyes sparkled as she looked at the sketches. "You have a real talent, Matilda. These are wonderful."
William nodded in agreement. "I think Granny would love to see this one," he said, tapping the drawing of the Queen.
Later, as the children settled in for the night, Matilda reflected on the day. Though she hadn't been on the balcony, she felt connected to the celebrations in her own way. It was a day that celebrated not just her grandmother's remarkable reign, but also the family's enduring bond.
And as Matilda drifted off to sleep, she thought of the future that lay ahead—not just for her, but for the family she was proud to be a part of.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
