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 morning sun peeked through the curtains of the Cambridge children's playroom, casting a golden glow over the chaos of half-finished puzzles, scattered storybooks, and plush toys strewn across the floor. Matilda, now a poised eleven-year-old with a budding sense of responsibility, stood by the window, watching as her father's car pulled away from Kensington Palace.
Today, Prince William and Catherine would attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey, representing the family on an important royal occasion. For Matilda, however, the day would be spent away from the royal schedule, enjoying time with her younger siblings and their beloved Middleton grandparents.
"Matilda," Nanny Maria's voice floated into the room, warm and cheerful, "are you ready to help me get Charlotte and Louis packed for the day?"
"Yes, Maria," Matilda replied, brushing a stray strand of chestnut hair out of her face. She looked down at her outfit—a neat pair of jeans and a soft lavender sweater, chosen to blend in with her non-royal surroundings. "I'll get Louis. He's been hiding his shoes again."
Downstairs, Charlotte was already waiting in the hallway, dressed in a navy coat with her hair tied neatly into braids. She held her favorite book in one hand and a determined expression on her face.
"Where's Louis?" Charlotte asked, glancing around. "We're going to be late for Granny and Grandpa Middleton."
"I'll find him," Matilda said with a sigh, used to her younger brother's mischievous antics. "Stay here."
It didn't take long to locate Louis. The four-year-old was crouched behind the sofa in the family room, giggling as he tried to wedge one of his tiny sneakers into an empty cereal box.
"Louis," Matilda said, crossing her arms and giving him her best imitation of their mother's stern look. "What are you doing?"
"I'm making a treasure chest!" Louis declared, holding up the box with a triumphant grin.
"Your treasure chest can wait," Matilda said patiently. "Come on, let's get your shoes on. Granny is waiting."
With Louis wriggling under one arm and his shoes in the other hand, Matilda managed to get him to the hallway just as Maria finished zipping up his coat.
"Well done, Matilda," Maria said with an approving smile. "Now, let's head out."
At the Middleton home in Bucklebury, the day unfolded with a warmth and familiarity that Matilda always cherished. Carole and Michael Middleton welcomed the children with open arms, their cozy countryside home filled with the comforting aroma of freshly baked scones.
"Granny!" Charlotte cried, running to Carole and wrapping her arms around her waist.
"There's my little Charlotte," Carole said, bending down to kiss her granddaughter's cheek. "And Matilda, my darling, you look so grown-up today."
"Thank you, Granny," Matilda replied with a shy smile. Despite being a princess, she always felt like just another grandchild in the Middleton household—a feeling she treasured deeply.
"Louis," Michael said, scooping the youngest Cambridge into his arms. "What mischief are you up to today?"
"Treasure hunting!" Louis announced, pointing to the cereal box he'd insisted on bringing along.
"Well, then, we'd better find some treasure," Michael said with a chuckle. "Shall we look in the garden?"
As Michael led Louis outside, Matilda and Charlotte followed Carole into the kitchen, where the table was already set with plates of scones, bowls of fresh fruit, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate.
"Matilda, will you help me stir the jam?" Carole asked, handing her a wooden spoon.
"Of course, Granny," Matilda replied, eager to help. As she stirred, she glanced at Charlotte, who was happily arranging napkins on the table.
The rest of the morning passed in a flurry of simple pleasures. The children played hide-and-seek in the sprawling garden, their laughter echoing through the trees. Matilda, despite her growing sense of maturity, couldn't resist joining in, and she found herself giggling just as much as her younger siblings when Louis hid behind a bush and pretended to be a pirate.
By lunchtime, everyone was gathered around the table, enjoying Carole's homemade sandwiches and Michael's stories about his own childhood adventures.
"Did you really climb all the way to the top of the tree, Grandpa?" Charlotte asked, her eyes wide with wonder.
"I did," Michael said with a nod, "but don't go getting any ideas. Your mother would have my head if you tried that!"
Matilda laughed, imagining her mother's horrified reaction. "I don't think I'd trust Louis up a tree anyway," she teased, ruffling her brother's hair.
"I'd be a great climber!" Louis protested, his cheeks puffing out indignantly.
As the afternoon wore on, Matilda found herself in the sitting room with Carole, watching Charlotte and Louis build a fort out of cushions and blankets. It was a rare moment of quiet for Matilda, who leaned back in her chair and sipped her tea.
"You've been such a help today," Carole said, resting a hand on Matilda's shoulder. "Your mum and dad must be so proud of you."
Matilda blushed at the praise. "I like helping," she said softly. "It makes me feel... grown-up."
Carole smiled warmly. "You're growing up into a wonderful young lady, Matilda. And it's lovely to see how much you care about your brother and sister."
Matilda glanced at the fort, where Louis had just declared himself "King of the Castle." Despite the occasional squabbles and chaos, she couldn't imagine her life without her siblings.
"I just want to make sure they're happy," Matilda said, her voice thoughtful. "Even when Mama and Papa are busy."
Carole nodded, her eyes twinkling with pride. "That's what family is all about, my darling. Being there for each other, no matter what."
By the time William and Catherine returned from Westminster Abbey, the children were tired but happy, their cheeks rosy from the fresh air and their hearts full from a day of fun.
"Did you have a good day?" Catherine asked as she helped Charlotte out of her coat.
"It was wonderful, Mama," Matilda said, stepping forward to hug her mother. "Granny and Grandpa Middleton always make everything special."
"And you?" William asked, crouching down to look Matilda in the eye. "Were you in charge while we were gone?"
"I tried my best," Matilda said with a grin.
"You're a natural," William said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "We're very lucky to have you."
As the family settled in for the evening, Matilda felt a deep sense of contentment. The day had been ordinary in many ways, but it was in those ordinary moments—playing games, sharing meals, and spending time with loved ones—that she found the greatest joy.
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