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.
London had never looked more regal. Every street and square seemed touched by celebration, with Union Jack flags hanging from lampposts and shop windows decked in shades of red, white, and blue. The energy in the air was palpable, a mixture of pride, joy, and awe as the city prepared to honor its Queen's historic achievement—seventy years on the throne. Crowds had gathered from early morning, filling The Mall and every vantage point around Buckingham Palace. For Princess Matilda, it was not just another royal event but a historic day that felt monumental even for an eleven-year-old.
The day began early for the Cambridges. Matilda awoke to the soft hum of activity in Kensington Palace, with staff bustling to ensure every detail was in place. As sunlight streamed through her window, she stretched and glanced over at her dresser, where the powder-blue coat she was to wear hung neatly. It was a beautifully tailored piece, adorned with delicate floral embroidery—perfect for the occasion.
Charlotte's voice broke the morning quiet. "Tilly, are you awake yet?"
Matilda smiled, sitting up. "I am now," she called back. Moments later, Charlotte burst into the room, already dressed and excited.
"Did you see how many people are outside already? Papa says the streets are full!" Charlotte exclaimed, her eyes wide.
Matilda chuckled, pulling on her dressing gown. "It's Granny's big day. Everyone wants to see her."
As the family gathered for breakfast, the conversation buzzed with anticipation. George, ever the planner, had memorized the day's schedule and rattled it off between bites of toast. Louis, on the other hand, was barely contained in his seat, his excitement making him bounce up and down.
"Are the planes really going to fly over us, Papa?" Louis asked, his voice filled with wonder.
"They are," William replied with a smile. "But only if you promise to stay still on the balcony. No wiggling."
Louis nodded solemnly but shot Matilda a mischievous grin. She knew it would be a challenge for the youngest Cambridge to keep still.
After breakfast, the family prepared to leave for Buckingham Palace. Catherine helped Matilda with her coat, straightening the collar as she knelt to her daughter's height.
"You look beautiful, darling," she said warmly.
"Thank you, Mama," Matilda replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of pride and nerves.
By the time they arrived at the palace, the streets were a sea of waving flags and cheering spectators. The roar of the crowd was almost overwhelming, but Matilda found comfort in the presence of her family. As they stepped onto the balcony, she felt a rush of awe at the sight below—a sprawling crowd stretching as far as the eye could see, united in celebration.
Standing between George and Charlotte, Matilda kept a watchful eye on Louis, who was already leaning over the railing to get a better view. She gently pulled him back.
"Careful, Louis," she whispered. "You don't want to fall over!"
Louis giggled, his small hands clutching the railing as he looked out at the planes soaring overhead. "Look, Tilly! That one's making a heart!"
Matilda followed his gaze and smiled. The Red Arrows were trailing red, white, and blue smoke, and one of the formations had indeed created a heart shape.
"I see it, Louis!" she said, crouching slightly to his level. "But stay close to me, okay? The crowd's watching."
Louis nodded, his excitement undiminished. As the crowd erupted into cheers, Matilda turned her attention to her great-grandmother.
The Queen, dressed in a light green coat and hat, stepped onto the balcony, and the atmosphere seemed to shift. The applause grew louder, almost deafening, as the people honored the woman who had dedicated her life to service. Matilda watched her great-grandmother with admiration, marveling at her poise and grace.
"Imagine being on the throne for seventy years," she whispered to George, leaning closer so their conversation wouldn't be overheard.
George glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. "It's incredible. Do you think we'll ever get used to this?"
"Maybe," Matilda replied, shrugging slightly. "But Granny makes it look easy."
Their exchange was interrupted by Louis, who clapped his hands and pointed to the sky. "So cool!" he shouted, his excitement drawing laughter from the adults around him.
The Queen, catching Louis's antics, turned her head slightly and gave a small smile. Matilda noticed the twinkle in her great-grandmother's eyes and felt a surge of pride. Even amidst the grandeur of the moment, the Queen had time for her family.
As the planes performed their final pass, leaving trails of smoke in the colors of the Union Jack, the royal family waved to the crowd below. Matilda felt the weight of the moment—a blend of history, family, and responsibility. She glanced at her parents, who stood with quiet dignity, and then at her siblings, who waved enthusiastically.
The ceremony ended, and the family retreated inside the palace. As they stepped back into the quiet grandeur of the interior, Matilda felt Louis tug at her hand.
"Tilly, did you see the big plane? It was the loudest!" Louis said, his voice full of awe.
"I saw it, Louis," Matilda replied, ruffling his hair. "You were very good out there. Granny probably saw you cheering."
"Do you think so?" Louis asked, his eyes wide.
"I'm sure of it," Matilda said with a grin.
As the family gathered for a private moment, Catherine leaned down to Matilda and said softly, "You did well out there. Thank you for looking after your brothers and sister."
Matilda beamed, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "It's easy when they're so excited, Mama."
Later that evening, the family watched a broadcast of the day's events from the comfort of their residence. The Queen's address, her voice steady and filled with gratitude, resonated with Matilda.
"She's amazing," Matilda said to Charlotte, who was curled up beside her.
"She is," Charlotte agreed, her tone filled with admiration.
As the day came to an end, Matilda lay in bed, reflecting on the celebration. It had been a day of pride, joy, and togetherness, a reminder of the legacy she was part of. She closed her eyes, the cheers of the crowd and the sight of the planes still vivid in her mind.
Seventy years on the throne—an incredible achievement for an incredible woman. And one day, Matilda thought, it would be their turn to carry that legacy forward.
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