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 summer sun bathed the sprawling gardens of Anmer Hall in golden light, casting long, dappled shadows over the emerald lawns. The Cambridge family's country retreat was alive with laughter and the scent of freshly baked cakes. Today was a special day—Prince William's 40th birthday—and the family had come together for a celebration that was equal parts intimate and joyous.
Matilda adjusted the ribbons on the basket she was holding, filled to the brim with freshly picked flowers from the garden. Her little brothers and sister trailed behind her, George carrying a wrapped gift, Charlotte clutching a handmade card, and Louis with a cheeky grin as he ran in circles around them.
"Tilly, wait for me!" Louis called out, nearly tripping over his untied shoelaces.
"Louis, come here!" Matilda said, setting the basket down and crouching to tie his shoes. "If you fall, Mama will never let us carry the cake later."
Louis giggled but obediently stood still. "I'm not falling, Tilly. I'm super fast!"
"Super fast at making a mess," Charlotte quipped, rolling her eyes but smiling.
"Alright, enough bickering," Matilda said in a mock-stern voice, straightening up. "Let's go find Papa."
Inside the house, the warm aroma of vanilla and chocolate wafted through the air. Catherine was in the kitchen, overseeing the finishing touches on a grand birthday cake—a decadent creation with layers of sponge, cream, and fresh berries.
"Perfect timing," she said as the children filed in. "George, could you take this tray of sandwiches to the table outside? Charlotte, check if Granny and Grandpa Middleton need anything. Matilda, are the flowers ready for the centerpiece?"
Matilda held up her basket. "All set, Mama. Where should I put them?"
"On the big table under the oak tree. And Louis—" Catherine began, only to find him attempting to sneak a fingerful of frosting.
"Louis!" Matilda exclaimed, catching his wrist. "No frosting until after Papa sees the cake!"
Louis pouted but quickly perked up when William entered the kitchen, his sleeves rolled up and a relaxed smile on his face. "What's going on in here? A birthday conspiracy?"
"Maybe," Matilda said with a grin, stepping forward to hand him a small box wrapped in shiny paper. "Happy birthday, Papa!"
William crouched to her level, taking the box with exaggerated curiosity. "And what could this be?"
"Open it and see!" Matilda urged, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
William unwrapped the gift carefully, revealing a leather-bound journal embossed with his initials. Inside, Matilda had written a heartfelt message on the first page, thanking him for being the best father and listing all the reasons she admired him.
"This is wonderful, Tilly," William said, his voice warm with emotion. "Thank you." He pulled her into a hug, then looked at the rest of the children. "And what about you lot? Did you plan any surprises?"
"Of course!" George said, handing over his own neatly wrapped gift—a set of cufflinks engraved with the family crest.
"And I made you a card," Charlotte added, showing off her colorful drawing of the family standing in front of Anmer Hall.
"I helped too!" Louis chimed in, bouncing on his toes.
William laughed, gathering his children into a group hug. "You've all made this day so special already. Thank you."
The family moved outside, where a long table had been set up under the shade of a large oak tree. Balloons in navy and gold swayed gently in the breeze, and the table was laden with an array of dishes—quiches, salads, pastries, and, of course, the towering birthday cake.
The Middletons arrived soon after, along with a few close friends of the family. Michael Middleton clapped William on the back with a hearty, "Happy 40th, son-in-law!" while Carole Middleton kissed his cheek.
Matilda watched as everyone settled in, feeling a sense of pride in how the day was coming together. She noticed Charlotte tugging at her sleeve and leaned down.
"Do you think Papa will like the song we're singing?" Charlotte whispered.
"Of course he will," Matilda reassured her. "We've practiced so much he won't expect anything less than perfect!"
After lunch, it was time for the surprises. Catherine stood to make a toast, her glass of sparkling water catching the sunlight.
"William," she began, her voice filled with warmth, "you've achieved so much in these forty years. But what I admire most is the incredible father and partner you are. The kids and I are so lucky to have you. Happy birthday, my love."
Everyone raised their glasses, and William looked visibly touched. Then it was the children's turn.
Standing in front of the table, Matilda led her siblings in a cheerful rendition of Happy Birthday. George played a simple tune on a small keyboard, while Charlotte and Louis clapped along enthusiastically.
"You're all hired for my next birthday," William joked as the applause died down.
As the afternoon faded into evening, the celebrations took on a more relaxed tone. William and George played a friendly game of cricket on the lawn, while Charlotte and Louis ran after bubbles blown by Carole. Matilda sat with Catherine under the oak tree, sipping lemonade and watching the scene with a content smile.
"Mama," she said, "do you think we'll have more birthdays like this when Papa turns fifty?"
Catherine laughed softly. "I hope so, darling. But let's just enjoy today for now."
Matilda nodded, leaning her head against her mother's shoulder. "I think it's the best birthday ever."
As twilight descended and the first stars appeared in the sky, William blew out the candles on his cake, surrounded by the people he loved most. For Matilda, it was a day she would always remember—not just for the celebrations, but for the warmth and joy that came from being together as a family.
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