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CHAPTER 64 : THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Date : August, 3 2022

Place :  Birmingham, United Kingdom

The sun shone brightly on the bustling streets of Birmingham, where the excitement surrounding the 2022 Commonwealth Games was palpable. The city was alive with energy, with crowds flocking to the various venues, all eager to witness the global sporting spectacle. For the Cambridge family, it was a day filled with anticipation and excitement. Prince William and Catherine, alongside their two daughters, Princess Charlotte and Princess Matilda, were attending the Games to show their support for Team England and celebrate the spirit of the Commonwealth.

Matilda had been looking forward to this event for weeks. She'd always loved sports—whether it was cheering on her father during charity polo matches or watching her mother's passion for tennis—but the Commonwealth Games felt different. It was a celebration of nations coming together, a true display of unity, and something her family had always emphasized was important.

As the royal convoy made its way through the streets of Birmingham, Matilda, sitting next to Charlotte in the back of the car, looked out the window, her eyes wide with excitement. She could see the streets lined with cheering crowds, people waving flags and holding banners, all celebrating the athletes about to take part in the Games.

"Mama, look at all the people!" Matilda exclaimed, her voice full of awe. "This is amazing!"

Charlotte, ever the enthusiastic one, bounced in her seat. "I know! I can't wait to see the gymnastics and the swimming. Will we get to meet some athletes?"

"Maybe," Catherine replied with a smile. "We're here to support everyone, but we'll see who we meet along the way."

William turned around from the front seat, his eyes twinkling as he caught Matilda's excited expression. "Are you ready to cheer them on, Tilly?" he asked.

Matilda nodded vigorously, her dark eyes sparkling. "I can't wait to see all the athletes. I think I'll cheer the loudest!" she declared, full of determination.

Once they arrived at the arena, the atmosphere was electric. The sound of cheering fans, the smell of fresh popcorn and cotton candy in the air, and the vibrant colors of flags and team uniforms surrounded them. The Games were being held in various venues across the city, but the family was attending the opening events, and they were eager to see the opening ceremony and the first round of competitions.

As they walked through the entrance, Matilda couldn't help but feel the excitement building inside her. The crowds cheered as they made their way to their seats in the royal box. People were chanting, waving flags, and the atmosphere was infectious. William and Catherine, ever composed, smiled and waved to the crowd, their royal duties blending effortlessly with the joy of the occasion. Charlotte, a little more reserved, clung to her mother's side, but Matilda, full of energy, was already scanning the crowd and the arena, her attention flitting between the athletes warming up and the performances happening on stage.

"I want to see the gymnastics!" Charlotte said, tugging at Catherine's sleeve. "Do you think we'll see them perform soon?"

"We'll see," Catherine said, giving Charlotte a reassuring pat on the hand. "Let's sit down first, and we'll know when it's time."

As the family settled into their seats, Matilda's excitement only grew. Her eyes darted around, catching sight of some of the athletes preparing backstage, stretching and warming up for their events. She leaned toward her mother and whispered, "Do you think they'll win?"

"They're all winners just by being here," Catherine answered softly. "But I'm sure they'll all give it their best."

The opening ceremony was about to begin, and the lights dimmed as the first wave of performers took to the stage. The audience hushed, their attention focused entirely on the spectacle unfolding before them. The pageantry of the Commonwealth Games was a sight to behold, with dancers, performers, and athletes from all over the world coming together to create a vibrant celebration of sport, unity, and diversity.