| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTRE 83: KING CHARLE'S CORONATION

DATE :  May 6, 2023 

PLACE : Westminster Abbey, London

May 6, 2023, dawned bright and crisp, as Westminster Abbey prepared for a historic day in British history—the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The day was destined to become etched in the minds of the public and in royal memory as one of the most significant moments in the reign of the House of Windsor. All eyes were on the grand procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey, but the attention of the royal watchers was also trained on the younger generation of royals, particularly Princess Matilda.

The day before, the Royal Family had gathered for a pre-coronation dinner at Buckingham Palace, and the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. The family was both excited and calm, despite the immense pressure that came with such a historic event.

Princess Matilda, now 12 years old, stood proudly with her family as they prepared for the monumental day. Her bright eyes were full of excitement, but there was also a growing sense of responsibility that she felt deeply—especially now that she knew she would someday follow her father, Prince William, to the throne. The event itself would be a stepping stone in her journey, one that marked her own royal status as a future queen consort, or perhaps monarch, herself, should circumstances ever arise.

She gazed at her mother, Princess Catherine, as she fastened her diadem with its glistening gems and pearls. Matilda had seen the ceremonial headpiece countless times before, but today it seemed to radiate an even deeper sense of importance. The diadem was the same one her mother, Catherine, wore during the great ceremonies, a symbol of the strength and dignity the royal family carried in their leadership. Matilda, too, would wear a similar diadem today, much like her mother and little sister, Princess Charlotte, a subtle nod to the growing strength of the younger generation.

With each step in the grand procession, the weight of history settled deeper in her chest. She could feel the eyes of the world on her, yet she stood with poise and determination, walking alongside her siblings and parents. Prince George, who was serving as a page during the procession, was ahead of her, dutifully walking alongside his grandfather, King Charles III. Matilda's heart swelled with pride as she caught a glimpse of her younger brother Louis, bouncing along with excitement as he held tight to his parents' hands.

As the royals arrived at Westminster Abbey, Matilda could not help but be in awe of the magnificent space before her. The sound of the bells chimed through the air, signaling the start of an ancient tradition. The congregation filled the abbey with a sense of reverence, and in the midst of it all, Matilda stood proudly alongside her family. There was something so powerful about this moment—her family standing tall in unity, not just as individuals, but as the embodiment of the Crown itself.

The ceremony was one of tradition and renewal, marking a pivotal moment in history, but the eyes of many were on Matilda. It was no secret that she was next in line after Prince William, who was second in line. There was something remarkable about her quiet strength; she had inherited the poise of her mother, but there was also an undeniable fire in her spirit that would serve her well in the years to come.

As the ceremony concluded, the King and Queen, along with the rest of the Royal Family, left Westminster Abbey to embark on the Coronation Procession. Matilda, now adorned in her diadem, stood proudly with her family in the procession that followed the ancient route from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace. The streets of London were lined with thousands of people cheering, waving Union Jacks, and celebrating the historic occasion.

Matilda felt the weight of the crown on her head, not just the symbolic diadem, but the legacy of the monarchy itself. She had spent years watching her family shoulder this immense responsibility, but today, she felt it more than ever. She glanced at her father, Prince William, who caught her eye and offered her a reassuring smile.