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 holidays were a time for the Wales family to escape the hustle and bustle of London and enjoy some much-needed family time away from the cameras. This year, as always, they spent their time in the stunning surroundings of Balmoral, Scotland, a place where the family had always felt close to nature. The majestic Scottish Highlands, with its towering mountains, tranquil lochs, and sprawling forests, had always been a special place for Prince William and Kate. It was here that they could relax, rejuvenate, and connect with one another, away from the pressures of royal duties.
Princess Matilda, now 12 years old, was looking forward to this summer more than any other. With the start of school just around the corner, and her upcoming transition to Marlborough College weighing on her mind, this holiday felt like the calm before the storm. Her parents had always made sure their children had a chance to enjoy their childhood, and despite the expectations that came with being a royal, Matilda had a natural ability to balance her curiosity and interests with the love and warmth of her family. This holiday, however, would also be about preparation for the big changes ahead.
As the family settled into their cottage at Balmoral, Matilda could feel the familiar excitement of being in such a beautiful place. The vast open spaces, the cool, crisp air, and the rolling hills reminded her of the sense of freedom she always felt here. She was with her younger siblings, George and Charlotte, who seemed equally excited by the prospect of long walks, hikes, and, of course, a bit of adventure. But while the other children were preoccupied with exploring the outdoors, Matilda had a different focus—her future.
She had always been a curious child, with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. During their downtime in Balmoral, she spent much of her time in a cozy corner of the family's cottage, tucked away from the noise of her younger siblings. Here, she had a small desk where her textbooks and journals lay open. As much as she loved spending time outdoors, Matilda's heart was equally drawn to literature, history, science, and languages. Over the years, her fascination with books had grown, and she'd always enjoyed escaping into the pages of a novel.
Catherine , ever supportive of Matilda's ambitions, took a hands-on approach during this holiday to help her prepare for the upcoming year at Marlborough College. Matilda was excited but nervous about the big change. It would be her first time away from home for extended periods, and she was determined to make the most of it. But before any of that, there was still so much to learn and so many things to figure out.
"Matilda, I know it's a big step," Kate said one afternoon, sitting down beside her daughter, who was flipping through a thick book on world history. "But you're going to do great at Marlborough. You're so passionate about learning, and that's going to take you far."
Matilda looked up, her eyes lighting up at her mother's words. "I'm nervous, Mum. What if I don't fit in? What if I don't make any friends?"
Catherine smiled warmly, brushing a stray lock of hair from Matilda's face. "You're kind and thoughtful, Matilda. You'll find your people. And remember, you don't have to be anyone else but yourself."
As they sat together in the quiet of the room, Matilda reflected on her interests. History had always fascinated her—particularly the ancient civilizations. She had recently become enthralled by the history of the Far East, especially Japan and Korea. She had always been intrigued by their unique cultures and histories, and now, with her upcoming move to Marlborough College, she was determined to learn more about these fascinating countries.
"Do you think I could study Japanese and Korean at Marlborough?" Matilda asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Catherine paused for a moment, looking thoughtful. "I'm sure the school offers a range of languages, but you'll have to check with them. If they don't, we'll figure something out. You're so dedicated, Matilda. If it's something you truly want to learn, we can make it happen."
Matilda's eyes sparkled with excitement. The idea of studying languages she had always admired was something she couldn't wait to dive into. But it wasn't just languages that had her captivated. Music, sports, and acting were all areas she felt equally passionate about. Over the years, she had developed a love for playing the piano and singing. There were even moments during their quiet evenings in Scotland when she would sit at the grand piano in the cottage and play her favorite melodies.
"Don't forget, Matilda, you can always bring your musical talents with you to Marlborough. I've heard they have a fantastic music program," Catherine reminded her. "And acting—well, you never know, you might discover a whole new side of yourself."
Matilda smiled, feeling more reassured. The prospect of studying at a new school, with new friends and challenges, seemed less daunting now. She had the support of her family, and her mother's constant encouragement helped her feel confident in her abilities.
As the days in Scotland passed, the family spent their time enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. They went on long walks through the forests and along the riverbanks, with Prince William often leading the way, while Kate stayed behind to chat with the children. Matilda particularly loved these walks, where she could talk to her parents about anything and everything. These moments, where they shared their thoughts and dreams, were some of her favorite memories.
At the same time, Matilda continued to prepare herself for her new school life. She diligently worked through her textbooks, focusing on subjects that piqued her interest. History, with its rich tales of ancient empires, consumed most of her attention. Her fascination with ancient Greece and Rome had led her to write essays on the rise and fall of these civilizations, something she was eager to build on once at Marlborough.
Her father, Prince William, often joined her on her study sessions, asking her questions about the subjects she was exploring. He was proud of how seriously Matilda took her education, and he admired her passion for learning.
"You're really good at this, Matilda," he'd say with a smile, as she explained her thoughts on Roman history. "Maybe you'll become a historian one day."
Matilda laughed, but the thought did intrigue her. A historian, or perhaps something entirely different—an artist, a scientist, or a writer. There were so many paths ahead, and she felt ready to explore them all.
In the evenings, after their daily adventures in the Scottish Highlands, the Wales family would gather around the dinner table. These were some of the most cherished moments for Matilda—simple, yet full of love and warmth. They would talk about their day, share jokes, and, sometimes, get lost in deep conversations about the future. It was here, at the table, that Matilda felt the most at home. Her parents' presence, along with her siblings, created a sense of security and stability that allowed her to dream big.
One evening, after dinner, Matilda and Catherine sat by the fire, talking about what the next year at Marlborough would hold. Matilda was excited, but also a bit apprehensive. "Mum, do you think I'll be ready for all of this?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with determination.
"Of course, Matilda," Catherine replied, her tone reassuring. "You've always been ready for everything that comes your way. And we'll be with you every step of the journey."
As the fire crackled softly in the background, Matilda felt a deep sense of gratitude for the support of her family. She wasn't alone in this journey—she had them by her side, always encouraging her to follow her passions, no matter where they would take her.
The rest of the summer in Scotland passed in a blur of outdoor adventures, quiet study sessions, and cherished moments with her family. As August drew to a close and the new school year loomed on the horizon, Matilda was ready. Ready to embrace new challenges, new friendships, and new opportunities at Marlborough College. And, most importantly, she was ready to continue her journey of learning and discovery, wherever it might lead
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