| CROWN II | 👑👑

CHAPTER 94 : SANDRINGHAM SERVICE 2023

DATE : December 25, 2023

PLACE : Sandringham, Norfolk

The morning air was crisp and fresh, the kind that carried the unmistakable scent of pine and frost, wrapping Sandringham in a peaceful winter embrace. Matilda of Wales adjusted the collar of her deep green coat, her gloved hands tucked into her pockets as she walked alongside her younger sister, Charlotte. Their boots crunched over the gravel path leading towards St. Mary Magdalene Church, where the royal family had gathered for their traditional Christmas Day service.

She loved this walk. There was something timeless about it—the crisp winter chill, the anticipation of the service, the warmth of the crowd gathered to watch the royal procession. The tradition itself stretched back generations, and though she had done this many times before, it still felt special.

"This is so much better than being woken up by Louis jumping on my bed," Charlotte muttered, pulling her coat tighter around herself.

Matilda smirked. "At least you only got the jumping. He tried to put a Santa hat on me while I was still sleeping."

A few steps ahead, their brother George chuckled. "You got off lightly. He was running around singing Jingle Bells at full volume before sunrise."

Matilda shook her head. It was typical Louis behavior—his boundless energy never seemed to run out, even on early mornings like this. Their parents had eventually managed to corral him into his tiny navy coat and convince him to behave, but Matilda knew it wouldn't last.

As they walked, Matilda glanced around at the familiar faces surrounding them. Their cousins Mia and Lena Tindall, daughters of Zara and Mike Tindall, were just a few steps away, their cheeks pink from the cold. Mia, always energetic and lively, gave Matilda a grin.

"Bet you five pounds Louis does something ridiculous before the service ends," she whispered.

Matilda laughed. "Not taking that bet. It's a guarantee."

Just behind them, Zara and Mike walked with their youngest daughter, baby Lucas, bundled up against the cold. The entire royal group was together—King Charles and Queen Camilla leading the way, Prince William and Catherine walking with ease, and even Prince Andrew, looking subdued beside Sarah Ferguson, the former Duchess of York.

Matilda stole a glance at Sarah. It was unusual to see her here—after all, she hadn't attended this Christmas walk in 30 years. But her presence wasn't unwelcome. If anything, Matilda sensed a quiet warmth between her and the other members of the family, as if time had softened old tensions.

"It's weird, isn't it?" Charlotte murmured, noticing Matilda's gaze.

Matilda nodded. "A little. But I think it's nice. Christmas is about family, after all."

They reached the steps of St. Mary Magdalene Church, the grand old stone building standing solid against the cold morning. The golden glow from the stained-glass windows shimmered in the winter sunlight, a comforting beacon. Matilda followed her family inside, where the warmth of the church instantly wrapped around them.

The service was a familiar blend of tradition, music, and quiet reflection. The choir's voices rose in harmony, filling the vaulted ceilings with the soft echoes of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Matilda found herself humming along, her voice merging with Charlotte's beside her.

Louis, despite all odds, was actually behaving. For now.

Midway through the service, Matilda turned her gaze towards her parents. Catherine sat with effortless grace, her expression serene as she listened to the reading. William, too, had a quiet dignity about him, though Matilda caught the faintest smile when Louis whispered something in his ear.