Royals: Part 4

Chapter 8

"Your Highness!"

"Over here!"

"Jackie look here!"

Jackie smiled warmly at the crowds, numbering, per Elizabeth's estimate, nearly 750,000 people. Jackie and Harry were sitting side by side in the back of a horse drawn carriage riding through the streets of Ottawa, just as they had on their wedding day on the ride from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.

The royal couple had just arrived in Canada's capital, and upon descending the steps of their private jet, were greeted by the Prime Minister of Canada and his wife, and then had been whisked away in the open-topped carriage through the crowded streets. It was overwhelming to see all the people who had turned out to see Jackie and Harry. Handmade signs and British flags were being waved, people screaming, crying, and cheering. Jackie waved and smiled, trying her best to make eye contact with as many people as possible. Her heart pounded with nervousness and excitement, and the baby even gave a few kicks. 

The parade was only the start of a long day of welcome. Jackie was scheduled to have not one, not two, but five outfit changes. Because tours were notoriously exhausting, a physician had been hired to accompany the royal couple in case of an emergency with the baby. Elizabeth and Michael had also flown from London to Canada with the royal couple, to closely monitor the schedule and press attention. 

After arriving at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Harry and Jackie were ushered inside for a moment to breathe- and a wardrobe change. Harry, of course, would remain in his navy blue suit for the majority of the day, but Jackie changed from her somewhat formal "traveling" ensemble into a bit more relaxed Beulah London red maternity wrap dress. The Queen had loaned Jackie a wonderful diamond maple leaf brooch, which an aide pinned neatly to Jackie's chest. After a quick fluffing of Jackie's hair, the royal couple joined hands and walked through the door and out into the view of the crowds. 

"Jackie!" 

"Harry!"

"Over here!"

Jackie kept her face in her practiced grin, splitting from Harry and taking the left side of the barricaded walkway. She felt more at ease speaking with the crowds than she had when she first took the role of Duchess of Windsor. A hundred hands were shoved in Jackie's face, and she was able to sort through the eager fans, greeting each one with a "Hello!" or "Nice to meet you!" 

"We woke up at 4 in the morning to watch your wedding on television," one woman gushed, handing Jackie a bouquet of daisies. "We felt as if we were there!" 

"I recorded it," Jackie admitted, earning laughs from all the overjoyed people within earshot. "I still can't believe it actually happened, when I rewatch it." 

"It was like a fairytale," the woman agreed, clearly ecstatic that Jackie had revealed a bit of "personal" information. 

Jackie was met with a few comments and inquisitions about her pregnancy. 

"Do you know the gender?" an elderly woman asked, her eyes twinkling as she clutched Jackie's hand. 

"We don't," Jackie responded honestly. "It'll be a surprise for everyone." 

"I'm so happy for you two," the woman gushed. 

Jackie shook hundreds of hands, meeting people from all over Canada, and even America. Eventually, she was given a discreet reminder from her personal protection officer, Chris, that it was time to wrap things up. Jackie had a massive armful of flowers as she and Harry waved goodbye to the cheering crowds, off to the next destination of the day. 

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'Jackie Pulls off Another Fashion Triumph as 750,00 Turn Out in Canada (But She Only Has Eyes for Her Prince)'

'The Duke and Duchess of Windsor enjoyed a concert in Ottawa last night to round off a busy first day of their official tour of Canada.'

'Pregnant Jackie dazzled in a white Alexander McQueen gown and stunning diamond earrings as the Royal couple laughed and clapped while they watched acts from across the country joining 100,000 people on Parliament Hill.'

'They were the guests of honor at the event, which was part of the national celebrations marking the year of Canada's 145th birthday. Jackie had changed her clothes from her earlier red and white outfit - Canada's national colors - into the white gown, making it an impressive five maternity outfits in 24 hours.'

'The Duke and Duchess sat in the audience for around half an hour watching acts Great Big Sea, Tragically Hip and Weezer before leaving for a private event where they viewed the finale fireworks.'

'The couple stunned on the red carpet, both dressed to impress. Jackie and Harry were seen laughing and joking at the music event, but they also shared several romantic moments during the evening- holding hands and sharing loving looks.'

'Three quarters of a million flag waving people crammed the streets of the city – many having travelled hundreds, if not thousands of miles - just to catch a glimpse of the glamorous newly-weds and parents-to-be.'

'In a speech to the crowds at the event the Duke told them how he and his wife were 'excited' by the prospect of their growing family becoming 'part of the Canadian family' as they travel around the country during the next seven days.'

'The third in line to the throne said: "Jacqueline and I are thrilled that we are able to visit Canada during our first tour together, and we are looking forward to the day that we can bring our son or daughter here to learn all about the rich history of this beautiful country."'

'While many were keen to see the prince, 28, there is little doubt that it is Jackie, 29, who is winning their hearts in what is widely considered to be a dress rehearsal for the rest of her public life.'

'Television channels and newspapers are offering wall to wall coverage of the new Duchess's charm offensive. When asked about her fashion plans for the trip, Jackie insisted she wanted to be seen than more than just a"clothes hanger". The Duchess has been praised for her rigorous and very involved charity schedule since her June 2012 wedding to Prince Harry. And, of course, on the fashion front, Jackie did not disappoint.' 

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Thank you all for being so patient for this update! Please comment with any ideas or suggestions :)