Royals: Part 6

Chapter 2

'Kate Middleton is Pregnant Again!'

'The palace has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are indeed expecting a child. Kate, who is in the very early stages of pregnancy, will give birth next year to a second child who will join big brother Prince George.'

'Earlier this morning, Kensington Palace tweeted:

'The Queen and members of both families are thrilled that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting a baby, which is due early next May.'

'As with her first pregnancy, the palace reports that the Duchess is being treated for severe morning sickness already, and will be treated at the palace.'

'Rumors have begun to fly that Jackie, Duchess of Windsor, is also expecting her second child with husband Prince Harry. Last year, the world was shocked when Kate and Jackie gave birth just one day apart to royal cousins Prince George Alexander Louis and Princess Mary Catherine Diana, "Mary Kate".'

'Though there is no official word yet from the palace on the chance of another Duchess Duo pregnancy, dreams of royal cousins dance in our heads.'

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"I need a coffee," Jackie said, giving herself a few light taps on the cheeks to try to wake up.

"I'll send for some right now," Elizabeth said, in full lady in waiting mode. "Nanny Sophia called and says Mary Kate's been a bit fussy this afternoon, but she's sleeping now in the car. Hopefully a nap will cheer her up a bit."

Jackie sighed. "I hope she behaves while we're in front of everyone. And all the noise doesn't scare her." Jackie and Elizabeth were in a dressing room at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, making final preparations before the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games. It was 7:20 pm, and the royal family would be making their entrance at 8:00 sharp. Unfortunately Kate couldn't make it to the Games because of her morning sickness, but Jackie, Mary Kate, William, Charles, and Camilla would be walking out behind Harry to show their support.

"It seems the noise only bothered her when she had those ear infections," Elizabeth said before typing quickly into her Blackberry. "Okay, coffee's on the way. Ready to get dressed?"

Jackie nodded. "Yes. And thank you for everything, Elizabeth."

"No thanks needed," Elizabeth said, her mouth hinting a smile, before leaving Jackie alone in the dressing room.

Jackie quickly changed into her dress, it was black, with long sleeves, a high neck, flaring out just below her ribs. She decided to go to all lengths to hide any signs of her pregnancy.

Elizabeth returned a few moments later with Jackie's coffee. "Harry's looking for you."

Jackie peeked into the hallway and saw her husband standing in the abandoned hallway outside of the dressing rooms.

"What's going on?" Jackie asked, her heels echoing in the long, empty hallway of the stadium. 

Harry looked up and smiled. "Just nervous."

"Why are you nervous?"

"There's a lot of people out there," Harry said with a laugh. "I've never done anything like this before, really."

"Sure you have, you must have given about a thousand speeches by now," Jackie reassured.

"Nothing like this, though. This time it's only me up there. I just hope I'll be taken seriously."

"Don't say that," Jackie said, reaching for Harry's arm and putting it around her waist. "Of course you will be."

"I know marrying you and having Mary Kate has given me more credibility, but I'm worried they'll just see the kid who got caught drinking and smoking, and the naked guy at Vegas."

Jackie's heart broke a bit for her husband. Something inside of her told her that by moving out of the public eye she was forcing him to face the stresses of being a royal all alone. "Well, I don't think that's true, but tonight will be your chance to show them that you're better than that now."

Harry seemed satisfied. He gave her a kiss and said, "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Jackie shrugged. "Neither do I."

Harry laughed, giving her a squeeze.

"Let me take a picture of the two of you before you go out," Elizabeth's voice said as she walked out of the dressing room. Being a lady in waiting meant one had to have absolutely perfect timing, never interrupting an important moment. Elizabeth seemed to have mastered the skill.

Jackie and Harry stood together, Harry resting his cheek against Jackie's hair.

"Perfect," Elizabeth said, satisfied by the photo. "You've got about ten minutes, Mary Kate and Nanny Sophia should be arriving any moment." 

"Good," Harry said. "Are you all ready?" 

Jackie nodded. "I can't wait to see it all come together."

Eventually, Harry and Jackie were joined by William, Charles, and Camilla, all talking excitedly about the ceremony. One of the Invictus Games coordinators reminded the royals about their entrances; Harry was to go off first, Charles next, then Camilla, then William, and Jackie carrying Mary Kate, bringing up the rear. Harry was to stand at the edge of their row of seats, allowing the others to file in. Jackie would hold Mary Kate on her lap for the very beginning of the ceremony, then Nanny Sophia would come retrieve her and take her back to Kensington Palace. 

"Two minutes!" a coordinator warned. Jackie looked around, no sign of Nanny Sophia and Mary Kate. From where she stood just behind a curtain at the top of the steps that lead into the stadium, she could only see bright lights and the wall of sound emitted from some 6,500 spectators. 

"Elizabeth," Jackie hissed, not wanting to worry Harry, who was currently joking around with William. "Where are they?" 

"They're in the building, Nanny Sophia says she's settling her down and they'll be up in time," Elizabeth reported. 

Jackie nodded, turning back to Harry. She wanted him to be totally focused on his speech, which he had practiced about a million times, but still stumbled over a few parts. 

When the coordinator was giving the thirty second countdown, Jackie heard rushed footsteps coming down the mostly empty hallway. She turned to see Elizabeth, looking out of breath and wild-eyed. 

"What is it?" Jackie asked as the coordinator motioned for Harry to walk out into the stadium. "I have to go!" 

"It's Mary Kate, she's in a terrible state. Nanny Sophia thinks it's another ear infection, but it's bad. We think she needs to go to the hospital," Elizabeth said, her eyes filled with worry. 

Jackie turned to see Harry and the others had already stepped into the spotlight, the coordinator motioning for her to follow. She was forced to choose between her husband and her daughter, but made the decision in an instant. 

"Take me to her." 

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