Royals: Part 6

Chapter 16

'Princess Mary Kate Being Harassed by Paparazzi, Kensington Palace says'

'The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, née Prince Harry and Jackie Backer,  have shared their fears over the "extreme lengths" that photographers will go to in order to capture images of Princess Mary Catherine Diana -- Mary Kate. A letter issued by Kensington Palace has appealed to the world media to prevent the publication of unauthorized images of the 20-month-old, stipulating that the Princess, like any other child, "deserves a safe, happy, and private childhood".'

'It states that "a line has been crossed" by some organizations using "increasingly dangerous" tactics, including the use of intimidation techniques and the formation of mass crowds of photographers to make it difficult for the royal parents or their security to protect the Princess. The letter notes one recent "disturbing" incident last week when the Duchess of Windsor and Princess Mary Kate were mobbed outside of a children's museum, with all of the exits surrounded by paparazzi.'

'"All of this has left the Duke and Duchess concerned about their ability to provide a childhood for Princess Mary Kate and their unborn twins that is free from harassment and surveillance," it states. "They know that almost all parents love to share photos of their children and they themselves enjoy doing so. But they know every parent would object to anyone – particularly strangers – taking photos of their children without their permission."'

'Acknowledging that the royal couple are "fortunate to have private homes where photographers cannot capture images of their children," the letter states that Harry and Jacqueline "feel strongly that both Princess Mary Kate and the unborn children should not grow up exclusively behind palace gates and in walled gardens. They want their children to be free to play in public and semi-public spaces with other children without being photographed."'

'In the letter, the Duke and Duchess express their "gratitude" to the British media organizations for their policy of not publishing unauthorized photos of their children, and state that by making the letter public they hope to "inform the public discussion around the unauthorized photography of children."'

'It is no doubt a very stressful ordeal for the Windsors, who are expecting a set of twins in early May, around the time their sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, is expected to give birth to her second child. Just shy of two years ago, in July 2013, Kate and Jackie gave birth to their first children, Prince George of Cambridge and Princess Mary Kate of Windsor, just one day apart. With increasing media attention on the pregnant mothers and the children, safety has become a massive concern.'

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"I want my security to go with you when you go out, and you can't go on public property anymore. Only private." 

Jackie rested her bowl of ice cream on top of her baby bump, which made a very convenient traveling table. "I think that's a bit unrealistic. We still have 7 more weeks to go."

Harry wasn't so easily convinced, he stopped pacing the floor of their bedroom in York Cottage, standing at the foot of their bed, looking anxious. "I let you do whatever you wanted when you were pregnant with Mary Kate, but not this time. It's too dangerous." 

"I know you're worried, and I am too, but you can't keep me locked up. I'm an adult," Jackie said, trying to sound light-hearted. Harry was rightfully angry about the incident at the Children's Museum, but his paternal instincts were getting out of control. As he had when Jackie was pregnant with Mary Kate, Harry was insisting that she stay bubble-wrapped until the babies were born. 

Harry took Jackie's bowl of ice cream and set it on her bedside table before he sat down on the edge of the bed. "I'm serious, Jackie. Until we find a way to put the press in their place, you need to stay hidden." 

Jackie sighed. "Give me back my ice cream and I promise I'll never leave the house again." 

Harry laughed, climbing over Jackie and laying down next to her. "It's a good thing I wasn't there when the pap tried to touch Mary's arm."

Jackie raised an eyebrow. "What would you have done?" 

Harry shrugged. "Roughed him up a bit." 

Jackie scoffed. Harry may have fought with paparazzi in his younger years, but it was hard to imagine him "roughing up" anyone as a father. 

"Do you think I've grown soft?" Harry asked, clearly amused.

Jackie laughed, motioning her baby bump. "Even softer than me."

Harry tugged up Jackie's shirt, revealing her tan skin that had been stretched taunt over the ever-growing twins. "They've been keeping me up at night," Jackie said, pressing Harry's hand to her stomach. "It seems like they're playing with each other." 

Harry tapped on her baby bump, as if summoning the babies. On cue, Jackie felt movement, one of her twins kicking back against the disturbance.

Harry's face lit up. "They're strong." 

"You're telling me," Jackie replied. "They use my bladder as a punching bag." 

Harry leaned his head on her stomach, saying, "Be nice to your mum."

The babies reacted to the sound of Harry's voice, giving a few firm kicks. 

Cuddled in bed with Harry, it was easy for Jackie to forget the media storm just outside.

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Happy Holidays everyone! Please keep up the wonderful suggestions, I really appreciate all of your support!