Page 1 of The English Queen

Part One: The Best Laid Plans

A Family Surprise

The entire family gathered at Sandringham for an annual hunting weekend hosted by the Princess of Wales. It was late September, and everyone came to the estate to catch up. The place was brimming with family. Sandringham held so many on the grounds between the cottages, Anmer Hall, and its main house. It was the perfect excuse to ride and regroup. While tensions cooled between Queen Margaux and her family, they weren’t perfect. A clear schism remained between the Prince of Wales, Robert, and his mother. Two teams comprised it–Team Robbie and Team Maggie–and while the family called a truce, it was not all roses.

Lady Mairead, known as “Rita”, and her partner Bruno Sanchez planned to announce major news. They were staying on at Anmer Hall with the Prince and Princess of Wales. Rita was the Princess’s best friend since girlhood. While the adults gathered at the main house, their children were camped out together watching a movie back at Anmer.

All of the Queen’s children and grandchildren attended. This included newlyweds, Elliot and Charlotte, who had married in March. Finally, the big news up at the big house was the baby of the family, Princess Bethany, had brought her fiancé King Louis, the recently crowned King of the Belgians home. His father died on the day of Eli and Charlotte’s wedding. In the clutch, he had left Beth grappling with potential queenhood. They’d only recently announced their happy news and stopped in to take some engagement photos and do the obligatory English press interview.

The couple relented to this awful requirement only after press and public gave poor Aunt Maggie a lashing for her daughter’s lack of cooperation. Brits wereinvested in this fairy tale. If they didn’t get their interview, there would be a mutiny. Louis and Beth agreed to do the interview and take the stupid pictures, not something common in Benelux royal circles. Louis and Beth hoped to avoid this unpleasantness, thinking their surprise press call the day of their announcement would be enough. It was not.

With everyone present, Rita wasted no time announcing their news. As the formal family dinner began at Sandringham, everyone in their best finery, Rita and Bruno itched to say something. Bruno always looked completely devilish in a tux. Rita found herself salivating over him even now. She was convinced he must be some sort of aberration. Bruno was affectionately titled “Mexican James Bond” by friends. Between his suave appearance in formalwear, beautiful physique, and beyond gorgeous accent, he fit the bill. He was the love of Rita’s life.

“Can everyone pay attention for a moment?” Rita clinked her knife gently on a glass.

Everyone looked down the table and the Queen said, “You have the floor, Mairead.”

“Great,” Rita stood, Bruno following suit.

She held her wine glass and everyone stared.

“So, we have good news.” She looked at Bruno. “Uh, we’ve decided we’re getting married.”

The room erupted into chatter. Vanna hopped out of her chair and ran to hug them both, tears welling. If there was one thing you could count on, it was the American-raised Princess of Wales crying over any news. She had no British stiff upper lip mentality. This was happy news for Vanna, too.

“This is the best news,” Sabine, Mairead’s mother, said. “Congratulations to you both.”

Rita’s father, Malcolm, raised a glass. “Welcome to the circus, Bruno. It’s… nothing if not colourful.”

Bruno laughed “Large family here, too. I am used to colourful. Very happy to be included.”

They sat. Everyone took a drink.

Maggie stood. “Well, I should welcome you, then, Mr. Sanchez. Your fiancée is a lucky woman for you seem like a nice individual. And all I can say about Mairead is she will be very loyal and supportive. Cheers!”

Rita was surprised by her aunt’s sudden endorsement, but she took it in as everyone toasted.

“How do your parents feel? How are the boys with it?” Vanna asked.

“Oh, my parents are delighted,” Bruno answered. “So excited. They never thought I’d get married. And they love the boys so… it’s great.”

“The boys are chuffed. We told them first, of course, and they simply wanted to help plan the wedding.”

“What are we doing for the wedding then?” Beth asked. “Two weddings? My God, this is exciting!”

Rita was quick to assure her cousin. “Well, it’s not going to conflict with your wedding in March, I can assure you. Belgians and Brits alike can take a breath.”

“My close family and friends are coming in from Mexico and Switzerland for a big party. That’s what we think of it as–a big party.”

“Well, of course, who doesn’t want a party?” Sabine asked.

“Mother, calm down. Yes, you will get to help me. As will you, Vanna. But I am going to tell you, Vanora, slow your roll as you’re already helping with Beth’s wedding and still have an infant to tend to.”

“I will make time. I always do,” Vanna said. That probably annoyed the Queen.

Vanna was still technically on leave after having a baby in May and was not due back for at least another month. This was a prickly subject. Robbie had only returned to work that month, choosing to spend his summer with his children and wife.

“I love you, but please don’t overcommit.” Rita looked at Bruno trepidatiously. “Uh, we’re probably going to break some hearts now.”

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