Page 106 of The English Queen

Georgie nodded. “I cannot imagine life without Natalie.”

“I know,” Robbie smiled. “She is your other half. Keep her close. She will be your protector. She will defend you to the death. She will be your confidante. That’s the best part of having siblings, right? Keep them close. Even little Kiersten might bail you out of a crisis someday.”

Georgie laughed. “She will be a grownup someday.”

“She will be. I try not to think about it. It is hard enough to know Beth is married. Think about them as your team. You aren’t alone in this. You have all of us. We will always be here if you struggle, alright?”

George nodded. “I got it.”

“I love you, George. I am proud of you for standing up with us today. You are such a good big brother to your siblings. I know someday you will stand here and be ready to do the right thing.”

Georgie wrapped his arms around Robbie tight. “I love you, Dad.”

Robbie patted his son’s shoulder. “I have to go do the thing.”

“You’ll be King when I see you next?” George asked.

“And you’ll be Prince of Wales,” Robbie replied.

It was surreal. Robbie went downstairs with George. He gave his other children hugs and kisses before taking Vanna’s hand. They left with the other grownups to attend the Ascension Council. Uncle Malcolm agreed to watch the children until they were called into the yard for the official public proclamation. For the first time, the proceedings of the Ascension Council were made public on television. Vanna suggested it, and Robbie felt it was smart. Margaux worried her presence would confuse people, so Keir attended alone.

Robbie shook hands and waited for the PM to speak, Vanna by his side. He looked out at his brothers, father, and Aunt Sabine. They were stoic. The mood was neither celebratory nor sad. It might be sad if Maggie were dead. Still, their reason for attending was due to Maggie’s failing health. Everyone knew their proud Margaux was in decline. It was best to let her rest and take in these days with dignity. Maggie would be better when she didn’t have this hanging over her head.

Robbie looked at Vanora. She was resolute but fought tears all morning. Robbie knew her tears reflected her pride in them all, her relief, and also her sadness. Vanna felt the same thing they all did. She remained compassionate to Maggie, even if a challenge. Robbie was proud of his wife. She never daunted. She never deserted them.

Robbie stepped forward to take the official oath. He swore to serve as King of the United Kingdom to the best of his abilities and sat to sign the new Letters Patent which would grant name changes. He’d soon make a speech. It was the speech he had been laboured over mentally for years. Vanna deserved at least half-credit for her feedback. She hated speeches, but was brilliant with suggestions. This was the moment. This was the time he waited his entire life for. Robbie worried he would never be prepared; but as he spoke, he was ready.

?????

For Immediate Release-

Today at St. James’s Palace, His Royal Highness Prince Regent Robert of Wales will take an oath in front of the Ascension Council and the Prime Minister to serve the country officially as King. He will be known henceforth as His Majesty King Robert II. Titles will be released for other members of the Royal House following the Council meeting. A public proclamation will take place at St. James’s Palace Courtyard at 10:30 AM. The Ascension Council proceeding will be televised on the BBC.

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“The King will now sign the Letters Patent to grant the new titles to his family members. This morning, it was confirmed Princess Vanora will officially be known as Queen Vanora while his mother will now be known as The Duchess of Inverness, her personal choice as she steps back. Officially, she will be Her Majesty the Dowager Queen Margaux, but she will not use that as her style,” a BBC presenter explained.

Beth, Louis, and the entire family watched the livestream from Brussels.

“Is that normal… to not go by Queen?” Elise asked in French.

Beth shook her head. “Mum always wanted to go back to Duchess of Inverness. She was never Princess of Wales. She never had an official title beyond Duchess. Robbie assumed she would go by Dowager Queen, too. But she wanted to be the Duchess and Duke of Inverness again. It’s sweet. It shows how much she loves Papa. It’s also a sign of deference for Vanna. Which, in the end, is never a bad thing.”

“Your sister-in-law looks beautiful,” Elise said.

“She does. She is relieved.”

“And now, he will sign the Letters Patent for his children,” the presenter said.

Another chimed, “It wasn’t a given titles would change?”

“Some speculated he might wait to name Prince George as Prince of Wales. It was confirmed this morning this would happen along with the naming of Princess Natalie as The Princess Royal, the title dedicated to the eldest daughter of the monarch. Of note, The Queen never gave the title to her own daughter, now Queen Bethany of the Belgians.”

Louis chuckled.

“Because I refused the damn thing. I didn’t want it. Also, it’s still technically the law that if anyone who sleeps with The Princess Royal outside the bonds of matrimony is guilty of treason against the Crown and should be executed. No thanks.”

“What?”

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