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Chapter Text

The Queen sat at Sandringham in her drawing room and sighed sadly as she drank her tea, seventy years ago today she was in Kenya with her husband, on a royal tour in a hut when she was told her dear father had died during the night, all the way back at Buckingham Palace.

She was suddenly Queen, Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Commonwealth, at such a young age and with two young children.

She took a sip of her tea now as an 95-year-old woman. Her first jubilee without her husband, her strength and stay, her utter love. It hadn't been a year since his passing yet, and she missed him terribly, even at 99 years old, he was the life and soul of the family.

She sighed and then stopped as her butler walked in. "You have a visitors ma'am..." he said bowing to her. "Visitors? I am not expecting anyone, am I?" she asked him, confused.

___

The Queen smiled widely as Amelia came running in the room holding Jeremy's hand, and then let go of Jeremy and hugged her tightly. "Gran Gran," she said warmly, "we came to surprise you, are you surprised?"

The Queen smiled at her. "I am!" she exclaimed to her, her surrogate grandchild. The Queen turned to Jeremy and smiled, the boy that saved Simon, if she could knight him now, she would, but alas, the rules wouldn't allow it.

"Hello, your majesty," Jeremy said politely. "Call me Elizabeth," The Queen said to him smiling, she then turned and looked at Simon who walked in carrying his newest daughter, Belinda.

___

The Queen smiled to him as he sat down opposite her and took the tea that was offered to him. "This is a lovely surprise," the Queen said to him. "I thought you might need some company today," Simon said slowly. The Queen just smiled at him. "No Daphne?" she asked, looking around. "She's sleeping, this little one kept her up most of the night..." Simon whispered as he looked down at Belinda, smiling.

"She's only a week old," The Queen whispered to him, "and you have Jeremy staying with you?" Simon sighed and looked at her. "Demelza and Ross aren't together at the moment..." Simon whispered slowly. The Queen looked at him wide-eyed.

"Long story," Simon said slowly, "long and painful, let's just say for the first time since I have known him, I really disliked Ross and came close to smacking him in the face..." The Queen looked at him. "He slept with Elizabeth," Simon said bitterly. "Stupid boy," the Queen muttered.

"Demelza is staying with us," Simon said sighing, "Julia is with her, but Jeremy wanted to come out with me, to see you..."

___

"It must be a sad day for you," Simon said slowly, "Seventy years our Queen, but seventy years without your father..." The Queen looked at him and nodded. "It's a difficult day," The Queen said," agreeing, "but all the best for seeing you..." Simon grinned widely at her. "Life has given us such loss," The Queen whispered.

"I think of my mother and my sister," The Queen continued, "my mother always blamed my uncle for my father's early passing, because life was never paved the way for this, I was just meant to be a princess, but when my Uncle abdicated, my father was King and here I am..."

"And what a Queen you have been," Simon said slowly, "you are the grandma of the nation..." The Queen smiled at him. "I vowed to serve my country until my dying day," The Queen said honestly. "Don't say that," Simon said seriously, "you have plenty of life in you yet, your dear mum was one hundred and one when she passed away..."

___

"You and Daphne still okay for going to Canada?" The Queen asked him slowly. "Of course," Simon said slowly, "it will be Amelia's first royal tour, she's so excited..." "I go for you," Amelia said proudly as she pointed to the Queen, "me be Queen of Canada!" The Queen looked at her and giggled. "You will do a fine job," The Queen said to her.

Simon smiled at his daughter, the daughter he at first claimed he didn't want, the daughter that caused Daphne to be sick for the whole nine months, the daughter he cried bucket loads over when she was born, and his heart shattered into millions of pieces at the love he felt for her. "My beautiful daughter," he whispered to her, "I know mummy is buying you some pretty dresses for the occasions..."

Amelia clapped happily as the Queen looked at him. "Why don't you and Jeremy take my corgi's for a walk in the garden..." The Queen said to her. "Jefferies will go with you, don't go running off on him, or daddy will be very cross..." Simon said to her seriously. "Yes daddy," Amelia said slowly, "I didn't mean to run off the other day, but I saw a baby robin and I got excited..."

"Robins mean loved ones are near," Jeremy said knowingly, "mummy says that when I see a robin granddad is with me..." The Queen smiled at him and then looked at Simon, who looked at him with such joy.

___

Simon looked out as Amelia and Jeremy ran in the garden after the Queen's dogs, and smiled as the Queen said to him: "Fatherhood suits you." Simon grinned at her. "I am sure you know how I reacted when Daphne told me she was pregnant," Simon whispered to her. "Oh yes," The Queen said slowly, "Agatha rang us up and told us..."

"I was scared," Simon whispered to her. "That's understandable, being a parent is a hard job," The Queen said slowly, "I should know, I have had many ups and downs as everyone knows, my children's marriages failed, except Edwards..." Simon looked at her and sighed. "You and Phillip have been the best parents," Simon said seriously, "I know that, even though I didn't always show it..."

"You always did," The Queen said slowly, "you never had to use your voice to tell us what you were feeling your eyes used to tell a story, Sarah was a dear friend of mine when she met your father, I hoped she would change him, but I should know that cant happen, you have to want to change..."

"He never wanted to change until it was too late," Simon said slowly, "I still hate him for what he did to my mum, for what he did to me..." The Queen looked at him and nodded. "You made your peace with him," The Queen said as she took his hand and squeezed it. "I had no choice," Simon whispered, "Daphne in her no nonsense and loving way, gave me no choice..."

"I always knew she was good for you," The Queen said gently, "since I saw you singing karaoke together on the ten o'clock news..." Simon looked at her confused. "Elizabeth and Francis's wedding, you sang Don't go breaking my heart with Daphne, it made the news... that's when I said to dear Phillip, that girl has to stay in our Simon's life..."

___

Simon laughed at the memory. "Shit, I forgot that," Simon said slowly, "the night Amelia was made..." The Queen turned and smiled at him. "It all turned out alright," she said slowly, "I know Phillip's death hit you hard..."

"Don't," Simon whispered slowly, "please don't, not today, you don't need this, I came to cheer you up..." The Queen looked at him and smiled. "But you have," she said smiling, "I am ready for a big year, never to be done before, the first platinum jubilee in British history, I just wish he was beside me..."

"He will always be beside you, walking two steps behind," Simon said to her slowly. The Queen smiled at him and chuckled. "You know when it's time for me to go to him, I know the royal family is in safe hands, because of William and Catherine and you and Daphne..." Simon looked at her and smiled. "Always here," he whispered.

The Queen looked out at Amelia, who was laughing as Jeremy chased her. "I sense a young romance," The Queen said to him. Simon sighed and laughed. "Jeremy has been saying for years he wants to marry her," Simon said, sighing.

"He's the one person who I could never deny marrying my daughter," Simon said slowly, "he's the boy that I see myself, I look at him and I see a boy who had such an awful start in life, like me... but instead of being angry and hiding away from the world, and swearing at the people that that loved him most..."

___

"Jeremy he utterly loves everyone," Simon whispered, "and if he sees bad in you, he utterly sobs, even now, he will change if he senses you aren't good... and that's why I am so angry with Ross, right now..."

"Talk to me about it," the Queen said to him. "You know Julia was in hospital with a viral infection," Simon whispered, "he went out and got drunk and slept with Elizabeth, while Demelza was in hospital with her, trying to call him, while Daphne and I looked after his son, and he got drunk, with his ex, you know she's separated from his cousin at the moment, so he decided to dip his wick, shall I say..."

"I am so angry with him, because he has everything, a wife, a daughter and the most precious boy in the world!" Simon exclaimed angrily, "that boy outside, was born with a drug addiction through no fault of his own, was saved by the kindest man as in Ross's father and has the most perfect mother for him, the woman that saved my Daphne after Nigel..."

"... Jeremy choose Ross to be his father, it wasn't the other way round, he just chose him, and he's thrown that trust Jeremy had in him away, all of it gone because of a night of drinking... of going over old youth..."

"I believe that he regrets it, I've known Ross for a long time, and I believe him, but he's lost Demelza's trust, and Jeremy won't even look at him, he cries now when he sees him..." Simon sighed. "How's Demelza?" The Queen asked him.

"She's angry," Simon said slowly, "she punched him in the face, she literally won't see him, he's trying, he's in a hotel in London, but at the moment it's a no-go, I am dropping Julia to him and Jeremy, but Jeremy won't look at him..."

"He will," The Queen said slowly, "I remember William and Harry having such resentment to Charles after the whole Diana and Camilla saga, but we have to resolve these things to move on in life, I think you should help Demelza and Ross see what is important which is their children... Why don't you invite them to dinner, here..." Simon looked at her his eyebrow raised.

"He saved my boys life," The Queen whispered, "he saved you from death and then everything thas happened to you, he's been there for you, I would like to help them and Phillip had a soft spot for Demelza, and her food, so lets see what we can do..."

Simon just turned and smiled at her and bent down and kissed Belinda on the head.

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Daphne walked into the Palace pushing Julia in her pushchair and smiled at The Queen warmly. "My darling," the Queen said to her, "I am so pleased you have come, the warmest congratulations on the birth of dear Belinda, I was so pleased…" Daphne kissed her cheek and smiled. "Thank you for the flowers, and the beautiful flowers you sent," Daphne whispered and then stopped as Demelza walked in exhaustedly.

"Demelza," The Queen said warmly, "how lovely to see you again, and I am so pleased you could come to my celebration dinner tonight… and this one has grown so much…" Demelza just smiled at her. "Thank you for inviting me," Demelza said slowly, "it's very kind of you, and congratulations on seventy glorious years..." The Queen smiled at her.

"Before I stay though, I don't want to ruin your evening, Ross and I aren't together at the moment," Demelza said slowly, "if the tension will be too much, I will go and have dinner at McDonald's or something, I don't want to ruin…" The Queen silenced her with a squeeze of the hand. "You will do no such thing," The Queen said, "you are my guest, and this palace is big enough for everyone, now shall we have some tea…"

___

Simon looked at Jeremy as drove towards Ross's hotel. "Your daddy loves you," Simon said to him slowly. "He makes mummy cry," Jeremy said slowly. Simon sighed slowly and looked at Amelia asleep in the back of the car and was glad of that fact, Amelia hated Jeremy being sad, it made her cry.

"Sometimes we do things to make people sad," Simon said slowly, "I know I have done lots of things to make Daphne sad…" Jeremy looked at him. "I acted like a complete idiot when she told me she was pregnant," Simon said seriously, "I ran away from her…" Simon shuddered at the memory of it all.

"You love Melia," Jeremy said to him. "More than anyone in the world," Simon said honestly, "but sometimes we do things, and its human nature to do things that might hurt people…"

"He gave special cuddles to someone else," Jeremy whispered to him. "And that's very naughty," Simon said slowly, "but daddy knows that, and he's trying so hard…" Jeremy was silent as he saw Ross standing outside his hotel waiting for them. Jeremy turned his head away from Ross. Simon sighed, this was going to be harder than he thought.

___

Demelza sipped her tea and looked out towards the gardens. "Love is a precious thing," the Queen said slowly, "on days like this, I think of my mother and father…" "Must be a sad day today," Daphne said gently, "I miss my father terribly… to think he's never seen his granddaughters, or seen me marry…" The Queen looked at her and nodded.

"And I miss Phillip," The Queen said slowly, "you don't know love until it's gone…" Demelza sat silently and just looked at her. "Love is very precious," Demelza whispered, "and it's so easy to rip up and stamp on…" Demelza felt the tears fall before she could stop them.

Daphne saw the tears and went to console her, but the Queen put her hand up to stop her. "I opened my heart after everything, I laid myself bare," Demelza continued, "I gave my body to another man after what happened to me, I trusted him to be a father to my son, and he has dashed my trust in him, in my faith of humankind…"

"Men are strange creatures," the Queen said to her, "even men like Ross and I put my dear Simon in that category…" Demelza looked at her and wiped her eyes. "I am ashamed," Demelza whispered. "Be Never ashamed because of other people's actions," The Queen said to her honestly. Demelza sighed as she wiped her eyes.

___

Ross parked up his car outside the palace and looked at Ross. "I could…" Simon muttered, "sort it out…" Simon looked at Jeremy, who still looked at his lap, like he had all the journey.

"Jeremy," Ross whispered to him, "please look at me, son…" Jeremy sniffed up a tear and ran out of the car and held onto Simon's leg as he took out a sleeping Amelia. "Hey," Simon whispered, "your daddy loves you, I wish I had a daddy like yours… sometimes the hardest thing in life is to apologize…"

Jeremy looked at him and nodded, and then looked at Ross, who looked as if he hadn't slept in days. "I am so sorry Jeremy," Ross whispered to him, "I have hurt you, my dear Demelza, your mother and your sister, my daughter beyond anything, but I love you all so much…"

Jeremy looked at him and put his head to one side, like he always did when he was weighing up someone. "Elizabeth is horrible!" Jeremy exclaimed to him, "I HATE HER!"

Simon did a double take as Jeremy shouted, he had never heard him shout before, his dear Jeremy was hurting, a pain he understood all too well… He felt such anger for years over his father, he felt Jeremy's pain.

___

"Anyone but Elizabeth," Demelza whispered, "anyone but Elizabeth, I could have maybe forgiven him, but that woman," Demelza whispered and then stopped as she heard the car door slam shut.

The Queen looked at her and smiled. "My dear, you are worth more than that piece of shit he slept with…" The Queen said seriously. Daphne opened her mouth in shock at the language and then closed it again without saying a word. "I agree," Daphne whispered as she sniggered, she couldn't wait to tell Simon what the Queen just said.

Simon entered holding Amelia, and he bent down and kissed Daphne and then kissed Belinda and smiled at The Queen. "Put dear Amelia in her room," the Queen said warmly.

___

Demelza felt her son's arms around her, and she smiled down at him as she kissed his curly hair. "Why don't you spend time with daddy?" Demelza asked him. Simon looked at her in wonder, after all the hurt Ross caused her, she thought of Jeremy and Ross's relationship. Jeremy shook his head. "Stay with mummy, look after you and Julia…" Jeremy whispered to her.

"I have a special job for you," The Queen said as he looked at Jeremy. Jeremy turned and looked at her, "I need you to help me walk the corgis." Jeremy's eyes lit up. "I have a new Corgi," she said warmly, "his name is Garrick…" Jeremy nodded.

___

Jeremy held the Queen's hand as they walked around the garden. "You know today I am a bit sad too," The Queen said as she looked down at Jeremy as he held Garrick's lead. Jeremy looked at her. "My daddy died seventy years ago today," the Queen said sadly.

"I am sorry," Jeremy said slowly, "you must be very sad… I miss my grand pops, I wish he was here…" The Queen looked at him and nodded. "I am sad," The Queen said slowly, "even though it's been a long time, but you only get one father…"

Jeremy looked at her. "You are upset with your father?" The Queen asked him.

___

"He made my mummy cry," Jeremy said slowly. "That is naughty," The Queen said to him. "My heart broken," Jeremy said to her as his lip wobbled, "daddy broke my heart… and my mummies' heart…"

The Queen stopped walking and looked at him lovingly. "I want him to fix it," Jeremy whispered, "but it hurts… right here…" he pointed to where he thought his heart was. The Queen looked at him sadly.

"You know we all do things we regret as adults," the Queen said to him gently, "I know I have done lots in my long life I regret…" Jeremy looked at her. "But you are queen, you own the country…" Jeremy said.

The Queen looked at him and laughed warmly. "Even the Queen makes mistakes," she said gently, "I think your father knows what a mistake he has made…" Jeremy looked at her.

"You are a very special boy," the Queen said as she looked at him. "Me?" Jeremy asked confused. "You," The Queen said slowly, "you are the shining light in Simon's life…" Jeremy looked up at her, confused.

___

"You came into your father's life and Simon's when they needed love the most, and they found Daphne and your mother, but most importantly they found you, with your utter love for life…" The Queen said slowly.

Jeremy smiled at her. "My daddy," Jeremy whispered, "he made mummy smile… now he makes her cry…" The Queen looked at him and gently walked over to the bench with him and sat down as Garrick the Corgi ran off. Jeremy wiped his eyes quickly and looked at her, his lip wobbling.

"I miss grand pops," Jeremy said slowly, "I miss my grand pops… and I miss living with daddy…" The Queen looked at him. "I miss my husband," The Queen said slowly, "loss is a horrible feeling, especially death… it's horrible… and now with you not living with your father… I can see why your heart is broken…"

"Can you fix it?" Jeremy asked her, "I've asked Father Christmas, but he doesn't work in February, and I want my heart fixed before Christmas…" The Queen looked at Jeremy and took his hand. "Well, I can never replace your grand pops, but you are always welcome here when Amelia and Belinda see me," The Queen said to him. Jeremy smiled widely and hugged her tightly.

"And daddy?" he whispered. "The most important thing to remember is that your mother and father love you very much," the Queen said slowly, "I remember the first time I met you, you were a toddler, and your father was holding you all night, telling everyone how special you were…" Jeremy looked at the dogs and sighed. "He had a special cuddle with Elizabeth, I hate her…"

"Hate is a strong word," The Queen said to him slowly. "Not for her," Jeremy said, sounding older than what he was. "I think your mummy and daddy will be okay," the Queen said slowly, "because they have you, and they love you, and your sister and in time things will get better, things always get better…"

"When Simon was a little boy, he didn't talk for a long time," The Queen continued, "his father wasn't very nice to him, not like your father, he lived with us for a bit, along with Agatha and Diana, we used to argue over who would look after him, because he was and is so precious to us… one day he was in a such a bad mood because Phillip told him no, he couldn't do something, and he told us he hated us… that he wished he died when his mum gave birth to him, so he didn't have to be dragged up by us all…"

"That's not kind," Jeremy said to her, "I'll tell him off..." "Its okay," The Queen said smiling, "all is forgiven, because I knew he carried so much hurt and pain from his father inside him, that he used to take it out on us... and you must never take out your hurt and pain on others, you must always talk to people so we can help you, don't hate Elizabeth, because your better than that, you are a kind and loving boy, and in time, your heart will mend..."

"Is your heart mended now after Phillip?" Jeremy asked her. "Nearly," she said slowly, "I miss and love him everyday just like your grandpops, but I know I will see him one day again, in heaven.." Jeremy smiled at her and hugged her tightly. "Thank you," he whispered, "I am so happy my uncle Si Si had you..." The Queen smiled at him. "I am the lucky one," she whispered, "everythings going to be okay..."

___

The Queen stood up smiling as she looked at Ross who was standing, tears in his eyes after hearing most of the conversation. "Your father is here," she said gently, "and I think you should tell him how you feel..." Jeremy looked at her nodding. "You fixed his heart," The Queen looked at him, "let him fix yours, you don't need Father Christmas, he's standing right here your father, you only get one in life, and your one is special because you picked him, that's more special than anything in the world..."

Jeremy looked at her and then at Ross and he ran to him and hugged him tightly as he sobbed loudly. "Fix my heart daddy," Jeremy said sobbing as Ross picked him his tears rolling down his cheeks.

___

Simon took the Queen's arm and smiled down at her tears in his own eyes. "I don't hate you," Simon said as he looked at her. "I know," The Queen said smiling, "now I think we all deserve a gin and tonic..." Simon smiled at her. "I love you," Simon whispered to her, "I hope you know that..." The Queen just smiled at him. "I've always known my dear boy," The Queen said slowly.

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Simon chuckled as Amelia ran through the airport excitedly with her own bodyguard. "I've never seen her so excited," Simon whispered to Daphne as he kept a close eye on where she ran off too. "She thinks she's going to be the Queen of Canada," Daphne said giggling, "she loves The Queen very much, and is so excited to do a job for her on this special year..."

"Thank you for booking time off work," Simon whispered to her, "I love it when you join me on royal tours..." Daphne kissed the top of his head and smiled. "I know," she whispered, "I had a holiday and I can't wait to go to a place I've never been to before..."

Simon just smiled and then looked at his watch. "They are late," Simon said grumpily, "I hope they aren't arguing in the car, if they argue in front of Jeremy any more I will go off my fucking nut! That child has been through more than any child should have to go through, and now this..."

Daphne just squeezed his hand and smiled as Amelia came running back to them and held Simon's legs and smiled up at them. "Where's Jeremy?" Amelia asked him, "is he not coming now?" Simon smiled down at her, she was so grown up now, and the thought made him sad for a moment, she was his little girl. The little girl that saved him.

"He's coming," Simon said as he picked her up and smiled at Daphne as she held Belinda in her arms. "He's so sad," Amelia said sadly, "how can I make him smile again?" Simon looked at her, her face all his, but her heart all her mothers. "You just have to be the best friend you can be," Simon whispered to her, "everything will be okay, because daddy is going to make sure everything will be okay..." Amelia nodded her head and rested it on his shoulder. "You can fix anything, because you are the best daddy in the world..." Amelia said slowly.

___

They sat on the plane and then sighed with relief as Ross and Demelza walked on the plan, Ross carrying Julia and Demelza holding Jeremy's hand. "Sorry we are late," Ross said as he looked at Simon sighing, "there was traffic on the way to pick up Demelza..."

"No worries," Simon said slowly. "I still don't quite understand why we have been invited to a royal tour," Demelza said confused. Daphne just smiled at her and then at Simon. "We wanted some company," Simon said slowly. Ross just raised his eyebrows at him, but nodded at him.

Jeremy ran to Simon and hugged him tightly. "My main man," Simon said slowly, "how are you?" Jeremy just shrugged at him, but held on to him tightly. Simon sighed, but hugged him tighter to him.

___

"My ears," Amelia said as she started to cry as the plane started to take off. "Hey," Simon said gently, "it's okay, my ears pop too in the plane..." Amelia looked at him, a tear rolling down her cheek. "Kiss it better, daddy," she whispered to him. Simon lent over and kissed her ear gently and wiped her eyes with his thumb.

"Don't cry," Simon whispered to her, "daddy hates it when you cry..." Amelia nodded, but her lip still wobbled. Daphne smiled at them and then turned and smirked at Demelza. "A real daddies' girl," Daphne whispered to Demelza. "Like Julia," Demelza said as she looked at Ross as Julia's chubby hand held Ross's. Ross kissed Julia's chubby cheeks as she sat quietly next to him.

"How are things?" Daphne asked as she turned and looked at Demelza. "Next question," Demelza said slowly, "I have no idea what to do, what's for the best, I am trying to keep it together for the children..."

---

Ross took a sip of his beer and looked at Simon as Simon stared at Amelia and Jeremy building their Lego on their own table. "You want to bollock me?" Ross asked him as he sighed. "Oh trust me I want to do more than bollock you," Simon said slowly, "I have wanted to beat you up since I found out what you did..."

"I have wanted to beat myself up," Ross whispered to him. "Why on earth did you do it! I mean, your daughter is sick, and... I can't even find the words!" Simon exclaimed. Ross looked down at his hands and sighed. "I don't know," Ross said to him, "honestly, I don't know..."

"Pathetic," Simon muttered to him, "utterly pathetic..." Ross looked at him and sighed. "I had too much to drink," Ross said slowly, "I didn't know Julia was sick, I went to try to sort out Francis and Elizabeth's marriage..."

___

"I think if it was with anyone else it would have been easier," Demelza said slowly, "the fact I knew that there was a time he was madly in love with her. And he happened to hook up with me at their wedding..."

Daphne sighed as she held Benedict to her chest and started to feed her and put the muslin up to cover her dignity. "I have no qualms in saying that he loves you," Daphne said as she looked at her, "it was obvious to see from the outset he loved you..." Demelza just stared at her. "Like it was with Simon, but I don't see Simon fucking an ex..." Demelza said bitterly.

"I'm lucky that he didn't have ex's," Daphne said slowly, "he just had one-night stands..." Demelza looked at her. "He's always loved Elizabeth," Demelza whispered, "I always knew that..."

"No he doesn't," Daphne said as she looked at her, "I honestly don't believe he loves her, how could he? If he loved her and wanted to be with her, he would be with her now, and not on this plane with you and your children..."

Demelza nodded at that as if she hadn't of thought of that.

___

Amelia looked at Jeremy as they built with their Lego, and she smiled at him. "You know you can share my daddy," Amelia said to him. Jeremy smiled at her and shook his head.

"Daddies are precious," Jeremy whispered, "he is your daddy, and my daddy is mine, I chose my daddy... he just hurt mummy and me, but the Queen says I have to let him try to fix me..."

"I have glue in my case," Amelia said seriously, "I'll give him the glue..." Jeremy took her hand and smiled at her. "I'm going to be the Queen of Canada on this trip!" Amelia said slowly, "and you can be my king..."

___

"The Queen asked me to take you all here," Simon said as he sipped his beer, "and besides I would have missed Jeremy terribly for two weeks..." Ross just smirked at him and then sighed.

"He's better with me since the Queen spoke to him," Ross said honestly, "he doesn't cry when I see him now, but..." Simon looked at him and sighed irritably. "You've turned his life upside down," Simon said honestly, "trust me, I know what it's like to be pulled from pillar to post. One day with Agatha, the next with the Queen, then with Diana, my father didn't want me. I was fucking confused man, who was I going to, where was I sleeping, and I know, I know they loved me, but all a child wants is stability..."

Ross looked at him and saw a flicker of hurt cross his face. "You relate to Jeremy more than anyone on this plane," Ross whispered to him. "Of course," Simon said honestly, "he is everything I should have been as a child, he went through just as much as if not more than me..."

"He was born seriously ill from a drug addiction, he utterly fought to survive thanks to the amazing mothering of Demelza. He trusted your father to look after him and his mum, even as a baby, he could work out who was a good person and who was a bit of a bitch, let's be honest..."

"He lives life like an open book, he has his feelings out and proud and isn't afraid to show them. I wallowed and got angry and swore and shouted at everyone, didn't except the love that the three most important women gave to me..."

"Meeting you in a way saved me," Simon continued, "because you gave me a real friendship and everything that happened to us being hurt I think was some sort's divine intervention so that I could have this life..."

"He taught me that I could be a father, could be the man I always wanted to be, and now seeing him this upset, this angry, fuck mate, it breaks my heart, he thinks Elizabeth will be his stepmother..."

Ross looked at him horrified. "Indeed," Simon said sighing, "mate you've fucked up, everyone's fucked up in their life, I have... I mean, leaving Daphne after having sex with her for the first time wasn't my finest moment... Then running away screaming and shouting when I found out she was pregnant..."

"How do I fix this?" Ross asked him. "That's something you have to work out, but I am here for you and Demelza but most importantly your son, and if you both scream and shout at each other, I will take him away from both of you..."

___

Demelza looked at Daphne and sighed. "You have to try to sort this out," Daphne whispered to her, "it's not fair on you, Julia and especially Jeremy, you are my dearest friend and I hate to see you in this pain..."

"You helped me after Nigel, you were my biggest source of comfort and I so want to help you through this..." Daphne whispered to her. Demelza looked at her and nodded. "I know you are right," Demelza whispered, "and I love him so much, he's my husband, the man that my son chose to be his father, but he has hurt me beyond belief..."

Demelza took a deep breath and sighed. "In time," Demelza said again as she looked at Ross who was now holding Jeremy in his arms and carrying him towards the bedroom as he had fallen asleep.

___

"Daddy," Jeremy whispered sleepily. "I'm here," Ross whispered as he laid him down and covered him up with the duvet and noticed the royal emblem and sighed. "I love you," Jeremy muttered sleepily, "please come back home..."

"Soon, I promise you," Ross whispered as he kissed his forehead. Simon followed him in and carried in a semi awake Amelia. "I love you," Simon whispered to her, talking about how he behaved when he found out he was going to be a father, always made him feel like a shitty dad.

"I love you, daddy," Amelia replied as she laid next to Jeremy. "Sleep now, and when you wake up we will be in Canada and you will be doing that special jobs for Grandma..." Simon whispered. "Queen of Canada," she said sleepily, "Jeremy my King..." Simon looked at Ross smirking and then smiled as Jeremy and Amelia instantly held each others hands.

Chapter Text

Simon bent down by Amelia and smiled at her. "Now when the plane doors open, there will be lots of noise, and people will want to shake your hands and want to talk to me and mummy..." Simon said gently. Amelia nodded at him, understanding. "Because you work for Granny Queen..." Amelia said as she looked at him. "Yes," Simon said as he kissed her forehead lovingly, "now are you ready?"

Amelia nodded her head at him and jumped into his waiting arms and held onto him tightly, as Daphne just smiled at them both and rolled her eyes. "I need a boy," Daphne whispered as she kissed Belinda's forehead. "Next one," Simon said, laughing. "Who says there is going to be a next one?" Daphne asked him. "I want a football team," Simon whispered and then smiled as the plane doors opened.

___

Ross gently carried a sleeping Jeremy up to Demelza as she stayed sitting in her seat. "Are you ready?" Ross asked her gently. "No," Demelza whispered, "I let them go out, no one has come to see me or you..." Ross looked at her. "You've been crying," Ross said worriedly as he looked at her.

"I've been thinking," Demelza whispered as she held Julia in her arms. Ross looked at her and sat down next to her and held her hand. "Demelza," Ross said to her seriously. "I think we should go for lunch somewhere, maybe at our hotel, I think we need to talk..." Demelza said slowly, "before we ruin our children's life..."

Ross looked at her and nodded. "I love you," he whispered to her. "Just not enough to be faithful," Demelza said sadly, as she walked towards the plane exit. Ross sighed sadly and kissed Jeremy's curly hair.

___

Daphne couldn't help but gasp as she walked off the plane and heard the first bars of God save the Queen. Simon waved and then smiled as they walked down the stairs, and he immediately shook the hands of the waiting Prime Minister.

"Pleasure to meet you, your royal highnesses..." the prime minister too said to them. "Pleasure all ours," Simon said warmly, "her majesty is most disappointed she couldn't come herself with us..."

"At the age of ninety-five, I think that's understandable," Justin Trudeau said to him, "we send our warm wishes to her, but we are thankful that you and your family are here to start the Jubilee tour..."

"I'm Amelia," Amelia said as she put her hand out to him, "I'm the Queen of Canada while Granny Queen at home..." Simon looked at Daphne and smiled. "Welcome," Justin Trudeau said to her as he shook her hand, "we are happy to have you as Queen while Granny Queen is at home..."

___

Ross gently walked down the steps of the plane and sighed as he carried Jeremy in his arms. Demelza walked slowly out with Julia and then felt Ross's arm around her, and she sighed as she lent into him exhaustedly.

"I'll take the children out to get us some food, and we can eat in the hotel room?" Ross asked her as he looked at her worriedly. Demelza just nodded at him and sighed. "To think when I was getting bullied at school and college, I would be getting off a royal plane, looking at the world's media as our friends standing there being royals..."

"I'd like you to meet my best friends," Simon said as he looked at Ross and Demelza, "this is Captain Ross Poldark and his wife Demelza Poldark." Justin looked at them and smiled. "Pleased to meet you," Justin said to them, "welcome to Canada..."

"My friend Jeremy," Amelia said as she pointed to a sleeping Jeremy in Ross's arms, "you can come to our wedding when we are older..."

___

"What have we got tonight?" Daphne asked as they sat in the limousine towards their hotel. "A diplomatic dinner," Simon said, rolling his eyes, "these things are so boring..." Daphne just smirked at him. "You have me for company this time," Daphne said with a slight smirk on her face. "And me daddy," Amelia said holding his hand, "I'm here too daddy!"

Simon smiled at his much loved daughter and hugged her to him. "Always," Simon said to her, "I always need you by my side." Amelia grinned at him. Simon just kissed the top of her head and smiled, and then sighed as he saw the crowds by the hotel. "Welcome to Canada," Daphne said grinning to him, "and I haven't told Demelza about the reason she is really here..."

"Good luck," Simon said slowly, "you know she will panic and think she doesn't deserve what you and the Queen are doing..." Daphne nodded and sighed. "I'll tell her tomorrow," Daphne whispered, "they are having crunch talks tonight..." Simon looked at her and nodded.

"What's crunch talks? Are they eating words?" Amelia asked them as she stared at Simon, her chocolate eyes looking at his. "Never you mind," Simon said as he kissed her chin, "it's grown up talk..." Amelia pouted and put her hands on her hips. "I am a grown up," she said seriously.

___

Demelza walked into their hotel room and smiled as she saw the utter size of it. "We could fit Nampara in this ten times over," Ross whispered to her. "Indeed, but this is not home, Nampara is special because it's a proper family home," Demelza whispered, "full of memories and laughter, tears and..." Ross stopped and looked at her as he felt Jeremy begin to stir in his arms.

"He's not been sleeping," Demelza said slowly, "he misses home..." Ross looked at her as he laid Jeremy down on the massive four-poster bed and looked at her. "Come home," he whispered to her, "I..."

"This isn't about you," Demelza said slowly, "you caused this, not me, not Jeremy, not Julia you... you caused it by getting drunk and sleeping with someone else while our daughter was seriously ill in hospital, don't tell me how you've been feeling, this isn't about your feelings, this is about my feelings, and our children's feelings..."

___

The limousine pulled up outside the hotel, where people were already lining up outside waving British and Canadian flags. Simon took a deep breath and put on his game face. "It will be fine," Daphne whispered, "you've never stuttered to anyone before, only when someone pisses you off..."

"Mummy said a naughty word," Amelia said, giggling. Daphne rolled her eyes and looked at Simon, who was giggling as he took Amelia's hand. "I am sorry," Daphne said gently to Amelia.

Simon stood in amazement as Daphne shook hands to everyone that was waiting and then looked as Amelia stood and looked at Daphne, taking it in and then walked towards the crowd and started shaking their hands as well and twirling to show them her dress.

___

"I am tired of hating you," Demelza said to him, "I can't hate you any more, I just can't, I want to hate you..." Ross looked at her, he could see her, see she was tired and struggling. "If you have any feelings for Elizabeth, any love for her, I want you to tell me and walk away..." Demelza said strongly as she looked at him.

"I won't be second best again," Demelza said strongly, "why do you think her and Francis were more important than me and your children! Julia was ill, she had a temperature, she was vomiting, and I tried to ring you, she stopped breathing, and you were shagging your ex..."

Ross looked down, ashamed, a tear falling down his cheek. "I am ashamed," Ross whispered to her, "I have no words for my actions, and knowing how close I was, we were losing Julia..." Demelza looked at him. "I had Simon and Daphne at least," Demelza said slowly, "they flew from London when I rang them, they were there quicker than you..."

"I understand your hurt and anger," Ross said slowly, "I felt it after finding out about Elizabeth and Francis..." Demelza looked at him. "I don't want Elizabeth, or any other woman for that matter, all I want is you, our daughter, and above all our son, back at home with me, because I love you all..." Demelza looked at him and sighed.

"I'll come home," Demelza whispered, "I'll come home because I think it will help Jeremy with his sleeping, with his moods, I worry about him, he doesn't sleep much, doesn't talk much, only to Simon and Amelia... You broke my heart but above all, you broke his heart, the heart he chose to let you love..."

___

Simon walked into the room to find Daphne's ear to the wall, listening in to Demelza and Ross's room. "What are you doing?" Simon asked her, "aren't you getting ready for tonight?" Daphne waved him away. "Shhhh," she said, "I can't hear..."

"Leave them to sort it out," Simon said slowly, "Look the Queen and you have sent them here, Demelza is going to help you with Women's Aid, let them sort this out..." Daphne sighed as she moved a way from the wall.

"I worry about her," Daphne said worriedly, "after Nigel, she helped me so much, she made see past being the victim status people labelled me at, she made me open my eyes and see me as a survivor, I want to help her, like she helped me..."

Simon walked over to her and wrapped her in his arms. "You are," Simon whispered to her, "but we can't get them to kiss and make up, infidelity isn't like eating the last chocolate in the fridge, Ross has to do it himself..."

___

"Daddy," Jeremy said sleepily as he was beginning to open his eyes. "I'm here," Ross said gently, "I'm not going anywhere, I am here, and when we leave Canada, we are going back home to Nampara, our farm..."

Jeremy looked at him, his eyes open wide. "Forever?" Jeremy asked him, "like Melia lives with her daddy?" Ross looked at him and nodded. "Just like," Ross said, his throat bobbing with emotion, "you, mummy and Julia are coming home and never leaving..." Demelza looked at him, her eyebrows raised as she wiped a tear away.

"I'm still cross with you, daddy," Jeremy said as he hugged him tightly. "I'm still cross at myself," Ross said to him, "but day by day we will work it out, and I promise day by day I will take away your anger and mummies..."

Jeremy just looked at him and nodded as he hugged him tightly. "I think we all need some dinner," Demelza said as she wiped her own eyes and walked into the bathroom and locked the door before Jeremy saw her tears.

Chapter Text

Daphne sighed as she put on her bright blue sparkly dress. "Are you okay?" Simon asked through the door. "Fine," Daphne said as she wiped away her thoughts, she suddenly thought of her body after Nigel attacked her, what Anthony did and everything she went through after that. The thought of speaking about it tonight, bought a fear of God in her, especially as Amelia was coming.

"Daph," Simon said worriedly again through the door. "Just putting my makeup on," Daphne said slowly, "can you get Amelia ready?" Simon looked at Amelia, who was wearing the same colour dress as Daphne. "I am ready, mummy!" Amelia shouted out, "Can I put makeup on too?" Simon looked at Amelia, horrified. "No!" Simon exclaimed to her, "you are too pretty for make up... you don't need it!"

Amelia looked at him confused. "So mummy needs it?" Amelia asked slowly. Simon heard Daphne laugh from the bathroom. "No! Mummy is beautiful," Simon said honesty, "the most beautiful woman and mummy in the world..." Daphne sniffed up the tears that were beginning to fall. "Am I beautiful?" Amelia asked him, "like mummy..."

Simon bent down and looked at her. "You are just like mummy, beautiful and utterly perfect, and just like you mummy doesn't need makeup, I thought you were beautiful the moment I saw you in mummy's tummy and I think you are beautiful day by day..." Amelia hugged him tightly. "I love you daddy," Amelia said, "will you be Jeremy's daddy too?"

Daphne gasped as she opened the door and saw her husband and her eldest daughter hugging tightly. "He has his own daddy," Simon whispered to her, "I love Jeremy you know that, and if I was to be Jeremy's daddy, how would Ross feel? That would make him sad..."

"Wow!" Simon exclaimed as he looked at Daphne, "my beautiful wife, and my two beautiful daughters..." Daphne looked at him and smiled, and then walked over to two boxes. "The Queen has left you a present, Amelia," Daphne said as she smiled at her eldest daughter.

___

Demelza sighed as she wiped her eyes and saw herself in the mirror, her eyes were puffy, her hair was like a scarecrow. "No wonder he shagged Elizabeth," Demelza whispered, "shit, how am I going to sort this out before we go down to dinner..."

She heard the knock on the door of their room, and she sighed. "I'll get it," Ross said as he walked towards the door, holding Julia tightly to him. "A delivery for a Mrs Demelza Poldark, Master Jeremy Poldark, Miss Julia Poldark and Mr Ross Poldark..." the hotel staff said to him.

"We didn't order anything," Ross said confused, "I mean... we have only just arrived..." "Delivery from her majesty the Queen, she ordered us to bring this to your room..." the staff said to him.

Ross looked at him confused. "Thank you," Ross said confused and then closed the doors. "Who was it?" Demelza asked as she opened the door and saw Ross carrying Julia and clothes hangers in his arms. Demelza looked at him confused.

Demelza took the bag from him with her name on it and opened the zip, and then gasped as she saw the most beautiful red silk dress. "I don't understand," Demelza whispered, "why would the Queen send me this?"

"I have no idea," Ross whispered as he then saw a Tuxedo for him, a matching one for Jeremy and Julia had a matching dress, just like Demelzas.

___

Amelia clapped happily as she saw the box with the royal crest on it and looked at Daphne and then Simon. "Open it," Simon said slowly, "it's a gift from Granny, even I don't know what it is..." Amelia clapped again and slowly opened the box and then closed it again and jumped up and down in excitement and giggled.

"What is it?" Simon asked her, "don't keep us in suspense..." Amelia opened the box again and saw properly the most beautiful diamond tiara, just like the Queens, and she gasped at our pretty it was. "It's a crown!" Amelia exclaimed, "my own crown!" Simon smiled at her and then thought of the dear Queen.

"Aren't you lucky!" Simon exclaimed to her, "it's beautiful... just like you..." Amelia smiled at him. "I must ring her and say thank you to granny!" Amelia exclaimed, "Jeremy tells me manners cost nothing!" Simon sniggered and smiled at her. "Jeremy is utterly correct, now let me put this beautiful crown on, so you can be Queen of Canada..."

Daphne opened her box and saw a matching tiara like Amelia's and smiled. "We will be matching," Daphne said, smiling, "me and my girl..." Daphne hugged her tightly. "You need to ring granny too and say thank you," Amelia said as she looked at her seriously.

___

Demelza touched the beautiful red dress and sighed. "I can't wear this," Demelza whispered slowly. "You can," Ross said slowly, "go and try it on, there must be a reason why the Queen would send this to us..."

Demelza sighed and nodded at him. "Besides, I think Julia and Jeremy are going to be totally cute in their outfits," Ross said as he looked at her seriously. Demelza couldn't help but smile at that. "Jeremy does look good in a tux," Demelza said as she looked at her son, who was looking at his Tuxedo hanging up. "Do I?" Ross asked as he looked at her.

"At our wedding, when you both wore your suits, my god my heart skipped a beat," Demelza said slowly. "And mine too, when I saw you," Ross whispered, "walking along the beach, carrying our daughter, my dad walking you down the aisle..." Demelza smiled at him. "Let's get ready, whatever this is that we have to do..." Demelza said slowly.

___

"Belinda hasn't got a crown," Amelia said as she looked at Simon as they walked towards The Poldarks room. Simon looked at his newborn daughter and smiled. "She's too small," Simon whispered, "but one day I am sure she will get a crown just like the one you are wearing..." Amelia looked pleased at that and kissed her sister's feet as they stood waiting outside The Poldarks door.

"Is Jeremy my date tonight?" Amelia asked as she looked up at Simon. Simon coughed at the mention of dates, and felt like he was going to faint. She was five, talking about dating. "Simon," Daphne asked worriedly, "are you okay?" Simon took a deep breath and looked at Daphne. "Had a thought of ten years time, mini skirts, nightclubbing, kissing boys, I didn't like it..." Simon whispered.

Daphne looked at him and smiled. "I think her husband is in this room, it's" written in the stars," Daphne said slowly and then knocked on the door. "I could live with that," Simon said slowly, "I can live with that..."

___

Demelza looked in the mirror and then at Ross as she had the red dress on, her hair up in a bun. "Wow!" Ross said as he looked at her, "you look utterly gorgeous..." Demelza smiled at him and then gasped as he saw Jeremy standing next to him, both wearing the same tuxedo, their hair curly, and she felt a small piece of her heart begin to heal.

"My handsome boys," she whispered, and Ross smiled at her and then at Jeremy. "Like my daddy," Jeremy whispered to her. "Just like your daddy," Demelza said to him, "and look at my little girl, are you dressed like mummy!" Julia looked at her and clapped happily.

Ross looked at them both. His girls, his utter life, he came so close to losing his daughter, he still remembers the utter panic of waking up next to Elizabeth and then seeing the texts about Julia, he hated himself, he hated Elizabeth, and the whole world.

Seeing how it had affected his wife, his son, his friendship with Simon and Daphne. "My beautiful girls," Ross muttered again. Demelza smiled at him and opened the door to see Daphne and Simon, looking dapper and just like fully fledged royals.

___

"Demelza!" Daphne exclaimed, "look at you, you look utterly beautiful... I told her majesty that red was your colour, and I was proved right..." Demelza looked at her confused. "I don't understand Daphne," Demelza whispered to her. Daphne took a deep breath. "You know, her majesty is a patron of many charities," Daphne said to her slowly. Demelza looked at her confused.

"She's asked me to be a patron of Women's Aid," Daphne said slowly. Demelza smiled at her. "Daphne," Demelza said proudly, "that's amazing, I couldn't think of a better woman to be a patron of such a wonderful charity..." Daphne looked at her. "And you..." Daphne said slowly. Demelza whipped her head and looked at her. "Me!" Demelza squeaked out.

"You," Daphne said slowly, "you are perfect to help me..." Demelza blinked at her and then looked at Ross. "Did you know about this?" Demelza asked him. "No," Ross said honestly, "I had no idea..."

Daphne looked at Demelza as Demelza breathed heavily. "But I am not the sort the Queen has a head of a charity, I can't speak at posh functions..." Daphne looked at her. "Poppycock!" Ross exclaimed seriously, "you are the perfect person, you and Daphne are, you are real and honest and you both speak from the heart..." Demelza looked at him.

"You and Daphne aren't some women who are a head of charity because you want recognition, you are the head of a charity because you have both lived and survived through abuse, women, and men don't want to see some actresses talking about shit they don't know about..."

___

Demelza looked at Ross and took his hand in hers and squeezed it. "You'll be by my side," Demelza whispered. "Always," Ross whispered, "forever I'll be by your side..." Daphne looked at Simon, her face showing such glee. "What have you got planned?" Simon whispered to her. "Nothing," Daphne said slowly, "nothing at all..."

Simon raised her eyebrow at her. "The Queen, I think like you, has an extreme soft sport for dear Jeremy and is doing a bit of Cilla Black magic," Daphne whispered, "and I'm maybe helping..." Simon looked at her and smiled.

"You are my date tonight," Amelia said to Jeremy as she took his arm, "for tonight you are the king of Canada... Do you like my crown, Granny bought it for me?" Jeremy looked at it and nodded. "I think you are beautiful," Jeremy said honestly. "I know," Amelia said confidently, "my daddy says I am the most beautiful girl in the world like my mummy and we don't need make up..."

Simon looked at Ross his eyebrows raised. "She may look like you, but she's all Daphne!" Ross whispered to her. "Are you saying I'm not sassy!" Simon exclaimed in mock hurt. "Would I?" Ross said laughing and stopped as Demelza gave him a smile, a loving smile, the first one since this sorry mess started.

Chapter Text

Daphne took a deep breath as she looked at everyone in the hall waiting for them. "Don't be nervous," Simon whispered to her. "Amelia's here, I don't know how far to go," Daphne whispered. "I'll be next to Amelia," Simon said gently, "I'll make sure she is okay, and then I'll make sure you are okay..." Daphne kissed him gently on the lips and smiled. "Thank you," Daphne whispered, "I wouldn't of survived without you..."

"Don't say things like that," Simon whispered to her, "the thought of not having you, it's not worth thinking about..." "But I have you," Daphne whispered, "so the point I just made is moot..."

___

Demelza turned and looked at Ross as they stood at the corner drinking. "You look utterly," Ross whispered to her. "Utterly?" she asked him confused. "Beautiful," Ross whispered to her, "utterly beautiful, but not quite as beautiful as you did on our wedding day..."

Demelza thought back to walking down the beach to Ross, Joshua walking her down the aisle, Jeremy standing next to Simon as best men. Daphne as her bridesmaid, along with Verity.

"You didn't look so bad yourself," Demelza said smiling at him, "you and Simon in Hawaiian shirts!" Ross smiled at the memory. "You look nervous my love," Ross whispered to her. "I stick out like a sore thumb, it's all posh people here..." Demelza said slowly.

___

"Everyone please be upstanding for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex!" the master of ceremonies shouted out as they were ready for the royal entrance. Amelia turned to Ross and said: "That's my mummy and daddy..."

Ross looked down at her and nodded. "And I am the Queen of Canada," Amelia said proudly. Demelza let out a little giggle at her, Amelia was truly such a precious girl, she had just the right amount of Daphne and Simon...

Ross and Demelza smiled at them as Simon walked in with Daphne on his arm to warm applause. Simon and Daphne walked towards the table where Demelza and Ross were sitting and smiled at their friends, and Simon kissed Amelia.

___

"Are you sure about this?" Demelza asked Daphne, "I am not the best public speaker..." Daphne looked at her and smiled. "Neither am I," Daphne said slowly, "we can learn together..." Demelza smiled at her. "Friends to the very end," Daphne whispered to her.

"Indeed," Demelza said to her, "I am so thankful for you and Simon..." Daphne smiled as she put her arm around her. "I know Simon couldn't live without Ross," Daphne whispered to Demelza. "I think the feeling is mutual," Demelza said giggling. Ross turned as he heard his wife giggle.

"I've missed that giggle," Ross whispered out loud. Demelza just smiled at him and then smiled as Simon bent his head down to have a chat with Jeremy. "He so wants a boy," Daphne whispered. "He will always have Jeremy," Demelza said to her honestly.

___

Daphne took a deep breath as she walked towards the stage ready to make her first official speech as the Duchess of Sussex.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, Prime Minister," Daphne said confidently, "her majesty the Queen has asked me to speak to you on her behalf about a charity close to my heart, her heart, my husband's heart and my friends' heart..."

"The Queen has asked me and my dear friend Demelza Poldark to be the royal patrons of Women's Aid..." Daphne continued, "because I am a survivor of abuse and rape..."

The audience did a little mutter to themselves as they looked at Simon to gage his reaction, but his focus was purely on his daughter who he pulled on his lap.

"Rape and abuse can happen to anyone, it doesn't matter what sex, race, religion, how much money you have," Daphne said, "it can happen between husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife, friends, brothers and sisters, it can happen to anyone."

"When I was in university training to be a nurse, I had someone in the classroom who was very touchy-feely, he wouldn't stop touching me..." Daphne said slowly, "it started off being irritating, being annoying, but as the weeks and months went on it got worse..."

"Luckily before things got even worse I went on maternity leave," Daphne said, "and I had six months away from him, with my family and friends, my loving family and friends..." Daphne smiled at her husband and daughter. "But even then he would keep coming round and keep touching me in inappropriate places, making me feel like I was cheap and worthless, making me scared in my own home..."

"But that's what they do, they make you feel scared, they make you feel like you are in the wrong, they make you feel stupid and worthless, but you are not... Can I tell you, you are not any of those things?"

"I tried to stay away from the person, tried to just finish university but sadly, it didn't happen one night he and my brother locked me in a room, and he brutally raped me, punched me over and over again and degraded me, I can't even put into words..."

Daphne looked over at Simon who had tears in his eyes as he kissed Amelia on the top of her head. "I felt sick, I felt afraid, I was degraded, after he dropped me on the floor, I was left outside alone. I had wet myself, I was bleeding, I was embarrassed, at that moment I wanted to die.

I felt so alone, but all I kept thinking was about my Simon, and my daughter, how would they cope, how would Simon cope, but I wouldn't have got through this without my husband and my daughter. He held me as I cried, he never left me. He never left me, he was stronger than I could imagine, probably stronger than he imagined..."

Daphne took a deep breath as she looked at everyone who just looked at her in shock. "I had to do the hardest thing in my life," Daphne continued, "I had to shop my brother to the police for his involvement. It was the most difficult decision I have ever had to make, but I made it. Could I have lived with myself if I hadn't made the call, if he had done it to someone else, my other sisters?"

"Sadly I am not the only woman to suffer hell on earth, I am not the only woman who will go through this, and sadly I won't be the last. As my husband's wife, as the Duchess of Sussex, I vow to help this amazing charity as much as I can, I won't stop until we end abuse full stop..."

"I would like you to give a warm welcome to the stage to my very best friend, the woman that saved my life, who truly understood what I was going through... Mrs Demelza Poldark..."

___

Demelza slowly stood up and walked nervously towards Daphne on the stage. Daphne hugged her tightly. "Please don't be nervous, you are going to be just fine," Daphne whispered as she held her hand and squeezed it.

"Thank you, Daphne, the Duchess of Sussex," Demelza said nervously, "I am here to tell you my own story, a story similar but not quite the same as Daphne's..."

"It started when I was in high school, I was the dorky child with bright red hair that no one wants to be friends with, people teased me because of my home life, because of my father.

When a boy at school started giving me attention I was flattered because I didn't get any attention, but I should have just walked away, because it turns out he wasn't a very nice person...

He was the bad lad of the school let's just say, and I was the dork, but he wanted to take things to the next level, I didn't want that, I still felt so young and deep down I knew he wasn't the right person, the right man for me...

He didn't take no for an answer, and he violated me, he raped me, and I feel pregnant. I feel pregnant with my darling little boy, my Jeremy who I love with all my heart, he is my saving grace through this all...

He wasn't happy, I don't know if it's my fault for telling him, but he didn't want a child, and he didn't want me to carry my son. So he tried to beat the child out of me, he pushed me down the stairs, he would punch and kick me. But the worst thing he ever did was to inject me with his drugs, causing me to be so sick, I nearly died giving birth to my son.

I nearly lost him, he was so ill when he was born, he was born addicted to drugs, and they took him away from me. I had no time to bond with my son. Furthermore, I had to wait for hours until I knew he was alive. I was alone on my own, my father kicked me out, and I had nowhere to go with my son.

That was until I found the kindest soul in the world, my late great father-in-law Joshua Poldark, and his niece Verity Poldark. They gave me a home, they gave me a purpose, they gave me support. Not just myself but to my son. And thanks to them taking me in I met my husband and my very dearest friends, the Duke, and Duchess of Sussex or as I call them Simon and Daphne...

Sadly his abuse didn't stop and when he was released from prison, and he sadly kidnapped me and my son again, while I was pregnant with my daughter, and again he abused and hurt me and most importantly my son.

I agreed to help Her Majesty and the Duchess of Sussex, because I don't want anyone to go through what I have gone through, but most importantly what my children have gone through."

___

Demelza hugged Daphne tightly as they stood backstage and they both burst into tears. "Hey don't cry," Demelza whispered to Daphne. "You can talk," Daphne said as she sniffed up the next lot of tears which were threatening to fall.

They then felt their husband's arms around them. "You are utterly amazing," Simon whispered to her, "utterly beautiful and amazing, and I am so proud that you are my wife, my Duchess..."

Ross lifted Demelza's chin and looked at her, his eyes shining with love. "You were a natural out there, utterly perfect..." Ross whispered to her, "I am so proud of how far you have come, and I am so proud of everything you have achieved..." Demelza smiled at him and for the first time in months she lent in and kissed him slowly on the lips. She felt the old love for him coming back.

"Excuse me Duchess," one of the workers said as she walked up to them, "Her majesty has requested that you finish the night with Karaoke..." Simon and Daphne looked at each other and laughed. Her Majesty was good, she knew Karaoke got the couples together.

Chapter Text

"Amelia!" Daphne shouted up the stairs as she put down the phone and sighed, "can you take your clothes off and get ready for a bath, we have to get ready to go to Windsor!" Simon jumped up from his chair in his study as he heard that. "Is she ill?" Simon asked her worried, "is the Queen ill?"

"No my darling," Daphne said as she went to walk up the stairs, "that was head of her communications, they want us at Windsor Castle and Amelia and Belinda to be in their best dresses..." Simon looked at her confused. "Have I missed a royal event in our diary..." Simon asked as he opened up his phone calendar, "all it says here is that I am expecting an Amazon parcel..."

"Let's just follow the instructions," Daphne said as she smiled at him, "now you get Belinda ready and I will get Amelia ready..." Simon looked at her and smiled. "You have a coffee you worked the night shift, I will get them ready... do I need to wear a suit?"

"I doubt it, they didn't mention us," Daphne said slowly, "so I doubt it, maybe dress smart/casual..."

___

Simon gently helped Amelia in the bath and looked at Amelia as he rolled up his sleeves. "Are we going to a party?" Amelia asked him confused. "I have no idea," Simon said to her, "being part of the royal family is complicated you have to do things different each day and everyday you get told something different..."

"When I am the Duchess will Jeremy be my Duke?" Amelia asked him slowly. Simon looked at her and blinked. "You have to marry first," Simon said to her slowly. "Of course," Amelia said slowly, "like you and mummy..."

"Yes," Simon said to her, "just like mummy and I..." Amelia let Simon wash her with a flannel. "If I could marry you daddy, I would," Amelia whispered to him. Simon looked at her and smiled. "And I you," Simon whispered, "you will always be my little girl..."

___

Simon was driving towards Windsor and sighed as he looked at his daughters both wearing beautiful dresses and sighed again. "What's wrong?" Daphne asked him worriedly. "I thought something had happened to her," Simon said slowly, "she's so old and frail now, and after losing Agatha recently I worry..."

"I know," Daphne said gently, "she's 96 and there will come a moment when it will happen, but she's holding on she's looking forward to her jubilee celebrations..."

Simon couldn't reply but just nodded her head. "Am I going to sing at her jubilee?" Amelia asked them. "No," Daphne said laughing, "it's for like famous rock stars such as Paul McCartney and Tom Jones..."

"How about Uncle Colin will he be singing?" Amelia asked them, "he is a very good singer, he says he is as good as Elvis Presley..." Simon rolled his eyes but let out a chuckle. "I think Uncle Colin thinks he is the next David Bowie but..." Daphne said as she let out a giggle. "I think Uncle Colin is much better at eating!" Simon exclaimed laughing.

___

Simon pulled up by Windsor Castle and smiled as he saw William and Kate's car. "Shit! Is it a special occasion that I don't know about?" Simon exclaimed. "Naughty," Amelia said as she jumped into his arms as he opened the door, "I am going to tell Auntie Demelza that you swore..." Simon looked at her. "You wouldn't," Simon said as he raised his eyebrow at her.

"I won't," Amelia said giggling, "but only if Jeremy and I can have a sleepover..." Simon looked at her. "Are you blackmailing me?" Simon asked her slowly. "No," Amelia said slowly, "I believe Gregory calls it negotiating..." Simon looked at her, his eyebrows raised, as Daphne just let out a giggle.

"You made it?" they heard a voice say and William walked out holding Prince Louis. "We did," Simon said as he smiled at him, "what's happening? Is The Queen well?" William looked at him and smiled. "Very well," William said to him, "for 96 she is brilliant..."

"Simon," Zara shouted out as she came out with Mia and holding baby Phillip in her arms, "it's so good to see you again, and you as well Daphne..." Daphne smiled at her and then looked at Simon who looked confused. "Have I missed an important occasion? It can't be her birthday, it was her birthday a couple of weeks ago..." Simon said slowly.

Daphne gently squeezed his arm. "Jefferies would have informed you if it was a serious occasion," she whispered to him, "let's just wait and see..." Simon looked at her and sighed. "Amelia you look gorgeous," Beatrice said as she smiled at her. "Thank you," Amelia said as she twirled at her, "It's my best dress, my uncle Benny got it for me..."

___

The royal photographer came out followed by the royal adviser and looked at everyone as a horse and carriage came out. "Am I going horse riding?" Amelia asked Simon happily. "I doubt it in that dress," Simon whispered to her. Amelia nodded at him. "I'll get you some horse riding lessons if you would like some?" Simon whispered to her.

He whispered it because he knew that Daphne would tell him he was spoiling her, and Benedict was finding out with Hyacinth spoiling someone isn't always a great idea. "Oh can I daddy?" Amelia asked him, "I would love to ride horses on Uncle Ross's farm..."

"Maybe you and Jeremy could learn to ride together?" Simon asked her. "Oh I would love that daddy," Amelia said as she kissed him, "have I told you that you are the best..." Simon grinned at her, feeling like the best dad in the world. He still felt utter dread about the fact that she could be somewhere in the country with Daphne without knowing who he was. "Where did you go just then?" Daphne asked him worriedly. "Just to a place I don't want to think about..." Simon whispered, "I love you..." "Oh I know that," Daphne said slowly, "I always have known my darling..."

____

Amelia grinned as she saw The Queen walk out using her walking stick and smiling at everyone. "What a glorious day!" The Queen said smiling to everyone. "Gan Gan!" Louis said as he hugged her leg smiling. "Hello," she said smiling, "right where do you want me?"

"If you sit in the middle, Your Majesty," the royal photographer said to her, and Simon and William rushed to help her into the carriage. The Queen smiled at them both and put her handbag on the floor of the carriage.

"Could we have Prince George at the front standing next to The Queen," the photographer said to everyone, "then Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to the side of him..." Simon helped Charlotte up into the carriage and smiled at her as she giggled. Simon looked on as all the great-grandchildren got in the carriage.

"And then next to The Queen on the other side," The photographer said, "can we have Amelia..."

___

Amelia giggled happily at her name being mentioned and jumped up on the carriage and stood next to The Queen. "Do you like my dress?" Amelia asked her as she twirled. "I think it is utterly beautiful," The Queen said to her. "I thought so too," Amelia said smiling, "I wouldn't wear an ugly dress for you, grandma!"

The Queen looked at her and laughed. "And on The Queen's lap we will have Belinda..." the photographer said. Daphne walked up to the carriage and gently placed Belinda on The Queen's lap and smiled at her. "Belinda is wearing the same dress as me," Amelia said smiling, "only smaller, Uncle Benny bought it for us..." The Queen smiled at Belinda as she blinked up at The Queen and blew a bubble. The Queen laughed warmly and then looked at the camera. "Are we all ready?" she asked everyone.

___

Simon stood next to William and looked at the photograph being taken, a look of shock still on his face. "Are you okay?" William asked him worriedly. "Just didn't expect my children in the photo," Simon said honestly. "Why not?" William asked him, "The Queen adores you... you do know that? Don't you?"

"I do," Simon said slowly, "I honestly do, but this is an official photo, like the press and the public might find it a bit weird..." "Who cares?" Kate asks him, "who the Queen wants in her photo is her business, and you are family, Amelia calls her grandma..."

"You've always been family," William said to him. Simon just smiled at him and nodded. "As have you with me," Simon said honestly, "even though I haven't always shown it to you and Harry... I loved you and Diana very much..." William hugged him tightly. "We always knew," William whispered to him.

Daphne stood beside Kate and smiled at her husband. "He still doesn't see how loved he is, does he?" Kate asked Daphne. "No," Daphne said sadly, "but I think he is beginning to realize it now..." Kate smiled at her. "There's another surprise for him, well for Amelia really..." Kate said as she just smiled at her.

___

As everyone got ready to jump down from the carriage The Queen carried on holding Belinda and looked at Amelia. "You stay," The Queen said to her smiling, "I have a surprise for you and I would like you to stay sitting next to me..." Amelia looked at her confused. "Am I going for a carriage ride?" Amelia asked her. "No," The Queen said smiling.

"Who do you love the most in the world?" The Queen asked Amelia. "Is this a trick question?" Amelia asked her. "No!" The Queen said laughing. "I love my daddy the most," she said, "and mummy too, but I love Uncle Benny and Colin too and you of course..." The Queen looked at her and smiled. "And whose your best friend?" The Queen asked her. "Oh that's easy," Amelia said slowly, "my best friend is Jeremy, he's my best..."

The Queen just smiled at her as suddenly Jeremy came running out of the palace with Ross and Demelza walking behind with Julia holding Ross's hand. "Would you like a photograph with us Jeremy..." The Queen said to him, "and look at you with a bow tie on!"

"My mum said I have to look smart," Jeremy said as he sat next to the Queen, "thank you for being my grandma too, I've never had one, and it's marvellous!" The Queen smiled at him as the photographer took a photo of them.

___

Today Her Majesty has released a photo of all her great-grandchildren but also in the photo was the Duke and Duchess Sussex children Amelia and Belinda, which to some would be a shock," Huw Edwards said on the BBC News.

"But The Queen has always been a mother figure to the Duke of Sussex and his daughter calls The Queen grandma, so this is new surprise and I would suspect that Amelia and the Duke and Duchess will be prominant figures at the jubilee with William and Kate."

Chapter Text

"I am so excited!" Amelia exclaimed as she ran down the stairs and bumped into Simon, "I am going to be on ITV!" Simon looked at her and laughed. "Is that the only reason you are excited?" Simon asked her. "No," Amelia exclaimed, "it's granny's special day and the start of her special few weeks daddy!"

"It is and its the first time in history that we've had a Platinum Jubilee," Simon said as he smiled at his daughter, "she's our longest-serving monarch..." "And she's your mum!" Amelia exclaimed. Simon sighed. "Well not Amelia," Simon said slowly, "you know my mummy is in heaven, but she had a huge part of my life growing up..."

"Do you miss your mummy?" Amelia asked Simon. "I didn't know her," Simon said slowly, "but I wish I did..." Amelia nodded at him. "I would miss mummy terribly if she left us, daddy," Amelia said slowly. "Let's not think of that," Simon said as a fear gripped his heart again, "I won't let anything happen to mummy, not with daddy here..."

"What shall I wear tonight?" Amelia asked him, "do I wear a pretty dress or a horse riding outfit!" Simon looked at her and laughed. "Go and ask your mummy what she thinks, you know I will think you look beautiful no matter what you wear..."

___

"Do I have to go?" Benedict asked as Sophie did his tie for him in the mirror. "Yes," Sophie said to him, "Benedict, this is the Queen's seventieth year on the throne you can't miss it..." Benedict sighed at her but nodded. "You are the Viscount now," Sophie continued, "you have responsibilities not just in the arts..."

"Bloody Anthony, I was never meant to do this," Benedict said mumbling, "now I have to watch a horse show and pretend I enjoy it..." Sophie looked at him and laughed. "Daphne and Simon will be with us, and so will Ross and Demelza and I think Colin is coming with Penelope as friends..." Benedict rolled his eyes. "Friends my arse," Benedict said laughing. "They've been drooling at each other for years," Benedict said slowly, "it's sickening..."

"My you are in a bad mood today," Sophie said to him laughing. "I just hate pomp and ceremony," Benedict said slowly, "I don't know how Simon and Daphne sit through all this crap..."

"Crap to you," Sophie said as she looked at him and laughed, "now you are going to smile and bow and enjoy tonight immensely..."

___

"We are at Windsor Castle for the start of Jubilee celebrations," Phillip Schofield said as he presented on ITV, "where the Queen will be enjoying a show about one of her main passions horses..."

"She will be joined by her son Edward and his wife Sophie and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Simon and Daphne and their two daughters Amelia and Belinda," Phillip continued, "along with Viscount Benedict Bridgerton with his Viscountess Sophie..."

"The renowned chef Colin Bridgerton who is the brother of the Viscount and the Duchess of Sussex will be attending with the friend he is always seen with Penelope Featherington..." Phillip continued, "and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's best friends Ross Poldark MBE and his wife Demelza Poldark with their children Jeremy and Julia..."

___

"And here we go, the first car has arrived, and its the Viscount and his Viscountess Bridgerton," Phillip said as Benedict got out of the car and helped Sophie out of the car.

"Thank you," Sophie whispered to him nervously. "Are you nervous?" Benedict asked her laughing. "I didn't realize there would be so many people," Sophie said as she looked at him. "Its for the Queen," Benedict said as he smirked at her, "why do you think I didn't want to come?"

"Shhh," Sophie said as she took his hand and Benedict helped her up the stairs to the royal box.

"And here we have Colin Bridgerton, renowned chef of one of the finest cafes in London," Phillip continued, "with his rumoured girlfriend Penelope Featherington..." Colin helped Penelope out of the car and grinned at her. "Colin Bridgerton is of course the brother of the viscount who we have just seen, and the brother of Duchess of Sussex who we are yet to see tonight...." Phillip continued.

Colin smiled his most handsome smile at the camera. "Are you alright Pen?" Colin asked her as he took her arm with a flourish. "Nervous," Penelope whispered, "I have never been to a royal event, I am just humble midwife..."

"A beautiful humble midwife," Colin said winking at her. "There is the charming Colin Bridgerton," Phillip said laughing, "he is known as the charming Bridgerton brother, and is providing all the food for the jubilee this year along with Demelza Poldark..."

___

"Hello!" Sophie said warmly as she kissed Demelza's cheek warmly. "This is so amazing," Demelza whispered to her, "Imagine us, me and you from our humble beginnings sitting in Windsor Castle..."

"This is all down to you," Sophie said to her, "giving me a job and taking me into your home..." Benedict coughed beside her. "Oh and you of course dear," Sophie said as she giggled at him. "It's not like I didn't punch anyone in the face for you," Benedict said rolling his eyes. "You grumpy pants!" Sophie exclaimed laughing, "of course I wouldn't be who I am without you.."

Colin grinned at them as he joined them. "How are we all?" Colin asked them, "do you know if we have table service for food and drinks?" Benedict looked at him and rolled his eyes. "Colin, its a bloody horse show! You aren't at a nightclub, or a VIP event!" Benedict exclaimed rolling his eyes. "But I might get hungry," Colin said pouting at him. "I packed some sandwiches for you," Penelope said as she winked at him.

___

"And here we have the Rolls Royce of the Queen," Phillip said as the car stopped just by the red carpet and the door opened and out came Simon and he waved slowly to the crowd, "there's the Duke of Sussex, who is rumoured to be The Queen's favourite, as most royalists know he was bought up mostly by the late Lady Danbury, Diana, the Princess of Wales and Her Majesty the Queen..."

"And here's the Duchess of Sussex, looking utterly stunning tonight, and if rumours are to be true she was up last night on a night shift at St Mary's hospital, and what a hero she has been through the pandemic, a proper working royal..."

"And there's Amelia Basset, the future Duchess of Sussex, and there are rumours the Queen wants to make her a Princess but who knows if that is true," Phillip Schofield continues. Amelia took Simon's hand and smiled up at him. Then the Queen came out wearing a beautiful silver dress. Simon stood beside her and The Queen took his elbow.

"And there's the littlest Bassett," Phillip continued, "Belinda, and may I say what a wonderful family..." Amelia waved to the crowd confidently. "They love you granny," Amelia said as she looked at the Queen.

"Don't we all," Simon said warmly to her, as the Queen waved to the crowd.

___

The Queen walked to her seat and smiled at everyone as Daphne sat next to her and put a blanket over her knees. "Are you warm enough?" Daphne asked her as she squeezed her hand. "I am here with my family to watch horses," The Queen said to her, "Benedict its lovely to see you..." Benedict bowed to her. "Your Majesty, I wouldn't have missed this for the world..." Benedict said warmly.

"You liar!" The Queen said giggling to him, "you always were such a terrible liar, unlike Anthony!" Benedict grinned at her. "Your Majesty," Colin said as he bowed to her. "I can't wait to taste your food later," The Queen said to him, "and why haven't you made an honest woman of Penelope yet, I am not getting any younger and I would like to go to another wedding!"

Colin coughed on the air as Penelope just smiled at him. "Jeremy's granddad used to say that Uncle Colin, Uncle Benny and daddy were all being Stevie Wonders, but I don't know what that means," Amelia says to the Queen. The Queen laughed loudly with such delight as it was shown on the big screen causing the crowd to cheer at the smiling joy on the Queens face.

"It means they are blind," The Queen whispered to her, "and I agree with dear Joshua Poldark..." Amelia looked at her and nodded. "Me too," Amelia said grinning at her, "Can I be flower girl, Colin?" Colin looked at her and blinked. "Let's watch the horses shall we?" Colin asked her, causing Penelope and Demelza to giggle.

___

The show was going on and laughs were had in the box, mostly at Boris Johnson's expense causing the crowd to laugh and even her majesty to have a chuckle. "Are you enjoying yourself?" Simon asked her slowly. "I am enjoy this so much," The Queen said as she clapped to the Trinidad and Tobagos steel band playing Abba's dancing Queen.

"Where's Jeremy?" Amelia asked as she looked at Ross, "didn't you bring him?" Ross looked at her and laughed. "No, we locked him the cafe in Cornwall!" Ross exclaimed sarcastically. Amelia looked at himhorrified. "That was a joke," Ross said to her gently.

And then it became clear where Jeremy was as Demelza stood up with her camera as Ross stood up proudly as the Territorial Army came out marching and Amelia saw him, her Jeremy.

Marching, in his combats, his purple baret proudly on his head, his auburn curls coming out from the baret. "Look how handsome he is!" Demelza exclaimed, "just like his father in his uniform..." Ross looked down at her grinning, his own eyes filing with tears as Jeremy, who was only eight, was the captain of his TA group.

"He's so handsome," Amelia said as she clapped in delight. "You should always marry your best friend," The Queen said to her slowly. Amelia just grinned at her.

"There is talk about Jeremy Poldark, the captain of the Territorial Army that we see here, the son of Captain Ross Poldark MBE, and is tipped to the be the future Duke of Sussex as we hear Demelza his mother and the Duchess of Sussex are convinced that he and Amelia will be together..." Phillip Scofield said as he commentated on the show.

Jeremy turned to the Queen took a salute and carried on marching during the show. Simon clapped along as he looked at his shining light, the woman next to him, saved him along with Lady Danbury and Diana from a life of abuse with his father. But this little boy was his saving grace in his new life, his wife and children. He looked like a future captain of the army, he looked just like his father. His father who had saved his life, so he could have this life.

Chapter Text

"I am so excited," Amelia said as she sat down for breakfast with Simon and Daphne and the Poldarks. "I know," Simon said, grinning at her, "me too; I get to ride a horse!" Amelia looked at him and smiled. "And you get to wear your army uniform!" Daphne said as she grinned at him, "I never saw you in your uniform..." "A baby in nine months then," Ross said, winking at them. "A boy may be," Simon said, grinning at his best friend. "I've just had Belinda. Can we wait a couple of years!" Daphne whispered, smirking at them.

"Will I be riding my pony, daddy?" Amelia asked Simon. "Sadly not," Simon said to her gently, "you will be in a carriage with mummy, Demelza and Jeremy..." Amelia looked at him and nodded. "Where will granny Queen be?" Amelia asked him. "She will be staying at Buckingham Palace," Daphne said gently. "But it's her special weekend; doesn't she want to see everyone?" Amelia asked, confused.

"Oh, she does, darling," Daphne said as she looked at her gently, "but she's ninety-six years old, and you know she's had a poorly leg..." Amelia looked at her and nodded. "But it's her special day," Amelia said sadly, "can't we put her in a wheelchair and wheel her down the mall?" Simon looked at her and smiled. "Grandma would hate that," Simon said to her gently, "she will come out on the balcony, and everyone will see her; she will have the fly past and be utterly thrilled that everyone is celebrating her special day with her..."

___

Simon put on his uniform as he stood in Buckingham Palace and sighed as Ross helped him with his tie. "Like old times," Simon said to him, "you always helped me put on my uniform; I've never been good with ties. Even at school, I struggled..."

"I don't know why I am in the procession, though," Simon said as he looked at Ross. "If you don't know that, you are stupid," Ross said to him slowly, "it's me that should be asking that..."

"You are the ex-captain of the British Army; you deserve to be here more than myself," Simon said to him seriously. "Because you have a family," Ross said to him, "they are your family, it might not be a conventional family to you, and you may not have realised it while growing up, but you have one. The Queen loves you; you had brothers in William and Harry, aunts and uncles in Charles, Anne, Edward, etc. You had three mothers who would have laid down and died for you, Lady Danbury, Diana, and The Queen. Plus, you had Prince Phillip. He was your shining light, and he was your dad; it doesn't matter about DNA; he was the one person in your life who didn't push you to talk or be anything but yourself..."

Simon looked at him and nodded. "I know that," Simon whispered, "I finally realise it..."

___

"Grandma, it's your special day!" Amelia exclaimed as the Queen came in and smiled at everyone. "It is," The Queen said to her, "but it's also a time for the whole country to get together, as families to have fun and be a family..." Amelia looked at her and nodded. "And are you looking forward to being in a carriage?" The Queen asked her.

"I am so excited, granny," Amelia exclaimed, "Thank you so much for inviting Jeremy... I will do you proud; I promise grandma..." The Queen smiled at her warmly. "You always make me proud," the Queen said slowly, "and as for Jeremy, it's my pleasure, he's a dear little boy, and he's done so much for your daddy!"

"And me!" Amelia exclaimed, "I love him; he says he wants to marry me!" "That's just wonderful," The Queen said, smiling at her, "now you go and get ready in your pretty dress that your mummy has bought for the occasion."

Amelia curtseyed at her and then rushed up to Daphne, grinning at her.

___

"Today is the first day of the Queen's platinum jubilee..." Huw Edwards said smiling, "and it's the Queen's official birthday parade which is Trooping of the colour. So today, the senior members of the Royal family will be taking the royal salute from the Irish and Welsh guards at the horse guards parade. The royal family members taking the salute on behalf of the Queen are Prince Charles, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, Princess Anne and the Duke of Sussex, Simon Basset."

The Queen, for the first time in her reign, won't take the royal salute; The Queen will be on the royal balcony where the soldiers will march over to her and then she will enjoy the royal fly past..."

___

"Oh Benedict, I am so excited," Sophie said as she stood by the back door of Buckingham Palace, "I can hear the crowd..." Benedict just sighed at her. "I don't want to go into a carriage," Benedict said, groaning. "I do," Sophie said slowly, "and I can't wait for Eloise to write all about it! You are a Viscount Benedict; your sister is married into royalty whether you like it or not..."

"Why did Anthony have to become a crack addict," Benedict said, rolling his eyes. "Such language," Colin exclaimed, laughing as he walked out in his best suit, "come on, Benny boy gives us a smile; this is amazing, our first monarch ever to reign for seventy years..."

"I am unbelievably happy for her," Benedict said to his brother seriously, "but I still don't want to be in an open-top carriage waving like an idiot when people don't know who I am!" Sophie rolled her eyes at him.

"Everyone knows a Bridgerton," Sophie said thoughtfully, "Everyone..."

___

"The first carriage is coming out of the gates. We have Viscount Benedict Bridgerton with his wife, Viscountess Sophie Bridgerton, their brother Colin Bridgerton, the chef for tonight's state banquet, and Mrs Demelza Poldark. His normal partner for this state occasion Miss Penelope Featherington is working today at St Mary's Hospital, delivering jubilee babies!"

The crowd cheered, waving their Union Jack flags. "Look at this!" Sophie exclaimed, "Oh, I am so happy; it's so lovely to see everyone smiling and happy." Benedict looked at her and nodded. "Especially after everything we have been through with Covid," Benedict said as he nodded in agreement and looked over at Colin, waving energetically like his jubilee. Benedict rolled his eyes at him.

And here we have in the second carriage the Duchess of Sussex, her daughter Amelia, who, if rumours are to be accurate, will be a princess before the end of the Queen's reign, as Amelia has stepped up her royal duties as she has gotten older. Her little sister Belinda is at the Palace with the Queen as she's only six months old, but Amelia is next to her best friend Jeremy Poldark, who we saw at the Windsor horse show.

Jeremy Poldark is the son of Ross Poldark MBE, the British Army captain who saved the Duke of Sussex's life when they both served in Afghanistan. Jeremy is also the Godson of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and much loved by the Queen. What a day for the little boy.

Amelia waved to the crowd smiling with glee and joy. "Oh look, Jeremy," Amelia exclaimed, "the crowd are waving..." Amelia continued to wave and blow kisses to everyone she saw. "Amelia," Daphne said to her, "you will tire yourself out before the fly past if you keep doing that..."

Jeremy waved at everyone smiling, but then looked at Daphne. "Do you think the man in prison, my real dad, will see this and try and retake me?" Jeremy asked her slowly. Daphne took his hand and squeezed it. "No," Daphne said to him gently, "because first of all, your daddy is right here ready to march with the person who loves you just as much, Simon, and they both would protect you and secondly, look at the amount of police and army here, they aren't only here to protect The Queen they are here to protect everyone. So you are quite safe..."

Jeremy nodded at her and waved slowly to the crowd as amelia waved and then turned to Jeremy, took his hand, and grinned at him. "Isn't this just marvellous!" Amelia exclaimed, "and they are all here for my grandma!" Jeremy smiled at her and nodded. "She's a lucky lady!" Jeremy said slowly, grinning, "one day I will be in Trooping of the Colour but as a soldier..."

___

And now we have the members of the Royal Family on their horses, ready to ride down the mall. This is a big occasion for the Royal Family, the first time the Queen isn't taking the royal salute. As we can see, Prince Charles leads the Royal Family down the Mall. Prince William is next to Princess Anne and right behind him is the Duke of Sussex, Simon Bassett. Next to him is Ross Poldark MBE, who is now the Head of the British Army thanks to her Majesty the Queen, who gave him the honour of saving the Duke's life.

As we all know, the Queen sees Simon as a son and that Prince Phillip and the Duke of Sussex were extremely close to each other, and he was devastated when he passed away last year. In addition, Ross Poldark is known for losing sight in one eye and his left leg. So to see him today on his horse, riding side by side with his comrade, is a marvellous sight.

"We made it," Simon said to Ross, grinning as the crowd's cheers hit them. "You made it," Ross whispered back as he moved his horse. Darkie, who knew all about his disability, was calm and let him ride confidently. "Thanks to you," Simon whispered back, "I may have hated you at the time, but thanks for saving my life..." Ross smiled at him and then saluted the Cenotough and carried on towards horse guards parade...

It is coming Up: The Flypast the balcony appearance.

Chapter Text

"Are you okay, grandma?" Amelia asked the Queen. "I am fine," The Queen said to her, "but I am ninety-six now, and I am slowing down." Amelia looked at her sadly.

"No one can live forever," the Queen said to her slowly, "it's just not possible, darling..." Amelia looked at her and nodded. "Like Joshua," Amelia said sadly. "Indeed," The Queen said, nodding, "but I have a little bit more time left."

Amelia kissed her cheek and smiled. "I am glad," Amelia whispered, "I don't think the nation is ready to say goodbye yet." The Queen smiled at her. "I am not ready to say goodbye to them yet," The Queen whispered.

___

"This is wow!" Demelza muttered as she looked around Buckingham Palace. "It's a bit awe-inspiring, isn't it!" Daphne exclaimed to her.

"I have never been to a place as beautiful," Demelza whispered, "if Ruth and Elizabeth could see this!" Daphne looked at her. "The Queen would never allow them here," Daphne whispered, "they aren't worthy of Buckingham Palace."

Demelza looked at her and smirked. "Didn't our men look handsome in their uniform?" Demelza said to her. "The utter best," Daphne said, grinning.

"He's worried about The Queen, though," Daphne said as she looked at Demelza, "this is the first Trooping of the colour that she has missed since she was last pregnant."

"She is ninety-six," Demelza said gently. "I know, but after Agatha died, The Queen is his mother, he would never admit that, but to him, she has always been his mother..."

Demelza squeezed her shoulder. "I know how that feels, what with Joshua..." Demelza whispered to her. "I know," Daphne whispered and then smiled.

___

"Are you ready?" The Queen said as she looked at everyone, "you would think after seventy years I would get used to this by now, but I always get a little bit anxious when I walk on the balcony."

"Why grandma?" Amelia asked her. "Because I always worry about no one turning up..." Amelia looked at her and sighed. "But the whole world loves you, grandma, and I love you too because you loved my daddy when no one else did..." Amelia whispered to her as she kissed the Queen.

"Are you ready?" Simon asked as he walked up to Amelia, "you don't have to go on the balcony; it's going to be very noisy out there." Amelia looked at him. "I have a baby sister," Amelia said huffily, "they are very noisy, and Colin is my Uncle, and he is very noisy."

Simon kissed her. "Are you ready then?" Simon asked her. "Can Jeremy come on the balcony with me?" Amelia asked him. "I don't know," Simon said to her, "it's not my decision to make; it's grandma."

"Of course, he can," the Queen whispered to her, "the balcony is big enough for lots of people..."

___

And here we have the balcony doors opening where the prominent members of the royal family will come out, ready for the RAF to fly past.

The Queen will be accompanied by Prince Charles, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, their children, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and their daughters Amelia and Belinda..."

"Also, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and all working royals will be on the balcony. And we go, the doors are opening, and the Queen steps out wearing a beautiful sky blue dress, jacket and hat..."

___

"Oh wow!" Amelia exclaimed as the crowd cheered loudly, and she ran to the front and waved, both of her hands up in the air. "I don't think you need to worry about her," Daphne whispered to Simon, "she's a natural!"

"She's growing up too fast; she will be on this balcony in a wedding dress," Simon said sadly. "Oh, Simon," Daphne whispered to him. "She's growing up so fast," Simon whispered, "she's gone from this scary little egg in your womb to being a little girl that I felt kick you, then holding her when she fitted in the palm of my hand. Now, she's so utterly grown-up, I feel she doesn't need me anymore..."

"Oh, Simon," Daphne whispered, "Amelia will always need you; you are her father." Simon nodded at her and waved out at the crowd as they cheered again.

"Did you ever come on the balcony when you were little?" Daphne asked him. "No," Simon said slowly, "I was too scared; I know that sounds stupid!" Daphne shook her head. "Doesn't sound stupid at all," Daphne whispered. "My first balcony appearance was when I was thirteen," Simon said slowly, "At Edward and Sophie's wedding, I promised Phillip I would go on the balcony just once, but I hated the noise and the cheering. It felt like I was at a Rolling Stones concert or something."

__

"When is the RAF coming?" Amelia asked the Queen as the crowd cheered loudly. "Soon, you will be able to hear them; when I was very young, it Wasnt such a comforting sound..." Amelia looked at her thoughtfully and nodded.

"Because of the war," Jeremy said as he looked up at the sky and waved meekly to the crowd. "Indeed, it was a scary time; the bombs hit London hard, but my parents sent my sister and me to Windsor during the war, and my father and mother stayed here with their people, these people here."

"Heros," Jeremy said, smiling at her, "like my dad and Simon..." The Queen grinned at him. "And you one day," The Queen said to him, "you look utterly handsome in your uniform, and I know you will be a fine soldier in my army, Charles and then Williams..."

Jeremy grinned at her proudly as Amelia hugged him and kissed his cheek, which made the crowd below cheer loudly like it was a royal wedding.

___

And young Amelia Basset is giving a kiss to the young Jeremy Poldark, and rumours are circulating that they are inseparable. The Queen has also taken Jeremy under her wing, and reports suggest he calls her grandma. and of course, he was in the official photographs with all her great-grandchildren..."

___

Amelia could hear the purring of the planes, and the Queen put her finger up to signal that she could listen to the aircraft flying over.

Amelia waved up at the planes and then grinned at the Queen. "That was magnificent," Amelia said slowly, "the roar of the engines, it was like Lewis Hamilton driving his Formula One Car!"

The Queen laughed warmly at her and then looked again at the sky as the planes kept coming over. "These are the Red Arrows," Simon said as he bent down to Amelia and smiled at her.

"Did you and Ross drive them?" Amelia asked them. "Pilot them," Simon said gently, "you pilot a plane, but to answer your question, no, Ross and I were never in the RAF, and I would be a terrible pilot!"

And then Amelia saw the red, white and blue smoke, and she jumped up and down and cheered as everyone else did. "Oh, Granny Queen, did you see that!" Amelia exclaimed, "how pretty it's like fireworks for Diwali, Eid and Firework nights!"

"It is," Simon whispered to her, and then he stroked her hair, "and it's all for Granny; all these people are here because they love my grandma, and that gives me a warming feeling in my heart..." "Ditto," Simon whispered to her, "and it's special because we probably won't ever have a platinum jubilee again..."

___

The band started, and everyone stood up tall as the first bars of the national anthem began to play.

Amelia couldn't believe it as she saw everyone sing and cheer for her grandma; she only wished her grandad could be with her. Both of them, but especially the Queen's strength and stay.

"They love you," Amelia whispered as she waved at the crowd again. "And I love them; I vowed to them I would be their Queen through the good and bad times."

___

"Did you enjoy that?" Demelza said to Jeremy as the doors to the balcony closed. "I did," Jeremy said to her, "there were so many people to see her, I couldn't count past one hundred."

Demelza looked at him and let out a giggle. "Your majesty," Colin said, bowing to her, "your lunch awaits you, and if you are fortunate, I might even serenade you with a bit of Elvis Presley or maybe Cliff Richard would be more appropriate..."

The Queen grinned at him. "Now, Colin James Bridgerton, when are you going to marry that girl," The Queen said as she took his arm. Colin grinned at her. "Do you think she would make a fine Bridgerton?" Colin asked.

"I think she would be a fine Bridgerton wife," The Queen said slowly, "as I said to Simon, I feel one should marry your best friend; they make the best husbands." Colin just grinned at her.

"I think you are right," Colin whispered, "shall I let you in on a little Platinum jubilee secret?" The Queen smiled at him and nodded. "We've been dating for a while, or courting, as you may say..."

The Queen beamed at him. "Wonderful," The Queen said slowly, "now let's eat; I hope your mash potato is less lumpy than last time..."

Chapter Text

"Did you enjoy it?" Simon asked The Queen as they stood in the Palace drawing room. "I did," The Queen grinned at him, "how could I not?" Simon smiled at her. "Indeed, and I think Amelia had the best time," Simon said slowly, "I think she was born for this life, compared to me."

The Queen smiled at him. "You are right; the prime minister of Canada took a shine to Amelia," the Queen said with a grin. "She did take a shine to him too," Simon said, grinning. "That's why I think she was born to be a princess..." But, the Queen said to him, "she's very much like Agatha and her mother..."

"But she is also very much like you," The Queen said to him warmly. "Is she?" Simon asked slowly. "Amelia is very much like you at your age," The Queen said, smiling. "But I didn't talk," Simon said thoughtfully, "I was mute, remember..."

"But you spoke with your eyes and your movement," The Queen said to him, "we always knew your feelings, especially with Philip, he always bought out the best in you, and you always bought out the best in him."

"He was a special man," Simon said slowly. "As are you," The Queen said to him, "it takes a special man to come through everything you have..."

"Let's not dwell too much, shall we? It's a happy occasion," Simon said, smiling at her."But you are my most significant achievement," The Queen said as she kissed his cheek and walked off towards where Violet was.

___

"How are we doing?" Demelza asked as she walked into Buckingham Palace's kitchen and smiled at Colin. "It's all looking good," Colin said to her, "but we have to make sure that the mashed potato isn't lumpy!" Demelza looked at him and laughed.

"Have you been ordered?" Demelza asked him. "By the main woman herself, the don, the utter beast of the Queen!" Colin said jokingly. Demelza nodded and then looked at the other chefs cooking.

___

"So viscount," The Queen said to Benedict, "how are you finding your new role?" Benedict looked at her and sighed. "Do you want my honest answer or the answer Sophie would want me to give you?"

The Queen laughed warmly. "Both answers," the Queen said with a naughty glint in her eye. "I love being a viscount, it's the biggest honour of my life, and I am so pleased my brother is a coke head and passed the role over to me," Benedict said sarcastically. "Benedict!" Violet exclaimed, mortified as Hyacinth let out a giggle.

"But my honest answer," Benedict said with a twinkle in his eye, "is that I am bored, but I am happy to serve you, ma'am."

The Queen laughed warmly. "You know I am an old now," The Queen said to him. "Were you around with the dinosaurs?" Gregory asked her. "Gregory!" Violet exclaimed, "I am so sorry, your majesty!"

The Queen laughed loudly. "I wasn't around with the dinosaurs, which I am pretty sad about because I would love to have seen them; that would have been amazing," The Queen said to Gregory.

"Was Prince Phillip around with the dinosaurs?" Gregory asked her. The Queen laughed loudly. "I think he would have been a T-Rex," the Queen whispered to him. Gregory grinned with delight.

"Do you and Sophie fancy going to the royal premiere of Jurassic Park in a couple of weeks?" The Queen told Benedict, "I have a few art galleries that need patronages and some openings to attend; I am too old now to do everything!"

"Of course," Benedict said slowly, "you know how I love the arts..." The Queen grinned at him. "I knew you would be the man for the job," The Queen said to him, "and you will paint my official Platinium jubilee portrait?"

Benedict blinked at her and then grinned. "Of course," Benedict said to her.

___

"A Miss Penelope Featherington, your majesty," the butler said as he walked into the room.

"Wonderful!" The Queen smiled as she looked at Violet and then walked towards Penelope. "Penelope," The Queen said warmly, "I hope you are well and didn't have a too difficult shift..."

"It was a good shift," Penelope said as she gave a curtsey to her, "delivered two babies and one called her Elizabeth, can't think who after..."

The Queen grinned at her. "Can I just offer my sincere condolences on the loss of your father," the Queen said to her. Penelope's face washed with sadness.

"Thank you," Penelope whispered to her. "If there is anything I can do to help," The Queen whispered to her, "you just let me know; I know what it's like to lose a parent so young."

"Of course, in different circumstances to your father," The Queen said to her, "I will talk to the high commissioner about your father's case. I am the head of the Police, you know..."

Penelope smiled at her warmly. "I hope Colin is looking after you," The Queen said to her seriously. Penelope smiled at her warmly and nodded. "Colin has been amazing," Penelope whispered to her.

"I won't be around forever; I've seen Daphne marry my Simon, Benedict marry Sophie, and I hope to see Colin marry," The Queen said. Penelope looked up at her with a twinkle in her eye.

"I hope you will see that too," Penelope said with a grin. "What are you two talking about?" Colin asked as he walked up to them. "That would be telling," Penelope said, grinning as Colin kissed the top of her head, "how was work today?"

"All okay," Penelope said, grinning at him, "how is our jubilee lunch coming along?" Colin looked at her and smiled. "Very soon, you will find out, and I promise you, your majesty, that the mashed potato isn't lumpy!" Colin exclaimed.

"Wonderful!" The Queen said with a grin.

___

Everyone sat down at the long table and smiled as the Queen walked in on the arm of Prince Charles. "For she's a jolly good fellow!" Amelia clapped loudly and smiled as the Queen grinned at her.

"So your soup course is pea and mint," Colin said as he smiled at her. "And tell me, Colin James Bridgerton," The Queen said thoughtfully, "did you sing while making it, and if so, what song did you sing?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Colin said, winking at her, "but if you must know, it was a bit of Diana Ross and the Supremes!" The Queen smiled at him and laughed. "You know she is performing tomorrow," The Queen said to him.

"I am so excited about tomorrow," Eloise said to her, "I do love pop concerts, but maybe next one, you could have someone like P!nk performing..."

"Next one, I will be 104; I don't think there will be a next one," The Queen said, laughing. "Life in the old dog still," Eloise said, grinning at her, "I think you will live forever."

"No one lives forever; who is this P!nk?" The Queen asked her. "She's a badass singer and a total feminist," Eloise said slowly. "She also drops f-bombs left, right, and centre," Daphne said to her, "hardly appropriate for a jubilee concert!"

"You do know who she was married to, right?" Eloise asked her, laughing, "the king of swearing!" "Eloise!" Violet exclaimed, horrified. "It's true," Princess Anne said laughing, "I have to say I got my swearing knack from my father, and so did Simon!"

"Daddy, do you swear?" Amelia asked, gasping. "Never!" Simon said to him, "would I say naughty words!" "He does," Jeremy whispered to Amelia, "mummy has a swearing jar for him!"

Simon rolled his eyes at Jeremy. "You are meant to be on my side," Simon whispered to him with a grin. "We all know you swear," The Queen said to him, laughing. Amelia grinned at her. "But we still love him," Amelia said as she kissed Simon. "That we do," Daphne said with a grin. "He's passable," Benedict said with a smirk.

The meal went on, and the Queen was served her sausages and mash. "How's the mash?" Colin asked her with a wink, "smooth enough for you, your majesty!" The Queen took a bite and then moved her head from side to side. "It's passable," The Queen said with a glint in her eye, "better than Gordon Ramseys anyway!"

"I'll take that," Colin said as he tucked into his food and smiled at Penelope. "But is he better than Delia Smith!" Benedict exclaimed to The Queen. "Or Mary Berry!" Daphne said, laughing.

"It's very nice, Colin," Violet said proudly. "I remember the first time you made bangers and mash," Penelope said slowly. "You remember?" Colin asked her. "I remember everything about you," Penelope said slowly.

"You made our sausages in a bread roll, and you were singing the Thomas the Tank engine theme tune with your dad," Penelope said slowly. "I loved Thomas," Ross said as he looked at Colin, "who was your favourite?"

"Got to be Gordon surely; you are miserable like him," Simon said as he winked at him. "I think you find I was always more like Thomas; you are the Gordon!" Ross said, rolling his eyes.

"Children," Demelza said, rolling her eyes at them. "How is your business getting on?" Prince Charles asked Demelza. "It's going from strength to strength," Demelza said, grinning, "I can't believe how much it's grown and now with Colin opening up a restaurant."

"Thank you for helping our farm as well," Ross said as he looked at Charles. "After what you did or Simon, and of course, knowing how much you love organic farming, your farm being in the duchy was a no-brainer!"

"Who is performing tomorrow at the concert?" Amelia asked The Queen. "I have a bit of surprise for everyone," The Queen said as she winked at her. "Are you going to be Freddie Mercury?" Amelia asked her.

Daphne put her hand over her mouth, trying to stop her laugh. "Sadly not," The Queen said with a grin. "That is a shame," Colin said, laughing, "I would love to see you belting out Bohemian Rhapsody!"

"We actually have a surprise for you," Daphne said as she smiled at the Queen. "Indeed," Benedict said with a grin. "What's the surprise!" Amelia exclaimed. "It won't be a surprise if they tell you," Jeremy said to her. "I know that," Amelia cried to him, "but she could whisper it in my ear, and then I won't tell grandma!"

"I think everyone should be surprised tomorrow," The Queen said warmly, "and I think, for now, we should all have a glass of champagne and toast to family and friends."

"I think we should toast our Queen," Violet said as she looked at everyone, "thank you for seventy glorious years, your majesty and for your friendship over the years."

"The Queen," everyone exclaimed loudly.

Chapter Text

"So what is happening tonight?" Amelia asked Daphne as they were both getting ready for the pop concert. "It's a concert for The Queen," Catherine said to her. "But what is a concert?" Amelia asked. "Oh," Daphne said smiling, "it's where singers will get together and sing their songs, with some dancing; it's lots of fun." Amelia nodded her understanding. "That sounds so much fun," Amelia said, "Will I get to sing and dance? And you and daddy?"

"Daddy doesn't dance," Simon said as he walked in wearing his bowtie. "That's a lie," Daphne said with a grin, "and we all know that's a lie your daddy and Uncle Ross have been dancing to a bit of ABBA many times." Amelia let out a giggle. "I have never danced to ABBA!" Simon said indigently. Daphne just grinned at him.

"If you say so, dear," Daphne said as she walked up to him and straightened up his bow tie. Simon just grinned at her. "Why can't Belinda come?" Amelia asked them. "Because she is too young, and it would be so noisy for her," Simon said gently, "she and Julia are going to be with Grandma Violet, and you know how much she adores you all." Amelia looked at her and nodded.

___

"And here we are at the Platinium Party in the Park," Huw Edwards said, "what can we expect from tonight? A lot of music, a bit of theatre, and lots of fun. We will also hear from Prince Charles, Prince William and the person she considers her fourth son, Simon, the Duke of Sussex."

"It is also expected that the Viscount Benedict Bridgerton and his wife Sophie will be in attendance. In addition, of course, we will see his brother, Colin Bridgerton and his rumoured girlfriend, Penelope Featherington. Other members of the Royal Family will be here, and the new Head of the Army Ross Poldark M.B.E., his wife Demelza, and their eldest son Jeremy."

"And here we have the first arrivals, Mr Benedict Bridgerton, arriving with his wife, Sophie, alongside Colin and a rather radiant looking Penelope Featherington."

"And here we have the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arriving with their daughter Amelia, looking like they are ready to party, and greeting the Viscount Bridgerton with kisses and handshakes."

___

The audience went quiet as the lights dimmed on the stage, and the big screen started to play a video of a man carrying a tray with a teapot covered in a red and gold tea cosy.

"It's granny's house!" Amelia exclaimed to Simon, "look, daddy, and that's her tea cosy! We all know how she loves her tea."

"I wonder if they are going to bring tea here, I could do with a cup of tea and a biscuit," Colin whispered to Penelope. "I will be back in a minute; I just need a wee." Penelope put her hands on her hips. "You should have gone before it started," Penelope said, "everyone's looking at you." "Because I am so handsome," Colin said with a wink.

___

And then the audience gasped as they saw Paddington Bear sitting in the Buckingham Palace tea room chair.

"It's Paddington!" Amelia exclaimed, "Oh, I wasn't there to greet him! So why is he at Granny's?"

"Shhhh!" Prince George exclaimed to her.

And then they saw her, The Queen sitting with Paddington Bear.

Amelia clapped and jumped up in excitement. "That's my grandma," she shouted, "having tea with Paddington Bear."

The audience laughed as Paddington nearly dropped the teapot and the tea finished.

"It's a marmalade sandwich," Amelia exclaimed as Paddington took it out of his hat. "

"I keep mine in here," The Queen said as she took out the sandwich from her handbag.

"Oh," Daphne said with a hand on her heart, "this is so adorable."

"I just want to cuddle her," Sophie whispered, "she looks so frail."

"She will live forever, I believe," Benedict said.

The audience laughed as the sketch continued, and they stopped as Paddington said: Thanks for everything, your majesty.

Simon felt the tears well in his eyes; he had just lost Agatha, and twenty-five years ago, he lost Diana after losing his mother before he knew him. But he couldn't lose The Queen; she was his constant.

It was the line, thank you for everything; it hit him like a ton of bricks. The Queen was the Nation's mother; she was all everyone had ever known.

And then The Queen started to tap her spoon on the side of the teacup along with Paddington Bear to the tune of We will, we will rock you.

___

Everyone clapped as Queen started to play the tune " We will Rock you. Then, everyone began clapping as the screen showed the Queen tapping out the beat with Paddington Bear.

"I wonder who is going to be Freddie Mercury," Benedict whispered to Daphne, "Dad always said there was only one Freddie Mercury." "Of course, there is; George Michael was quite good, but you are right, there was only Freddie Mercury." Benedict nodded at her at the memory of them all dancing and rocking out to Queen. Especially Colin with dad.

And then they audibly gasped as they saw him enter the stage, wearing a white vest, jeans and a microphone in his hand and loving every moment of being on stage. Colin Bridgerton, for one night only, was Freddie Mercury.

"Did you know about this?" Sophie whispered to Penelope. "No," Penelope said as she looked at the stage in shock and grinned as her boyfriend's voice began to sing.