Work Text:
June 2019
It had only been a few days, but to Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, it seemed as if it had been weeks since he had last seen his wife, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. Days ago, she had boarded a flight from Heathrow to attend the International Olympic Committee sessions and dinners in Switzerland. While they had corresponded several times daily by phone, he still missed being able to physically see and touch her.
Though they had been married for going on 27 years, he never got over the fact that she was his wife, and there was never a moment that went by when he did not want to be by her side. In public, they were not very affectionate. It was not necessarily his rule, but one that she strongly suggested during their ‘dating’ years. Behind closed doors, it was an entirely different story. She did not hesitate to hold his hand, rest her head upon his shoulder, hug and kiss him when the eyes of the world were not upon her. In the public’s eye, many questioned the validity of their marriage because people assumed since they were not necessarily touchy-feely like others within her family, that it was a sign of marital troubles yet again for her.
On some levels that bothered Tim, and he addressed it with her on several occasions. She was able to brush things like that off and encouraged him to try to do the same, yet it sometimes made him pause to think. She could tell it bothered him to see Ed helping Sophie, or even Charles and Camilla holding hands, yet she would not allow her façade to drop to allow Tim to do something similar with her. It was during those moments when she would glance at him and smile. He quickly learned that her method of communicating her love for him in a public setting was conveyed within her eyes, her smile, and even her silence. It took some time, but he quickly adapted to their silent yet extremely powerful communication tactics, yet there were still days when he selfishly wished she would allow him to dote on her.
There had been times when he attempted to be bold in his efforts, once when he extended his hand to help her out of a rather wobbly carriage. Yet, she all but ignored his gesture. Even though, he would never admit it verbally, on some level it kind of stung that she would not accept his willingness to help. He knew she was stubborn and fiercely independent, but he merely wanted to be a husband and show his effort in protecting and caring for his wife. Whether she even realized that part of him wanted to illustrate that side more, he was not entirely sure. Instead, he had learned to adjust and accept that it was just how she was.
Needless to say, he was all but shocked by the event that transpired on New Year’s Eve during the ringing in of the new Millenium. They had joined her parents, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, along with then Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife, Cherie, among thousands of other Brits to ring in the new Millenium. As the countdown struck zero and fireworks began to erupt, Tim was merely content to clap and celebrate ringing in the new year in his own little world. He knew the old wives’ sayings about the one you kiss on New Year’s is either who you’ll spend that year happiest with or it was said to strengthen the bond of the relationship between the kissing couple, yet he knew he was not about to get his hopes up as he did not want to get shot down. Ironically, as he stood clapping, he glanced over to see his wife, The Princess Royal, turning her sole attention toward him. Wishing him a Happy New Year and stepping closer to him with her arms slowly widening. It was one moment that his heart stood still, and he even pondered if he stopped breathing. There in front of the entire world, he was able to kiss his wife, and she gladly welcomed and wanted it. He was beaming with pride, and he made sure to reward her immeasurably later that evening for allowing this one brief yet very special moment just for him.
Even all these years later, though they were older and some greyer, he still cared as deeply and as passionately as he had for her when he first lay his eyes on her in the late 1980s, and while they did not necessarily put it on display, he knew she felt identically the same way.
Now, here in Beaurains, France, he had spent the early morning talking with various individuals on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The Princess Royal would arrive later that afternoon to join him and officially open the new welcome center in Beaurains for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Since he spoke little to no French, he was regretting the fact that she was not at his side as she was perfectly fluent, yet thankfully most of those he conversed with were bilingual. He had been asked to give a short speech, and initially he was going to ask her to serve as his interpreter, but since there was some initial questioning on whether her plane would arrive on time, they elected to have a translator instead. Now, he stood outside waiting for her entourage to arrive, as he knew she was on the way, and he was beyond ecstatic to see his wife.
A few miles away, The Princess Royal’s plane had touched down, and she had just transitioned into her transport vehicle that would be taking her to the first engagement of the day. Atypically, she would have preferred to have headed straight back to London, where she did have a dinner that evening to attend, but this time, she was grateful to be able to attend an event. She knew that she literally would have nothing to do because she had asked her husband, who was already a part of this center being commissioned, to deliver the speech on her behalf, especially if she was unable to attend. She would be able to listen to his rich voice as he discussed topics so near and dear to his own heart. She loved being able to relish in something he was so passionate about; it was only fair given how much he had sacrificed for her over the years. There was nothing that she loved more than her husband, well she did love her children and grandchildren, but it was a significantly different type of love.
When she left for Switzerland, Tim had all but pleaded with her to let him give her a proper send-off at the airport, as they were both boarding differing planes at similar times. As she was about to enter the jet bridge to board her plane, she could see the somewhat sadness when she merely nodded her goodbye at him before boarding her plane. She knew he wanted a goodbye hug or kiss, but she could not, for some God forsaken reason, allow herself to do that. Why? She had questioned herself nearly the entire flight from London to Switzerland, yet she never had really been able to put her finger on it. But the look in his eyes, while she knew he loved her, that day, she saw a tiny glint of sadness and maybe even hurt, which terrified her. She was determined that she would never allow that to happen again.
Even after all these years, though they had learned their secret method for communicating, she always knew he wanted more. He was the utterly perfect gentleman, yet she would never reciprocate when he offered his hand to her. She shrugged it off as being fiercely independent. But was that really the case? While she had been at the IOC meetings in Switzerland, they shared numerous texts, some that she had to bite her inner jaw to keep from laughing at aloud during the, at times, boring sessions. She always loved that about him – the fact he could make her laugh or smile at moment’s notice. Even if she had disappointed him, though he would never admit to it, she vowed she would make it up to him. She decided right then and there she had to be willing to make a change for him.
As she slowly exited the vehicle, she could not help but feel his eyes on her. She had specifically picked out the reddish-burgundy shirt type dress as she knew he would love it. The button styled upper portion of the dress allowed for a lower neckline than normal and for her to pop the collar in typical Princess Anne style. She elected to add a scarf, one that he had given her, to finalize the ensemble. When she glanced up from the bottom of the steps, she saw he was beaming, and truth be told, she felt her knees slightly go weak. Even after all these years, he still was the only one who held any type of power and control over her. He knew how to reign her in when and if she was slightly getting out of control. He could make her feel things with his eyes that no one else ever could or would. As she ascended the stairs, she felt as if the world was moving in slow motion because she wanted nothing more than to get to him.
For Tim, his breath caught in the back of his throat when she stepped out wearing that dress and that noticeable neckline. She had worn lower before, but the way she was swaying her hips, he knew she was doing this entirely for his benefit. He could not hide the wide smile that broke out upon his face, and did he dare hear her correctly? Did she really say “Hello, Darling?” His head was spinning so fast that without even thinking, he extended his left arm out to her. No sooner than he had done it, he quickly realized that he should not have done so. Yet much to his amazement, her right arm was quickly extending toward him, and her right hand lightly clasped his left bicep. Whether either were conscious of the camera to their side, was an entirely different matter, but going where angels feared to tread, he lowered his head and was pleasantly surprised and pleased when she closed the distance to quickly allow for a kiss. Afterward, his initial smile only grew, and he could tell she was slightly embarrassed as she rapidly glanced downward, which was something she did during a rare moment of shyness or self-consciousness, yet he could tell she was still smiling. Her slightly lingering hand on his arm was indicative of the fact that she had let her guard down, and he would never forget how he felt in that moment.
Once out of camera’s view and ear, just before they entered the facility, while attempting to match his stride, she slowed and glanced up at him. Her look conveyed a powerful message, she was relaying to him just how much she loved him, and he knew exactly what she was trying to say even though words would not echo from her voice.
“You know, right?” she quietly whispered almost as if she were uncertain of herself.
Glancing down at her, he smiled before responding, “That you love me?”
In that brief instance, he saw a single tear well up in her eye that she quickly batted away. “The airport…” she started and stopped as he faintly touched her right hand with his left.
“Don’t,” he said in a hushed tone, which was hard for him to do with his rich voice. “We can talk about that another time. I’m so very glad to see you,” he added and paused to glance quickly over his shoulder before leaning down to whisper in her ear. “I know you love me, and I love you, too, and that dress is driving me mad, my beautiful wife.”
Afraid she may swat him, he quickly pulled back from her and glanced at her to see she had blushed. She was speechless yet she could not resist smirking at him but before she could respond, they were being ushered into the facility to greet the various attendees.
For the next hour or so, she received a grand tour of the facility by Tim and several others. She graciously listened to his speech and was humbled by the choice of words that he said about the Commonwealth War Graves Commission among other things. She was beyond proud to be standing beside of him and supporting him in this endeavor. She was not necessarily used to the tables being turned and him taking the lead, but she found she quite enjoyed it and felt comfortable in that role.
After his speech and the unveiling of the plaque, they were asked to attend a brief reception where a few more members of the public, as well as additional commission members had gathered. Many of which Tim had already met and talked with earlier that day or in the week during various meetings that he had been a part of. Throughout this meet and greet, he could not help but realize that Anne was not getting too far away from him. Characteristically, they often split up to cover the room so everyone could say they had been greeted by one or both, yet in this moment, she kept finding a way to draw back near to him.
Tim had currently been discussing an upcoming project with a gentleman as she stepped to his side. He paused for a moment as the gentleman glanced over at her. Whether the man realized who she was, Tim was unsure as the man gave no indication that he had recognized her. It was in that moment that Tim decided to do something highly out of character and something that may get him scolded later, but he wanted to test the waters.
“Julien, I’d like to introduce you to my wife, The…” and Tim was instantly cut off.
“Mrs. Laurence,” Julien stated while bowing his head in acknowledgement, “it is an honor and pleasure to meet you ma’am,” he replied while extending his hand.
A chill went down Tim’s spine as he feared this poor man getting lectured, and maybe possibly even himself, for Julien referring to her in that manner. Tim opened his mouth to correct Julien on Anne’s proper name and title, but she interjected.
“It is very nice to meet you, as well. How…” and she stopped as Julien gasped in realization of who she was and what he had done.
“Your Royal Highness, I am terribly sorry. I didn’t realize it was you. I’m sorry I…”
“There is no need to apologize. By all accounts, today and every day, I am Mrs. Laurence, and truthfully, I’ll let you in on a little secret, it’s by far my most favorite title that’s been bestowed upon me,” she added before glancing up at Tim with a beautiful smile etched upon her face. She winked at him before quickly excusing herself to go visit the ladies’ room as she knew they would likely be departing soon.
The initial terror that went through Tim’s body of Julien referring to her by the wrong title was quickly replaced with admiration and honor with her allowing herself to be referred to as his wife, and not reprimanding himself or Julien in the process. Whether he would hear from that later in the evening would be another story, but for this moment, he was relishing in the fact that not only did she allow it to transpire, but she even admitted that it was her most favorite title. No matter how he had been feeling at Heathrow that day and on other occasions, this one small instance, as well as the earlier kiss, solidified the fact that no matter how anti-public displays of affection she may be, she could periodically drop her guard and be the real her – the one that was madly in love with her dashingly tall and handsome Royal Navy Vice Admiral.
A short while later, Tim and Anne were fastening their seatbelts aboard a private jet that was about to leave France to take them the short distance back to London. Though she had some protection detail aboard, they seated themselves away to allow for privacy for the married couple.
“You will join me for the dinner tonight, won’t you?” Anne asked while tightening her seatbelt a little tighter as even after all the years of travel, flying was still not something she absolutely enjoyed.
“If you’d like for me to,” Tim replied softly and smiled at her.
“More than anything,” she stated while reaching over and taking his hand as she had elected to seat herself directly beside of him for the short flight. “I want to talk to you about what happened at Heathrow,”
“Anne,” Tim interjected, and she held up her other hand for him to stop.
“I’m sorry, Tim, truly. I know you simply wanted a goodbye hug or kiss, and for whatever reason, I was stupid enough to not allow that. Half the people in the airport, with all the hustle and bustle there, likely would not have even realized who I was. The look in your eye, Tim, that rattled me, and as I was halfway down the jet bridge, I turned to look back. I even stopped mid-stride and nearly caused a pile-up of people. I came back to the gate to look for you, but you had already left. I promise you that I will never do that again. The least I could have done was allow that. I could not even concentrate at the conference because I was so terrified that I had hurt you, so when you sent me that goofy picture via text, I nearly bit a hole in my jaw to keep from laughing aloud during one of the hideously boring sessions.
“I say all of that to say, the closer I got to leaving Switzerland and knowing I was going to see you here in France, I was excited. I never want to hurt you, Tim. I know I have my rule about not doing public displays of affection, but I need to get better about that. I do not need to be so selfish and jeopardize you, as I never want to do anything to lose you, my love. I love you more than anything, Tim, please know that.”
While she had been talking, he had been stroking her hand with this thumb as she had never let go of his hand. With his free hand, he reached over and cupped the side of her face.
“You’d have to do a lot more than not hug and kiss me in the airport to lose me, darling. Yes, there are times I’d love to show the whole world that you are mine because it drives me nuts every time, I see some article about the state of our marriage. I know, I know, you said to let it go, but sometimes it just haunts me. I never want to lose you. You are all I have left and all I live for. A man merely wants to show off his wife on occasion, especially when she just happens to be a princess,” he paused and leaned down to place a quick peck on her cheek before she could retort. “I can’t say what notion came over me that day at Heathrow, but I just had this weird sensation that I needed to touch you once more before you got on that plane.”
“If that ever happens again, Tim, just tell me and do not let me walk away because we’re not getting any younger, so we need to always act on our intuitions and feelings, right?”
He chuckled and studied her eyes deeply. “I’m not sure you’d allow me to act on my intuitions and feelings right now,” he added and arched an eyebrow.
“Tim!” she said a little too loudly realizing what he meant. “As much as I’d love to, we are not joining the mile high club again!”
They both chuckled for a few more moments before Tim continued.
“I do love you more than anything, never forget that. Are you upset about what happened today?”
She furrowed her eyebrows. “About what?”
“Being referred to as…”
“Mrs. Laurence?” she questioned and watched as he slowly nodded. It was her turn to place her tiny hand on the side of his face. “Not in the least. Today was your day, darling, and I was delighted to be standing by your side and supporting you as you’ve done countless times for me. You captured my heart many years ago. You own me, Tim. By all intents and purposes, I am Mrs. Laurence first and foremost. If I had to give up all my Royal Titles, I would not blink twice in doing so because as I told the gentleman today, Mrs. Laurence is my greatest and most honored title of all,” she stated softly and closed the distance to place a gentle kiss directly onto his lips.
They eventually broke the kiss and she lay her head against his chest and allowed him to pull her closer. When one of the flight crew came out to let them know that they were nearing London, she did not even flinch. She was content and happy in the arms of the man she loved and of whom was her beloved husband. Tim cradled her closer and kissed the top of her head.
“I love you, Mrs. Laurence,” he stated softly.
“I love you, too, Mr. Sir, Vice Admiral, whatever the hell your name is Laurence…”
“How about Mr. Princess Anne?”
She buried her face in his chest, and he could tell she was laughing.
“We have too many titles!”
“Then it’s just Anne and Tim, right?”
She pulled back and looked at him deeply and directly in the eyes.
“Always and forever, my love,” she stated, and he knew she meant it before she rested her head back on his shoulder while still holding each other’s hands as they remained like throughout the remainder of the journey back home to London.