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inaheartbeat-phff · 5 years

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Chapter 25

Wednesday, March 11th 2015, 12:00pm

Huis ten Bosch Palace, The Hague, The Kingdom of Netherlands

Arabella walked in a fast pace towards the dining room where her parents and sisters are waiting. Today, Arabella is leaving for London to kick start her UK and Ireland state visit. Even though the state visit is officially only 3 days long in each country respectively, Arabella will stay on in London for the week until Easter as right after that Harry will be leaving for his month long military attachment in Australia.

That Monday, as Harry leaves for Australia, Arabella is set to head back to the Netherlands and start her very busy month ahead of her. Jane had already briefed her on Arabella's agenda for April.

On the 6th of April, right after Easter Sunday, Arabella has to officiate a Greenhouse Opening. She will be bringing along her sisters for this particular engagement as it was a good exposure to the press and a good way for her three sisters to learn and experience something new.

The next day, which is the 7th of April, Arabella will be attending the Rotterdam Marathon as it is the biggest running event in Holland. She will also hand out the medals to the runners at the finish line. Especially the first hundred.

On the 8th of April, Arabella will be opening the National Museum week at Groningen Museum. She will travel by helicopter which is a 45 minute ride. Arabella always loved art and she also loved history so it is no wonder for her to open up museum week, as she had done so the past twelve years since she turned 18. She always alternate between which museums to start it off and there's always new artworks or paintings being put in the museum every year.

On the 10th of April, Arabella will view the Tulip festival around Amsterdam. She will look at the different creations of Tulips that people have done. It brings great creativity and makes Arabella proud of how her country looks like in the spring.

Arabella will have three days off, that means without engagements, Arabella still have meetings and paperwork to do and on the 13th of April, Arabella will be attending the Flower Parade at Haarlem. She will judge the floats and afterwards give the winner of the Parade and competition their rewards.

On the 13th of April, Arabella will be judging the Flower Parade and give the first, second and third place trophies to the winners. The rest of the week, she doesn’t have any public engagements but that doesn’t mean that Arabella's not working. In fact, during that seven days, Arabella will be visiting 5 different charities that she's a patron of as well as having a lot of meetings with her wedding dress designer and wedding planner.

On the 21st of April, Arabella will be handing out the medals for those who participate in the Amstel Gold Race and on the 23rd, Arabella will fly to London since she will attend the Anzac Day service with her godmother and fiancé's family on the 25th. The next day, she will meet Harry for the London Marathon and the following day, both Harry and Arabella will be heading back to the Netherlands to celebrate Koningsdag or also known as Kings day.

Kings day is a national holiday for the Kingdom of Netherlands as it is their monarch's day of birth. That day for Arabella will be filled with lunch and many activities to honour her father.

On the 29th of April, Arabella will be taking Harry to Keukenhof for the very first time, which she is excited for.

Arabella straightened up her knitted dress and her hair before nodding to the footman at the door. At that nod, the footman opened the doors to the dining room and announced her presence to her parents and sisters.

"Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Orange, Your Majesties." With that, Arabella entered the room and the footman closed the doors leaving the family of six alone.

Alexander and Maxima stood up upon their eldest daughter's entrance to the room while Amalia, Alexia and Ariane stayed in their seats. Arabella went up to her parents and gave a deep curtsy before kissing their cheeks and greet them.

"Afternoon, I hope I'm not too late." Arabella said as she took a seat on the right of her father. Alexander sits at the head of the table with Maxima on his left and Arabella on his right. Next to Arabella is Amalia and next to Maxima is Ariane with Alexia next to her. Everyone have their own designated seats with meanings behind them. Under protocol, Alexander sits at the head of the table since he is King. Arabella on his right signifies that she's his right hand, the heir to the throne. After Arabella is Amalia, the second in line to the throne. On Alexander's left is Maxima, his wife and Queen. Ariane being the youngest daughter, sits next to her mother with Alexia next to her.

Once Arabella marries Harry, during these dinners or luncheons, Harry will sit in the middle of Arabella and Amalia. However, once Arabella has a child of her own, Arabella will sit opposite of her father with her first child on her right and Harry on her left. But that wont be happening for a few years at least.

"Are you ready for the state visit?" Alexander asked his daughter as he cut up some salmon and put it in his mouth.

"I'm as ready as I always am for any state visit. It's even more nerve-wrecking since it's my future in-laws." Arabella told her father as she cut some salmon and eat herself.

"Well, planning this state visit we knew you were going to your then-boyfriend's territory anyways." Maxima piped up. "Take this as a step forward to getting to know the British people. If the people love you, when the time comes for the ceremony, there will be people out there who will try very hard to knock you down and the comparisons will begin. These people can defend you when you cannot do them yourself."

"We have very strict press rules regarding the royal family here in the Netherlands. I made sure of that myself. But over there, it's free press. They can say whatever they want to. I just want you to make sure this is what you want. It's not too late to back out now you know. Just giving you the option." Alexander finished off.

"No, I want to do this pa. I've finally found someone who understands the importance of duty over everything else, and he loves me the way I am. I'm not letting him go that easily." Arabella said. "Thank you for the choice and concern though but I'm doing this. I'm marrying Harry."

With that, the rest of the dinner went on fine. Arabella said goodbye to her family and they in return, wished her safe travels and good luck.

Arabella was then driven to the airport using her official car for overseas. It's a black SUV that have the plate number CPAN and Arabella's coat of arms in front of the car. The car usually travels with her for state visits with the neighboring or close countries to the Netherlands. However, if Arabella was to do a state visit that's is more than 6 hours or so, she would be provided a car from the country she is visiting.

Arabella is using her own plane to fly to the UK. As the crown princess of the Netherlands and the heir to the throne, for official visits such as state visits and such that represents the country, Arabella gets her very own big plane that can fit up to 100 people. At the back of the plane, there is a big ramp and a big space to store the state car that she will be using. Her staff and members of the designated press will be provided cars and places to stay during the visit in that particular country.

All of Arabella's staff members are already inside the plane and ready to leave along with a few members of press that is tagging along. Of course, in the UK, there will already be a lot of press but those that represents the Netherlands are flying together with her.

The pilot, co-pilot and flight attendants are waiting in front of the plane as usual waiting to greet her into the plane. As Arabella got out of the car, she can hear the press and their cameras clicking at a safe distance. At the bottom of the stairs that lead up to the Arabella turned around to face the press and waved for a while before turning back to face the stairs and begin her wait up. Once she's at the top of the stairs, she turned around again, face the small crowd and waved before heading inside the plane and greet the staff of the plane.

The journey to London is about an hour long from the Hague and Arabella flight took off at 1pm that afternoon. When the plane came to a stop in London City Airport, it was around 2 in the afternoon. It takes about half an hour for everyone inside the plane to get off. First to leave the plane was members of the press. There's a certain area a few meters from the plane where other press members and their cameras are waiting but there is a certain part there designated for the Dutch press. Seeing as it is their princess, they get good seats and views to take pictures. As Arabella's staff members exit the plane one by one, the staff on the ground rolled out a red carpet efficiently and quickly as a few seconds after they did, William, Kate and Harry stepped out of their car and into the tarmac. William, Kate and Harry rode to London City Airport in one car as when Arabella's are unloaded and ready to use, Harry will be riding with her to Horse Guards.

Once Will, Kate and Harry, in that order, was ready at the bottom of the stairs of the plane, Arabella at that moment stepped into view and stepped out of the plane and onto the top of the stairs.

Knowing that this was photographed, Arabella flashed a quick smile, smoothing down her coat as it was 9 degrees out, and began her journey down the stairs. She made sure to hold the railings tightly as it was a bit slippery and Arabella doesn’t want to fall and die.

Once she reach the bottom of the stairs, she raised her arms and waved at the press before walking towards her future brother in-law. With cameras clicking very loudly, she let out a small laugh as Will bowed his head slightly at her. With a smile he greeted her.

"Your Royal Highness." William smiled as he greeted Arabella with kisses on the cheeks. Knowing that the paparazzi and press can hear everything, he made sure to be formal.

"Prince William." Arabella replied as she returned the kisses as well. She then moved down the line to Kate and smiled at her.

"Your Royal Highness." Kate dipped into a small curtsy before kissing Arabella's cheeks.

"Duchess." Arabella let out a small smile returning the kisses before leaning away. Still holding on to Kate though, Arabella looked down and said, "Not much longer now." Which Kate then replied, "Two more months to go."

With a smile, Arabella stepped back and moved down the line to the last person and the one that the press is most excited about. They don’t know what will happen in regards to this meeting but they hope that Harry will lean in for a quick kiss. But knowing the Princess, that wont happen.

"Your Royal Highness." Harry greeted Arabella cheekily while bowing his head slightly. Since he's not married to Arabella yet and only the fourth in line to the throne.

"Prince Harry." Arabella smiled when he leaned in and kissed her cheeks. He knew that she doesn’t like PDA much and especially when she's out working.

The cameras behind them continued their annoying clicking and continued to do when Arabella gestured to the cars and said "Shall we." The four royals began their trek towards their awaiting vehicles.

During the time when Arabella got out of the car and greeted her fiancé and family, Arabella's staff managed to bring down her state car efficiently and got it ready in front, waiting for her to get in and make their way to Horse Guards.

William walked next to Arabella towards their car as Harry fall behind and walked with Kate following protocol. The walk towards their awaiting vehicles didn’t take long anyways, as it was only a few meters away from where the plane was parked.

There will be a total of six police motorcycles that are escorting Arabella and Harry to Horse Guards. Sadly, Will and Kate will not be joining them for Horse Guards but will see the two soon-to-be husband and wife later on that night, during the state dinner.

Arabella's staff, were given four/five vehicles to carry everyone and their supplies to St. James Palace, where they will be situated during the state visit.

"How are you William? Everything alright with Catherine and the pregnancy?" Arabella asked Will as they walked towards Arabella's car.

"I'm well and the baby is healthy. That's all I can ask for really. And this pregnancy seem to be much easier than with George before." Will replied.

"Well that's good to hear. You're coming tonight right?"

"Wouldn’t miss it for the world."

"Might pop by later after tea with your grandparents and Charles, I want to play with George before we have to go be adults."

"Well, he keeps asking where is aunty Belle and when is she coming to visit, so I doubt he's forgetting you anytime soon."

"That's good to hear." Arabella closed their conversation as they arrived before her car. She then looked back to her fiancé and asked, "are you coming with me?"

At this, the photographers went absolutely mad and started taking pictures rapidly.

"To Horse Guards?" Harry raised his eyebrows before answering, "yes."

"Well lets go then." Arabella reached to open her car door before Finn opened it for her. As she put on foot inside the car, she told Will and Kate, "Well, I'll see you both tonight then, the Queen of England awaits me." With a flourish hand wave that could rival that of the Queen Elizabeth movie portrayals, Arabella got in her car and Finn closed the doors for her.

"I guess that's my queue. I'll see the both of you later tonight." Harry bid goodbye to his brother and sister in-law before going around the car and into the car sitting next to Arabella. Once the doors closed, Arabella turned to Harry and said, "hi." In which Harry replied before giving her a smile.

Knowing that Arabella couldn’t properly kiss him since the flashes let the photographers see inside the car, Arabella reached out and held Harry's hand before smiling and looking out the window, waving goodbye to Will and Kate.

The journey to Horse Guards only took 20 minutes. When Arabella and Harry arrived, Queen Elizabeth II was already waiting to greet them along with the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

When the car came to a stop in front of the tent that held the British Royal Family, Finn got out of the car first before opening Arabella's door. The driver of the car, which happened to be Markus, on the other side, got out of the car as well and opened Harry's door.

Arabella made sure as she got out of the car, to keep her knees tightly together and put both feet firmly on the ground before getting out of the car fully. With so many eyes on her and everything probably being televised live, she doesn’t want to flash anyone unnecessarily. She smoothed out her coat, making sure that there is no wrinkles visibly, or at least, not so obvious, before straightening up her shoulders and head and smiled. Arabella looked straight ahead, to see that Queen Elizabeth had a big smile on her face.

Harry on the other hand, had gotten out of the car, buttoned up his suit jacket before rounding the car to Arabella's side. Knowing protocol (he had been drilled this since the tour schedule was sent over and the Queen's private secretary himself came over to Harry's office to remind him of the roles he need to play, "just because she is your fiancé doesn’t mean that she isn't the heir to the Netherland's throne and on an official visit representing her father. Remember, she is the crown princess, you are not married to her yet, you are only the fourth in line to the throne." Harsh, but effective.) Harry made sure that once Arabella start walking, he will be slightly behind her. Not directly behind her, but not side by side.

Arabella started her walk towards the Queen and once she is directly in front of her, Arabella gave Elizabeth kisses on her cheeks before going down and giving her a deep curtsy. Elizabeth just smiled widely when Arabella curtsy.

"How was your journey here?" Elizabeth asked her goddaughter making a bit of small talk before the ceremony begins.

"Smooth as a baby's bum, Your Majesty." Arabella replied cheekily, knowing that if anybody were to say that infront of the Queen, they would get reprimended. However, since it was Arabella and that she put a Your Majesty after that sentence, Elizabeth had to keep her lips tightly together so she wouldn’t burst out laughing.

During this exchange, the media and photographers went crazy. They snapped as many pictures they possibly can, making sure that they have the best quality and capturing every single moment. There's also a lot of video camera's taping this whole exchange for critiques all over the world to analyze this moment. This video will be on the internet with fans of royal protocols saying that The Princess of Orange have given the Queen of England the perfect curtsy.

Arabella got up from her curtsy only to move on to Prince Philip and did the same thing to show respect that he is in fact, the husband of a monarch. While Arabella was greeting Philip with a kiss and a curtsy, Harry greeted his grandmother with kisses on the cheeks as well as a bow of his head. He then changed places with Arabella was she moved to stand next to Elizabeth and greeted Charles and Camilla who was on the right of Elizabeth.

Once all the greetings was done, the military band starts playing the Kingdom of the Netherlands national anthem and after that, the United Kingdom's national anthem.

During this time, Arabella made sure to keep herself upright, for both anthems, as to not disrespect anyone. The order of the standings inside the tent goes like this:

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Her Royal Highness The Princess of Orange are front and center with His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh next to Her Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales next to The Princess of Orange. The Princess of Orange standing to the right of Her Majesty. Their Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall standing to the right of The Princess of Orange, but a little bit to the back.

This would actually be the first time Harry would attend the Horse Guard's Parade during a state visit. Usually he wont even be involved at all and were to do his own things such as meetings and such. Even though Harry was a senior member of the British Royal Family, state visits usually only include his grandparents, father, Step-mother, brother, sister-in-law, aunts and uncles. Even those usually only involve his uncle Andrew and Aunty Sophie.

Once the military band finished playing both the Netherlands and the UK's national anthem, Elizabeth turned to Arabella and asked her if they should start reviewing the guards now, in which Arabella replied with a yes.

While Arabella went to follow Elizabeth, Harry could see how everything and everyone was looking at the two duo. He could see how the world views his granny and his fiancé. It was magical to see and be able to respect these two women that he adores so much. Of course he has seen his granny in action so many times, with Arabella as well. It just seeing the two of them work the crowds and do their duties is amazing to watch.

"They're wonderful aren't they?" Philip leaned over to talk to his grandson. "Seeing the two of them in action always melts my frozen heart."

"Granddad, I think your frozen heart have melted years ago." Harry laughed. "But yes, they are incredible together."

"You should see them later on, now out here with the press, their personas are different. It’s like they have a switch to on or off whenever they’re in public." Philip continued on. It gets incredibly boring watching Elizabeth examine the guards after so many times.

"It amazes me how they do that sometimes. It's like one minute they are all proper and the next they relax and tell really dirty jokes." Harry talked to his grandfather while still watching what's happening in front of his eyes. This is still his first time watching these things live and not in front of a tv so he knew he better pay attention.

Harry thought to himself as he paid attention to every single detail happening in front of his eyes. He knew that even though this was his first time seeing the Guards of Honour parade, he was sure it wont be his last. Through his marriage with Arabella, it was a definite that he will accompany Arabella went they go on state visits and he's sure as hell know that he will one day do this as well, representing both his wife's as well as his grandmother/father/brother.

Before he knows it, both Arabella and his grandmother arrived back at their little tent, and back beside the two men in their original positions.

"Did you enjoyed the parade?" Arabella asked Harry as they both got comfortable inside their car on the way to Buckingham Palace forty five minutes later.

"It was something different." Harry thought for a moment before continuing. "I was never invited to these kinds of stuff before and it’s something new for me to experience. It was always Will and Pa accompanying granny for foreign state visits and I was always happy to be out of the limelight for that period of time."

"Well, I hope you will grow to enjoy these things and all things royal because that's how your life will be like when you're married to me. We will someday be King and Queen of a country and we do have to represent both The Netherlands as well as The United Kingdom from now on. You'll be accompanying me to all sorts of things, from state visits to banquets." Arabella told Harry as she reached over and held his hands.

"I think with you by my side, I feel like I can do anything. It still shocks me to see you doing your royal duties." Harry said.

"I hope you enjoyed it Henry."

"It's always nice to experience new things. It's even better to experience something next to you."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

6:10pm

White Drawing Room - Buckingham Palace, London

"Presenting Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Orange, Princess Arabella of The Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau, Heir-Apparent to the Kingdom of The Netherlands."

Arabella entered the room after being introduced wearing a caped dusty blue gown as well as her Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau sash. She is also wearing her Blue Crystal Cluster Tiara which was an engagement present from both her father and godmother. It is a tiara the public has never seen before, custom made for her.

Waiting inside the drawing room was Elizabeth, Philip, Charles, Camilla, William, Catherine and Harry. Other members of the Royal family is also attending the state banquet such as Edward and Sophie as well as Anne and her husband Timothy Lawrence, though they are already waiting inside the ballroom among everybody else.

Attending the state banquet is the Prime Minister, David Cameron and the Netherland's Foreign Minister and Ambassador, Simon Smits. There is also 150 people in attendance of tonight's state banquet. Representatives of Dutch charities in the UK, sportsmen, different people who represents the Dutch and English people.

As Arabella entered the Drawing Room, there was a videographer and a photographer on standby as this state banquet will be televised for once in British History as it was highly requested by a lot of the people.

Arabella greeted Elizabeth first with a deep curtsy and she can hear the photographer in the room clicking along his camera, not wanting to miss a single moment between Arabella and her godmother. As Arabella rise up again, she leaned in and gave Elizabeth kisses on the cheeks, before moving on to Philip who was standing next to Elizabeth.

Again, Arabella gave Philip a deep curtsy and when she stood up, she kissed both his cheeks before Philip brought up her hands and kissed the back of her palm. Arabella smiled softly at Philip before moving on to Charles and Camilla.

Since Arabella and Charles are the same rank, Arabella just softly smiled at him and greeted him softly before kissing both his cheeks. Charles in return kissed the back of her palm. Arabella greeted Camilla and kissed her cheeks before moving on to William and Catherine, who stood next to Camilla.

This time, as Arabella is a higher ranked royal than both William and Catherine, William just greeted her with kisses on the cheeks as well as a hand kiss, but Catherine gave a small curtsy, in which Arabella laughed and kissed both her cheeks.

When it came to greeting Harry, Arabella smiled at him lovingly before giving him kisses on both cheeks. The cameraman made sure to keep the camera focused on the engaged couple, waiting to see how they would greet each other.

Harry knew that Arabella liked to keep the PDA to a minimum and make sure to be professional, so when Arabella gave Harry a surprise and quick peck on the lips, he was stunned and surprised. He made sure though to keep his surprised face to a minimum and smiled softly at Arabella.

"You look gorgeous darling." Harry whispered softly to Arabella when they hugged shortly.

"Thank you, you look quite dashing as well." Arabella whispered back.

Arabella smiled softly at Harry before mentioning for him to follow her. Harry furrowed his eyebrows, not really sure what’s happening as he was never invited for these kinds of things. Ed made sure to briefly go through what's going to happen tonight but still, Harry was a little confused.

As they both made their way to Elizabeth, Arabella leaned in to Harry a little and told him that now they are going to have a photo session before moving on to another side room where the Prime minister and the Dutch Ambassador as well as a few other guests are waiting to be introduced to Arabella. Now, Harry would be presented as both a Prince of the United Kingdom as well as Arabella’s fiancé therefore, he would be presented right after Arabella to the guests before his father, step-mother, brother and sister-in-law.

Although being presented is nothing new to Harry, what was new for him was how he get to talk to these incredible people from different background before his father and brother. It really felt weird to him as of when he marries Arabella, he will take on Arabella's Royal ranking which is Heir to the throne. It is a big major leap from being the spare, fourth in line and now fifth in line to the throne.

He will be called and titled, 'HRH Prince of Orange' first and foremost before whatever dukedom his grandmother decides to give.

After meeting all these people, the Royals took their positions to go inside the Ballroom. Since Arabella is the reason why there is a state banquet in the first place and Harry is her Fiancé, he gets to enter with Queen Elizabeth while Arabella enters with Prince Philip, followed by Prince Charles and the Prime Minister's wife, Camilla with the Prime Minister, William with the Dutch Foreign Minister's wife and Kate with the Dutch Foreign Minister.

Harry rubbed his hands nervously as this is the first time he ever go inside a ballroom first accompanying his grandmother as he's usually always so far behind. He noticed that behind him, Arabella was giggling and joking with his grandfather.

"Are you nervous, Harry?" Elizabeth looked up from her position next to him.

"Just a little bit," Harry nervously laughed. "It’s the first time I'm entering next to you, Gran."

"Don't be nervous, my darling boy. Soon, you'll be hosting your very own state banquets in another country." Elizabeth lightly laughed before the fanfare started and the doors start to open.

Harry kept a small smile on his face, knowing that the entrance is being broadcasted live on BBC and SkyNews. He smiled at the guests as they made their way to the main table where they will be seated that night.

Harry will be seated on the left of Elizabeth with his father on Harry's other side, while to the right of Elizabeth will be Arabella with Philip on her other side. Next to Charles would be the Dutch Foreign Minister and his wife. On the other side of Philip would be the UK Prime Minister and next to him is Camilla and next to her will be the Prime Minister's wife. William and Kate will be seated in one of the tables on the left side of the room where a lot of the Dutch ambassadors as well as Dutch charity heads are seated.

Before dinner would commence, Elizabeth will make a small speech followed by Arabella as the guest of honor. Once the speeches are done, the national anthems will be played, The UK's national anthem followed by The Netherlands. Once those are done, dinner will commence.

"Your Royal Highness. The Duke of Edinburgh and I are delighted to welcome you to Buckingham Palace this evening. Through this State visit, we celebrate the enduring friendship which has enabled our two nations to prosper and grow, side by side, as trading partners, and as North Sea neighbors. This visit also provides the opportunity for great happiness, and to welcome old friends to my home. Through Your Royal Highness' visits and your acts of friendship, you have formed your own personal connection with the British people. From your ongoing visits to local shelters and centers to volunteering to read at the local hospitals."

"To this day, our close relationship greatly contributes to the economic and cultural life of Britain. The Netherlands are one of The United Kingdom’s largest European investors. We have a thriving Dutch community, and artistic and sporting exchanges are at an all time high. British universities are a top destination for Dutch students, and hundreds of Dutch and British scientists are teaching, researching and collaborating in both countries. Internationally we have a strong shared commitment to the transatlantic alliance, and it is no coincidence that of the last twelve Secretaries General of NATO, six have been either British or Dutch."

"Our deep bond is seen in our obligation to uphold the rule of law in the United Nations Security Council and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons based in The Hague. It is also evident in our daily co-operation to combat cross border crime and terrorism."

"I recall the State Visit of your great-grandmother Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard in 1972, when I spoke of how our nations’ close understanding and relationship would become increasingly important as a new configuration of Europe was emerging. As we look toward a new partnership with Europe, it is our shared values and commitment to each other, that are our greatest asset, and demonstrate that even through change, our enduring alliance remains strong, and as innovators, traders and internationalists we look with confidence to the future. As we continue to work together to ensure peace, prosperity and security, I am confident that this friendship between The United Kingdom and The Netherlands, which we greatly treasure, will continue to deepen, and to prosper."

Taking a deep breathe, Elizabeth raised up her glass of champagne and said "Ladies and Gentlemen, I invite you all to rise and drink a toast to Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Orange, and the people of The Netherlands."

Arabella smiled at her godmother before raising her glass as well. Together, they drank their drinks and set it back down on the table. Arabella then stood up and turn to her godmother and kissed her cheeks before hugging her tightly. Elizabeth let out a short chuckle knowing it was against protocol, but for the first time in during her reign, she didn’t care one bit about protocols and must haves.

Harry stood back a bit shocked knowing that Arabella is breaking protocol and that his granny let her but he soon controlled his face before anyone saw him.

It was now Arabella's turn to do her speech, so she took a deep breathe before standing up once again.

"Your Majesty, I am delighted to be able to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom, and above all to find you in good health, as vigorous and engaged as ever. I appreciate how special this occasion is. My great grandparents came here on a State Visit. My grandparents did too. Today it is my turn. And all within your long reign.

Last year you celebrated your Sapphire Jubilee. That is deeply impressive to someone who has yet to reach their Bronze Jubilee… In recent decades, you have seen your country, Europe and the world change enormously. The world looks to you as a trusted beacon in the midst of upheaval. Your ability to keep in touch with the times is striking. You even have an adventurous streak, as you showed six years ago at the opening of the Olympic Games.

In front of millions of viewers you played the role of the most fearless Bond Girl ever – with great panache!"

"The United Kingdom has given the world so much. We owe much of our prosperity to the skill of British inventors, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. Our culture has been enriched by the creativity of British artists, from Shakespeare to Monty Python and the Beatles. Today, global communication knows no borders, because English has become the world’s lingua franca. Many Dutch people feel a great affection for this country. The charms of the Fairest Isle extend to the other side of the Channel!"

"Your Majesty, I am most grateful that, by inviting me here, you have underlined the special bond between our Kingdoms. Now, more than ever, we must cherish that bond. You and your family are dear to us, and with you, we delight in all of life’s joyous and festive occasions, including those among the younger generations. Let me close by wishing you and your family every future happiness. I invite you to rise and join me in a toast. Your Majesty, to your health and happiness and that of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. And to the friendship between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of the Netherlands."

Arabella smiled before raising her glass to the Queen and Prince Phillip, everyone followed suit. They toasted to the British Royal Family before Arabella sat back down and the banquet begins.

Food begin to pour in, as servants start going to their tables bringing their meals and set them in front of the guests. Arabella made small talks Prince Phillip and the UK prime minister for a short while before talking and laughing with The Queen. They made light jokes throughout the evening.

Once dessert was served and settled in their stomachs, Arabella stood up from her seat and begin to walk down the main table towards the where most of the guests are seated with her private secretary, Jane following behind her.

Harry looked up from where he was seated when he saw Arabella leaving the table and turned to his grandmother to ask what Arabella was doing.

"She's making her rounds on the guests who came tonight." Elizabeth told her grandson smiling. "They took their time off their busy schedule to come and meet her tonight."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Arabella and Harry said their goodbyes to the Queen and everyone before retiring back to Kensington Palace.

On the ride home, Arabella turned to Harry and asked him how he felt that day.

"It was definitely an experience, Bel."

"Do you think you see yourself accompanying me to more of these pomp and stuff in the future? Going as far as having them in your honor itself?" Arabella turned to Harry looking up at him through her lashes.

"It's something that I will get used to and grow to love," Harry looked at Arabella lovingly. "It is definitely something I would do, in order to be with you until we're grey and old."

Next Chapter

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inaheartbeat-phff · 6 years

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Chapter 22

Thursday, 25th February 2015, 10:00am

Nottingham Cottage, Kensington Palace, London

Arabella has been sitting in her office since half past eight that morning, going through her schedule. Ever since her accident, she's been stuck indoors, so she's using that time to get caught up with her charities, parliament papers and a few wedding things.

She has officialized the wedding guest list, spoke with her graphic designer about the invitations as well as seating plans. The guest list she finalized contained mostly family, friends and staff members. Aunt Lilibet is taking care of those who are to be invited from the British military side, parliament members and politicians. Her father is taking care of the Dutch side of guests.

Arabella also got started on her wedding dress designer search. A lot of designers all around the world have sent in their portfolios in hopes for Arabella to pick them. Arabella remembered the day she went through the pile of portfolios.

It was a week after Arabella got discharged by her doctors and was told to take it easy. That day, Harry had an engagement for most of the day and will probably be back in the afternoon. Without him around, she will be able to resume some work, paperwork, forms and letters that needed her attention sat in a pile at the table. Today however, Eva and Jane came into Arabella and Harry's shared office carrying large piles of black folders.

"And what, may I ask, are those?" Arabella asked from her seat, looking up from the letter addressing her for the next parliament meeting.

"These, are your wedding dress designer portfolios. We need to confirm at least one by the end of the week to get the process started." Jane explained, putting her pile into the coffee table across where Arabella was sitting.

"At least one?" Arabella raised her eyebrows.

"You need to choose one for the main dress, the one in which you will wear during the ceremony. One for the reception hosted by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. One for the more intimate reception hosted by The Prince of Wales that night. One for the civil ceremony in Amsterdam, one for the reception at the Royal Palace hosted by His Majesty, King Willem-Alexander and finally one for the bridesmaids and maid of honor for the main ceremony." Eva told Arabella how many dresses she would need in total.

Arabella's eyes widened and her mouth dropped at the amount of dresses she needed made and how many designers she needed to find. She knew that as the crown princess of the Netherlands, she needs a designer that's Dutch, she also needs a designer that's British. Other than that, she can pay tribute to the commonwealth and so on for other things, such as her bouquet, shoes and jewellery.

With two piles of designers to go through, she called Pieter in and ask him for a glass of wine. She was then reminded by Pieter, that due to her medications, she's not allowed to have any alcohol. Arabella took a deep sigh before turning towards the pile of designers in defeat.

She stared at the pile for fifteen minutes straight trying to find a way to go through it. She doesn’t know where to start, she doesn’t even know what kind of design she wants. All she knows, is that her dresses must have sleeves, due to the wedding being held in October.

With a sigh, Arabella took the first portfolio from the pile and opened it. She was in the middle of flipping through the designs when Pieter knocked on the door. When Arabella called out a 'come in,' Pieter entered the room followed by the Queen of England herself, Queen Elizabeth II.

Surprised, Arabella closed her portfolio and stood up from her seat on the sofa. Following the Queen inside the room was none other than Arabella's step-mother, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. However, the surprise doesn’t stop there. Behind her Mama, was Queen Silvia of Sweden, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and finally Princess Caroline of Hanover.

Arabella gave a deep curtsy in front of her godmothers and aunts so that she doesn’t have to curtsy to them individually and a lot of time. Not that she needs to, since she knows that they all hate her curtsying to them, especially in private. One by one, she kissed their cheeks and greet them.

They all sat around the sofa, having settled down when Arabella finally got her voice back and ask them the question.

"Not that I don’t enjoy having you here, what on earth are you doing here, in my office, in London? I understand Aunt Lilibet, she lives like fifteen minutes away, but what about the rest of you? Don’t you have countries to run?" Arabella asked as Pieter came back inside the room carrying six glasses of red wine.

"Well, we heard that you're going to go through some wedding planning today, and thought maybe we can help you?" Silvia ended her sentence with a question, unsure of herself, so she took a sip of her wine.

"Seriously, why are you here?" Arabella asked again, not accepting Silvia's answer.

"Well dear, we had a talk amongst ourselves, and decided we would pick a day we were all free and fly over to spend it with you. We realize that we don’t spend time with you enough, and with that scare last week, we thought we would lose you." Maxima started off.

"It's just a coincidence that the day we chose to come by, you're doing some wedding planning." Elizabeth finished off.

"Honestly we were planning on doing some girl time, get our nails done, do our hair, maybe go shopping." Maria Teresa said. "Although I'm not sure how we're going to pull of the shopping bit." She thought after some time.

So together, the girls went through the portfolios. With each one, they had comments to say. Some they agreed, others they argued. The girls did make a good point, to not use any of their designers.

What Arabella would do, is that she would divide the portfolios into three piles. YES pile, NO pile and the MAYBE pile. With each portfolio, she would open it one by one, go through the designs, each has a profile of the designer, their background, where they're from and so on. Arabella read through the profile with the Queens cutting her off at certain points.

"Georgio Armani," Arabella started off before being cut off by her godmother, the princess of Hanover.

"No no. Not Armani." Caroline shook her head. "He's Italian."

"Yes, I think we all know that Caroline." Maria Teresa rolled her eyes.

"No, I meant that, it's not a good idea to have a designer that’s either not Dutch or British."

"That's a good point actually." Elizabeth pitched in. "Let's keep our choices more English and Dutch, or at least one from the commonwealth. How many designers do you need again?"

"Er, six I think." Arabella said after counting down the amount of ceremonies and receptions plus the one designing her maid of honour and bridesmaids dresses.

"Six?" Margrethe asked surprised. "Why on earth do you need six designers?"

"Well, I need one for the official ceremony, another one for the lunch reception, one for the night reception at Kensington, one for the civil ceremony at Amsterdam, one for the reception at the royal palace, and last one for the maid of honor and bridesmaids." Arabella said. "I figured if I ask one designer or two designers to do all six, they'll have a meltdown."

With that, the five Queens and two princesses go through the many piles of portfolios. Some went to the 'No' pile, some go to the 'Maybe' piles and some go to the 'Yes' pile. They went through most if not all the portfolios and came to a conclusion. The six wedding dress designers will be Olivia van der Berg, Addy Van Den Krommenacker, Christopher Bailey, Jan Taminiau, Vera Wang, and Alice Temperley. They're all balanced with three Dutch dressmakers and three British dressmakers.

Once they were done deciding the designers, they talked about which tiara she would be wearing and talked about everything they possibly can.

"Bella darling, How are you feeling? How's the dreams?" Maxima asked her step-daughter in concern. She can see that Arabella hasn’t gotten enough sleep, with the accident only a week ago, she's concerned about her step-daughter's wellbeing.

"It's been okay mama, it comes and goes," Arabella shrugged.

"Well, trauma like that leaves a lasting impression dear." Elizabeth piped up. "I couldn’t sleep for ages after the war. Royals or not, we were never safe during that time."

"I don’t particularly remember the war itself, but I remember the aftermath. It was a very difficult time for the world." Margrethe said.

"What I'm saying dear, you have to let people in and let your feelings out. It's okay to talk about it. Just know that we're all here for you. Just give us a call and we'll answer." Elizabeth said and the rest nodded their heads.

"Thank you." Arabella smiled before giving each one of her godmothers a hug. "I don’t think I can go through this without you and your support."

They talked for hours before moving to the dining room to have afternoon tea. That's where they were when Harry found them that evening.

When Harry went through the doors that evening, he was greeted by voices of women's laughter and the first thing that he thought was that 'Arabella has some girl friends over. She sounds like she's having fun.' Harry loosened up his tie and ran his fingers through his hair. He then took off his suit jacket as well as rolled up his sleeves.

He followed the laughter and found Arabella in the dining room. Harry got the shock of his life when he entered the room. He was looking down and rolling up his sleeves as he enter the dining room and heard his grandmother's voice. That was when his head snapped up and look around the room where his fiancé was currently sitting at and around her were 5 Queens and 1 Princess.

Harry clumsily bowed his head before moving deeper into the room and kissed his fiancé's cheeks first. He then moved around to kiss both his grandmother's cheeks as well as Maxima's cheeks. From then on, he went around the table and kissed everyone else's cheeks.

Harry had never once in his life had so many monarchs sitting in his dining room table, each of them dressed down and comfortable. It shocked Harry. He doesn’t think that his brother has ever had this many monarchs in his house all at once. He needed to call his brother. He didn’t know what to do. So Harry excused himself and went upstairs to his room and called his brother.

"Harry?" William picked up the phone.

"There's five Queens and one princess in my dining room." Harry blurted out without even greeting his brother.

"I'm sorry, what?" William asked confused.

"Who is it darling? Who's calling?" Kate asked from behind William.

"It's Harry." He answered.

"Well, put it on loud speaker." Kate remarked before taking a seat next to her husband. "How's it going Harry?"

"There's five Queens and one Princess in my dining room." Harry breathed out.

"Yes, I'm sure you've got them in your dining room, they usually have painting of Queens in different rooms." Kate replied.

"No, I mean that there are five breathing Queens and one Princess in my dining room, laughing about something." Harry pressed on.

"What?" William asked, still confused.

"Granny, is in my dining room wearing trousers and a shirt. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands is downstairs as well as Queen Silvia, Queen Margrethe II, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Princess Caroline, are all downstairs having tea with Bella." Harry said it all in one breath.

"Breathe Harry." Kate said soothingly over the phone. "I'm sure they're all there to help Bella with the wedding preparations. This is going to be the first inter royal wedding since the 1980s between to reigning houses and being so close to the line of succession."

"Remember, she doesn’t have to just appease to the Brits, she has to also make sure that she includes Dutch traditions as well." William piped up. "Damn Harry, why couldn’t you just marry a normal person, you could have that more intimate ceremony you wanted."

"Honestly, even if right now I am absolutely terrified that there is so many women styled as Her Majesty in my dining room, I wouldn’t change it for anything. She completes me without me having to change anything about myself. If I could have the chance to pick a different choice and marry someone else, I wouldn’t." Harry replied to William.

"Then you have your answer right there. I know you're terrified brother, but look, in the end, you'll have the love of your life beside you." William said. "Go downstairs Harry and be with your fiancé."

With that, the three of the them said their goodbyes to each other and hang up the phone. Harry took a deep breath before slipping his phone to his back pocket and make his way back downstairs.

When he reached the dining room, there was no one there except for Arabella and for a moment he let out a huge breath of relief.

"Where did everyone go?" Harry asked Arabella from the doorway.

"They left, something about leaving us to ourselves," Arabella replied as she stood up from her seat and walk towards him. "Are you okay? You seem a bit off when you arrived."

"I'm fine. Just a bit startled at who was in our dining room." Harry told Arabella.

"Startled?" Arabella asked questioningly before realising what he meant. "Oh, you mean having my godmothers here?"

"Right. Well you see, when I came into the room, I was expecting you to be with your girl friends, non royal, non majesty, girl friends. So imagine my shock when I entered the room seeing you surrounded by five monarchs and a princess." Harry scratched his neck.

"Well, I'm sorry. They flew into town to help me with some of the wedding preparations. They helped me decide my designers as well as which tiara to wear so that’s great." Arabella told Harry. "Why don’t I show you how sorry I am for startling you just now?"

Arabella smiled coyly at him before taking his hand and pulling him up the stairs to their bedroom.

Arabella smiled when she remembered what happened afterwards. Safe to say that Harry accepted her apology.

Arabella sighed and opened the huge folder in front of her. She started her pile and quickly got into working mode. Today, because she has a lot of work to you, her lunch was brought to her and while doing some paperwork for her charities, she ate a chicken and cheddar wrap.

It was two in the afternoon when she had an interruption to her paperwork.

"Mr. Adam, Your Royal Highness." Pieter announced before bowing and leaving the room. Adam entered shortly after and with his was a folder marked with 'Staatsbezoek'.

"Is that the final schedule for the UK visit?" Arabella looked up.

"Yes, ma'am." Adam nodded. "The visit is has been shortened. The final dates are from the 11th of March until the 20th. The official UK dates are from the 11th until the 13th. On the 18th until the 20th you will undergo the visit to Ireland ma'am."

"Three days of official duties and four days of break in between?" Arabella asked rhetorically. "That's better actually. I wont actually lose my mind. I'm guessing I'm staying at Buckingham for the official days and Kensington during the days off?"

"Yes ma'am." Adam said.

"Wonderful. Now about the schedules?"

"On the 11th of March, you will arrive from Huis ten Bosch at one in the afternoon and will go to the Netherland's Embassy where you will be greeted by Prince Henry of Wales there. From there, the both of you will head to the Horse Guards Parade for the ceremonial welcome. Her Majesty The Queen will receive you there as well as the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, and Duchess of Cornwall. They will play the Netherland's national anthem before the British' National anthem once you've greeted the Queen. After that the Queen will invite you to inspect the Guards of Honour. Once that's done, you will be escorted to Buckingham Palace, by a large number of mounted soldiers from the Household Cavalry as well as a gun salute fired from Green Park and The Tower of London." Adam then paused before continuing. "You'll have a private tea session with the Queen and family before getting ready for the State Banquet that night at Buckingham Palace Ballroom. Members of Parliament, Government bodies as well as the Netherlands representatives and charities will be attending. The order of procession will be:

Her Majesty The Queen with HRH The Princess of Orange

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with HRH Prince Henry of Wales

HRH The Prince of Wales with the Netherland's Ambassador

HRH Duchess of Cornwall with the Netherland's Ambassador's wife

HRH The Duke of Cambridge with the British Prime Minister

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge with the British Prime Minister's wife

Representatives of the Netherland's Charities based in London"

Arabella listened to Adam as he listed out what she was doing the first day. As she listen to Adam, she read through the papers that listed down the people attending the state banquet. The dinner will have around 150 people that range from politicians to charities pertaining to the Netherlands.

"On the 12th of March, at ten in the morning, Your Royal Highness will attend breakfast given by the Lord Mayor and the City of London Corporation at Mansion House alongside the Earl and Countess of Wessex. After that, Your Royal Highness will visit Westminster Abbey to lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior and prayers will be said by the Dean. Straight after, you'll go to the Palace of Westminster to give a short address in the Royal Gallery to Parliamentarians and other guests. Later that night, you'll attend the Victoria and Albert Museum Alexander McQueen Gala." Adam told Arabella the second day of the tour.

"Have Aleta and Gerrit prepare the short address for that day. Have them email to me the speech by next week." Arabella remarked before turning the page. Aleta is Arabella's communication's secretary, she handles all of Arabella's speeches and remarks.

"The last day of the tour, March 13th, The Queen will give you a tour of a special exhibition in the picture gallery that's made up of items from the royal collection related to the Netherlands. After that, you'll have a private lunch with the Queen and Family. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Dutch Centre in London."

"And that's it for the first part of the visit?" Arabella asked Adam.

"Yes. Ma'am." Adam confirmed.

"Right, let's move on to the second part of the Visit." Arabella said. "This will be the first time a non-British royal will visit Ireland."

"Yes ma'am. The first day will be on Wednesday, 18th of March after St. Patrick's day. You'll be leaving London after lunch. Once you're there, you'll head off to Aras an Uachtarain and welcomed by President Michael D. Higgins and his wife. You'll have afternoon tea with the President and his wife before going back to the hotel to get ready for the dinner hosted by the President, where you'll be introduced to a lot of the Irish cultures and people."

"The president have dogs right?" Arabella asked Adam and when he nod his head, she continued, "Tell Anna to get a gift for them, dog related."

"Will do Ma'am. On the 19th of March, your royal highness will go to the Gaelic Sports Festival at Croke Park which is home of the Gaelic Athletic Association. After that, you'll head over to the Famine memorial. The last visit of the day will be to EPIC, which is an Irish Emigration Museum."

"I'm guessing lunch will be at Croke Park."

"Yes Ma'am. The third and final day, 20th of March, your royal highness only have two places to go before heading back to Huis ten Bosch. First place you're visiting is Trinity College and see the Book of Kells and learn about Ireland's culture and heritage. After that, you'll visit DogPatch labs. It's a co-working space for technological start-ups, so you'll meet children and young people taking free coding workshops and so forth." Adam finished up.

"Is that everything?" Arabella asked.

"Yes ma'am." Adam concluded before handing the paper where Arabella needs to sign to officialize everything. Once Arabella signed off, he left the office and Arabella went back to her paperwork in front of her.

She finished off her work at six that evening and stretched her body. She handed off the final designer list to Eva for her to contact them, she also gave Sara the name of the tiara she's using for the UK state banquet, which is the Blue Crystal Cluster Tiara that she got from her father and godmother, Queen Elizabath. This will be the first time Arabella is wearing this tiara in public. This tiara is custom made for Arabella using stones from the Queen's personal collection.

Arabella thought to herself as she packed her papers and folders. She's heading back to the Netherlands the next day. Harry has an engagement at Haydon Bridge in Northumberland the next day. It's his first official engagement of the year, technically speaking so he has to go. After that though, he's going to the Netherlands to join Arabella for a few weeks before heading back to London to prepare for his trip to Australia. It's a month long military attachment in Australia and towards the end of his attachment, he'll be back in the public spotlight. Arabella doesn’t mind that he's going away for a month. It's in Australia and she knows that it's been planned for ages.

It's also the last time he's going to be in the army. This is the last thing he's doing before resigning active service, which Arabella is glad about. He's resigning to take a more senior role in the British Royal family as well as be the crown prince of the Netherlands.

Arabella honestly couldn’t wait until her wedding with Harry, she cant help but wish that time would move faster and she'll be with the love of her life.

Next Chapter

#chapter 22 #prince harry #phff #in a hearbeat #in a heartbeat phff #prince harry fanfic #princess arabella #british royal family #Dutch royal family

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inaheartbeat-phff · 6 years

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Chapter 21

Saturday, February 14 2015, 9:00am

Nottingham Cottage, Kensington Palace

Arabella woke up to a bright bedroom, she didn’t remember sleeping with the blinds open the night before, she also didn’t remember sleeping alone in the big bed. Still with her eyes closed, she felt around the bed, mostly reaching out to Harry's side of the bed, before opening her eyes slowly.

Her eyes blinked as she tried to get used to the brightness before sweeping her eyes across the room. Throughout the room, she can see the place still messy, clothes from last night every where in the room, documents from the parliament piled up on top of the desk at the corner of the room and a little bit of food was still on the table at the foyer of their master bedroom.

Stretching her arms over her head, she rolled over and got out of bed. On her bedside table, she has her phone charged, a lamp as well as a book she was reading before she went to bed. She was reading a book by her dear friend Michelle Obama, that was sent to her early before the release so that Arabella was able to read it. It was called Michelle Obama: A Life. Inside, before the book started, was a written note by Michelle herself to Arabella, it said, "To my dearest friend, Bella. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do and found it helpful in your journey to leadership. I wish you all the luck in the upcoming days and all the best. Can't wait to see you again, hopefully soon."

She took her phone out of the charging port and sat herself up, leaning on the head of the bed. She opened her iPhone and checked her emails before going on the official twitter and instagram accounts to see what her people have been saying and to find current issue in the pop culture. Things that is somewhat important to her line of work.

After going on YouTube and getting sucked into watching a few beauty videos, Arabella got sucked into watching a few gossip channels and see what the social media world have been talking about her and the people she knows. It funny looking at what normal people think about their day to day lives and when they get things wrong about how her life works. That's why she's making a documentary on her life, so that people can see that she does work like other people, similar but not so similar.

Arabella's work refers to her being the crown princess, she goes to her offices and go to meetings all day, she goes in at 9 am and finishes at 5 pm. Sometimes she has engagements to go to, sometimes she has to stay late. She gets paid for her work, sure some are voluntary works but most of the things she does, do get paid by her government.

Once she finally realize that she's been watching YouTube videos for an hour, she moved on to her messages and go through her family group chats first. She has many group chats. Contrary to popular belief, many if not all of her family members have their own phones and they connect with each other through the group chats.

Arabella has many group chats, she has one with her immediate family, one with her godparents, one with her best friends, one with most of the European royals that’s in the similar age group, one for just her girlfriends and finally one with Harry's cousins and his aunt who is closer to them.

She took her time going through the group chats one by one. She first opened the one with her family in it, her father, grandmother as well as step-mother. The texts that she got were mostly good mornings as well as some happy valentines. Her father asked her grandmother what were her plans today and that reminded Arabella where Harry was. Her fiance is always beside her when she wakes up except the times when he was deployed or if he has an engagement early that morning. Sometimes, even those engagements that are very important, the ones that her Aunt Lilibet usually attends, Arabella goes as well.

Once she was done replying and reading her texts, she stretched once more before getting up from the bed and putting on her fluffly sandals. She then move her way through the room to the coat hanger on the corner of the room, and put on her robes. Her robes were a custom silk robe with her name crystalized at the back and at the front of her robes, on the left side is her monogram engraved. Her robe was a gift to her from Cartier, a few years ago.

She tied her robes and with her phone in her hands, she went to the dining room to have her breakfast. It's a late morning for her, usually she's awake at seven or eight in the morning so that her day can start. Today however, she took her time relaxing and Arabella knows that she has nothing on today, since one, it's a Saturday, and two, Harry made sure she's only back to normal work at the end of the month, starting off with a joint engagement with Harry.

Again, she took her time with her breakfast as well as reading her morning paper. Arabella was sipping her morning tea when her phone lit up on the table next to her plate. She put down her cup and reached over to take the phone. There on the screen is a series of text messages from Harry.

"Get ready by 2, I'm taking you out."

"Dress comfortably."

"Happy Valentine's day baby."

"I love you"

With a smile and a shake of her head, Arabella wiped her mouth and stood up from her seat before making her way out of the dining room and into her walk in closet to find something to wear.

The weather is still quite cold outside so she chose a black turtle neck paired with black skinny jeans some heeled boots. She also took her oversized red coat and brought it out to the her bedroom so she would remember to wear it later on. Arabella then went to the bathroom and did her morning routine (shower, brush her teeth, put on her make up, etc.). She then put on her outfit for the day, some red earrings as well as her boots on before taking her coat and hand bag in her hands and leaving the room.

Arabella went down to the ground floor on Nottingham Cottage.

The cottage has two stories. One ground level and an upper level. It's a small cottage, with only two bedrooms, an office, a big dining area, a kitchen, a pantry, 2 and a half baths, one receiving area, one living room and one tv room. The ground floor has a big dining area, a kitchen, a receiving area, the living room as well as the guest bathroom. The second floor has the two bedrooms and two baths, a small pantry area, a small dining room for just Harry and Arabella for breakfasts and a tv room.

None of her staff actually live in the cottage with them except for Harry and Arabella. Pieter and Mina comes in everyday at 6:30am through the staff door and would leave at 9pm after dinner and once everything is back in its place. Sara and Anna, Arabella's ladies in waiting would usually come in at around 8 in the morning and would leave at five pm. Most of her staff lives in Kensington Palace staff quarters while some is staying at St. James Palace.

When she reached the receiving room at the front of the house, Pieter was waiting for her by the front door with a to go cup of hot chocolate. Arabella handed him her back so that she can wear her coat. Pieter took her bag as well as the hot chocolate and put them down at the side table so that he can help her with her coat.

"Thank you Pieter." Arabella thanked him as she secures her coat around her and was handed her bag as well as the hot chocolate.

"Have a great valentine Ma'am." Pieter bowed to Arabella in which she returned with a smile before going out the front doors and into the awaiting cars with Finn, Max and Lucas.

With Barend and Liam still recovering from the accident, Markus is her primary chauffer. When Arabella saw her three protection officers, she knew that she must be going somewhere and not stay in London. Ever since the accident, if she were to go anywhere outside of London, all her protective officers have to follow her.

Arabella smiled at them and thanked Finn, who opened her door for her before going inside the car. Finn got in to the passenger seat while Lucas and Max went inside the car behind her. Markus started the car and off they go to an adventure that Arabella doesn’t know.

Arabella tried asking Finn or Markus where she was going, but it was to no avail. They wouldn’t budge one bit. Sighing, Arabella looked out the window and stare at the bustling city as they pass by.

Arabella must have dozed off to sleep because the next thing she knew, was that she was being shaken awake by Finn telling her that they have arrived. Stretching a little, she looked outside her window to see that she was at the private airport and that her private jet was waiting for her in the tarmac. Shaking out her hands, she stepped out of the car and looked around her surroundings. Noticing that Harry wasn’t anywhere to be found. She turned back to look at Finn and asked him where her fiance was. To that, he just shrugged and checked the perimeters.

She straightened herself before walking towards the jet and see her staff lining the stairs to greet her. Putting on a polite smile, Arabella greets them and chatted with them a little, trying to get some information out, but it didn’t work as well. They just smiled and kept quite.

Arabella went up the stairs of the plane and to her utmost surprise, she saw Harry inside the plane with his signature blue suit holding a bouquet of white roses. Smiling, she walked towards him and kissed him slowly.

"Hi." She whispered against his lips.

"Hi there." Harry smiled back. "Happy Valentine's day my love."

Smiling up at him, Arabella kissed him softly before saying, "I love you." She then pulled away and took a seat by the window. Harry followed after her and took the seat next to hers. When they finished strapping themselves in, Harry leaned over and kissed her on the cheeks before taking her hands in his and leaned back in his chair.

Arabella smiled sweetly at him before looking out the window.

"Good afternoon Your Royal Highnesses, this is Captain Jones speaking, it's a beautiful weather outside today, the flight will roughly be an hour long for us to reach our destination. Buckle in your seatbelts, we are about to take off soon."

When the captain was done speaking over the intercom, Arabella turned to look at Harry and admire how he looked from the side. His left hand holding Arabella's while the other was on his phone playing candy crush. She admired how his brows furrowed together as he try to figure out what move to make next. How he bit the bottom of his lips and scrunch his nose when he realize that it was a wrong move. The way his jaw clenches and he sighs in exasperation when he runs out of moves. Arabella is utterly and undeniably in love with Harry. There's no doubt about it.

"I can see you staring." Harry said as he continue to play his game.

"I'm not staring, I'm gazing." Arabella said before leaning over and kiss his stubbled jaw. His stubbles stings her lips for a second.

"Hm, well take a picture, it'll last longer."

"If you say so." Arabella then took out her phone and quickly snapped a picture before putting it back in her bag.

Shaking his head, Harry just laughs and continue playing his game. A few minutes later, the flight attendant came by and handed them some hot towels. They then proceed to check their seat belts and asked if any of them wanted any refreshments before take off. Once they collected back the hot towels, the captain announced that they were taking off soon.

The plane increased its speed and started taking off the runway, once they were up in the air and had leveled up, Arabella turned to Harry and start asking him where they were headed.

"So, where are you taking me babe?"

"Why don’t you wait and find out?" Harry said, turning to face her.

"Are we going to Edinburgh?"

"No."

"Amsterdam?"

"No."

"Dublin?"

"No."

"Berlin?"

"No."

"Come on babe, just tell me." Arabella whined.

"Nope." Harry smirked at her.

"Paris?"

With that, Harry turned away from Arabella.

"Ha! It's Paris isn't it? You're taking me to Paris?"

"Well, we'll see about that, won't we?" Harry turned back to look at her.

"Just admit it, I'm right." Arabella said. "You're taking me to Paris for Valentine's Day."

"Yes alright! I'm taking you to Paris." Harry grumbled. Arabella just smiled widely, looking like she just won the lottery. Harry just frowned, feeling a bit put out that Arabella figured out where they were heading.

"Oh, don’t look so glum babe." Arabella poked Harry in the stomach. She then proceeded to unbuckle her seatbelt and lean over to whisper in his ear. "Why don't you come to the room, and I'll make it up for guessing where we were going." She then nibbled lightly on his ear lobe and stood up, went over Harry, making sure to push her behind close to Harry's face as much as she can before walking to the bedroom, swaying her hips.

Harry just followed her with his eyes, checking her out, before unbuckling his seatbelt and stood up quickly. Following her to the bedroom at the back. He realized that the door was closed and quickly opened it. He then saw her lying across the bed looking very sexy.

"Princess, you've been a very naughty girl." His voice dropped low and husky, closing the door behind him and crossing the room. "A very naughty girl."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

An hour later, they emerged from the bedroom, both satisfied and a little flushed. Other than that, there is no signs of what happened inside the room. They both head back to their seats just in time for the captain to announce that they were starting their decent.

Arabella and Harry buckled their seatbelts and held each others hands. Harry leaned and kissed her forehead before smiling contently. The plane landed smoothly and when the plane was on park, the pilot as well as the co-pilot came out of the cockpit and lined up against the exit of the plane together with the flight attendants to bid farewell to the royal couple.

Arabella and Harry stepped off the plane and was greeted by the royal car bearing the Netherlands flag. One thing it was missing though, is Arabella's coat of arms. This ensures that even though they get the privileged things such as parking everywhere and anywhere, without them knowing that it’s Arabella and Harry. It's very easy to go places with these flags, even better when she has her coat of arms up there too.

When they were both settled in the car and buckled up, Arabella turned to Harry and asked him more questions pertaining about the day. It's currently one in the afternoon and Arabella start feeling a bit hungry.

"So, where are we going for lunch?" Arabella nudged Harry on his side.

"I'm going to tell you now, so that you wont bother me later on." Harry scratched the back of his neck. "We're staying here over night and head back to London tomorrow afternoon. I booked the Belle Etoile Suite in Le Meurice Hotel. I've got lunch prepared for us there and then we are headed to the Palace de Versailles for a private tour. They closed it down for us today. Then we're going back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. No I am not telling you where we are going to have dinner."

With that, Arabella just sighed and slouched back into her seat. She leaned up and kissed his cheeks and took hold of his hand. She then looked out the window and see Paris flash through outside.

About half an hour later, they arrive at the Le Meurice Hotel. The General Manager, bell hopper and a line of staff was there to greet them. As the car came to a stop, the general manager stepped forward and the bell hopper, went around the car towards the boot to take their luggage. Arabella didn’t even know that they packed some stuff. They greet the general manager and was shuffled inside, out of the cold and into the warm air. There wasn’t much people in the Lobby, so they breezed through it to a lift at the end of the lobby. It was hidden behind a pillar so if you're not looking for it, you wouldn’t find it. In front of the lift was two security guards standing with their arms together. That made sure that no one can go up. This is a private lift, that can access their suite.

The first thing when Arabella walked into the room, was the main living area place.

The suite have four bedrooms. The master will obviously be for Harry and Arabella. One of the extra bedroom will be their surveillance room as well as the equipment room, where they store their guns and everything. The last two rooms will be shared between the four protection officers that came with them.

Once they've all settled down, Harry brought Arabella outside to have lunch at the terrace by the Eiffel Tower. They had some French Cuisines as well as some champagne.

During Lunch, Harry couldn’t help but marvel at how beautiful Arabella looked with the Eiffel Tower behind her. He cant help but sneakily took out his phone and snapped a picture.

After lunch, Arabella went back to the room to change into something more comfortable. She changed into a knitted oversized grey sweater, white skinny jeans and white boots. She also opted to go for hooped earrings and a simple white watch. To top of her outfit, she took her grey long coat.

Once Arabella was ready, they headed off to their destination which was Palace De Versailles. The journey itself took 45 minutes. When they reached the Palace, they were greeted by the guide at the Royal Courtyard.

Harry and Arabella stepped out of the car, and walked towards the tour guide who was waiting at the top of the stairs. When they got close, the guide did a small curtsy and introduced herself.

"Good afternoon, your royal highnesses. My name is Alice Valois and I will be your guide today." She had a soft French accent and shook both Harry's and Arabella's hands.

"Good afternoon." They both answered her.

Once the introductions was done, they started the tour. Arabella has been to Palace de Versailles once a few years ago, for an official visit, but there's something about touring with her soon-to-be husband that makes this tour feel like it was her first time seeing it. As for Harry, this will be the first time he's in France since his mother's accident. He feels as if he was ready for Paris, to see it's beauty that people can see that isn't tinted by his mother's accident. And what better way than to go with his soon-to-be wife.

They started off the tour going to the first floor and into the Royal Chapel.

"Construction of the Royal Chapel was completed in 1710 at the end of the reign of Louis XIV. It was the fifth and final chapel built in the palace since the reign of Louis XIII. The design was presented to the King by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in 1699. The building's overall design were inspired by Gothic architecture. The Chapel was dedicated to Saint Louis, the patron saint of the King and an ancestor of the royal house, and included references to the Sainte-Chapelle of Paris which he had founded. The vaulted ceiling is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Every day the Court attended the King’s mass, which was usually held in the morning at 10. The sovereign sat in the royal tribune surrounded by his family. The ladies of the Court occupied the lateral tribunes, while the Officers and members of the public were seated in the nave. The king never descended into the nave except during religious celebrations when he took communion, ceremonies of the Order of the Holy Spirit, and the baptisms and weddings of the Princes and Princesses of the Realm which were held there from 1710 to 1789." Alice explained to the couple as they looked around the place.

Once they're done with the Chapel, they moved on to the King's Apartments.

"Louis XIV made several adjustments to his Private Apartments. The most major changes were carried out in 1701 when the King’s Chamber was moved to its current location, in the centre of the façade of the Marble Courtyard. As in all royal residences, the King’s Apartments contained the customary succession of rooms: a Guard Room, two antechambers, a chamber and a cabinet. Access to these rooms was subject to strict hierarchy and controlled by etiquette. Beyond them was the king’s private domain, which, as a matter of principle, no one could enter unless invited." Alice remarked before entering the first room which was the Guard Room.

"Like in all royal residences, the Guard Room marks the entrance to the King’s Apartments. Its decoration is deliberately understated. The king’s guards were stationed here to ensure the sovereign’s protection and were changed over every 24 hours. During the day their camp beds were folded up and stowed away behind screens. The little sculpted decoration there is contains references to fighting, in tribute to the room’s role. A painting by Parrocel that hangs over the fireplace, Battle featuring the King's guards (1684), honours the guards." Alice said as they look around the room.

The next room they entered was The Royal Table Antechamber.

"The Royal Table Antechamber was where Louis XIV used to dine in public from 1690, after the death of the queen and the Dauphine. Every evening a table was laid in front of the fireplace, and the king sat with his back to the hearth. The room is decorated with a series of 11 battle paintings by Joseph Parrocel, and a 12th depicting the Battle of Arbella, by Guillaume Courtois." Alice explained before moving on to the next room which was The Bull's Eye Antechamber.

"The second antechamber in the royal apartments, the Bull’s Eye Antechamber, is named after the circular window which brings light into the room on the southern side. This room was originally divided into two by a partition wall and was composed of the antechamber and the King’s chamber, in which the bed was placed in the left-hand corner next to the current fireplace. Frustrated by the small size of these rooms, which could barely contain all the courtiers in attendance when he got up and when he went to bed, Louis XIV decided to knock down the wall in 1701 and combine the two rooms into one. He moved his bedroom into the following room, which at the time was just a salon." Alice started off.

"The Bull’s Eye Antechamber occupies a strategic position in the Royal Apartments. To the north it leads to the King’s Chamber; to the west, the tall glass windows open directly onto the Hall of Mirrors, enabling courtiers to enter and leave the King’s Apartments; a door in the southern wall to the right of the window leads to the Queen's Apartments, while a staircase in the eastern wall leads to the Dauphin's Apartment on the ground floor." Alice walked around the room and pointed out where the others can be located as she explain.

Arabella and Harry walked around the room and examined the paintings on the walls. Once they were finished, they moved on to the next room which was the King's Bedchamber.

"In 1701, Louis XIV moved his bedchamber into the large room covering nearly 90m² and situated in the centre of the eastern façade of the Palace. Three tall doors at the end of the room leading to the Hall of Mirrors were sealed. Above these, Nicholas Coustou created the allegorical stucco of France watching over the King’s sleep, which hangs over the bed. The King’s Bedchamber is the most important and symbolic room in the Royal Apartments and was used at several times of the day: during the king’s “getting up” and “going to bed” ceremonies, when he dined in private, and when he received certain courtiers or ambassadors. Louis XIV died in this room on 1 September 1715 after a reign of 72 years." Alice explained the background of the room before moving across the room to describe some of the paintings.

After she pointed out which painting was which, they moved on to the last room in the King's Apartment which was the Council Chamber.

"The Council Chamber is adjacent to the King’s Bedchamber and opens onto the Hall of Mirrors. It wasn’t until 1755, during the reign of Louis XV, that it took on its current form when two rooms were combined: the King’s Cabinet, where Louis XIV held his council meetings, and the Cabinet des Termes (a more private space, where the king spent time with his family or certain guests after dinner). The chamber is decorated with fine woodwork crafted by Antoine Rousseau and based on drawings by Ange-Jacques Gabriel. The elaborate motifs illustrate subjects addressed by the king during council meetings, such as war and justice. The room was also used for official presentations, which were a necessary rite for admission to the Court. Madame Du Barry, among others, was thus presented to the King on 22 April 1769."

When Alice finished explaining what the rooms is for, they moved on to the next room. Throughout the tour, Arabella and Harry is holding hands. They held hands while examining the room. Arabella in her mind was noting the history of the place as well as the design. She liked a few of designs the palace has and kept some of it in mind. She also made a mental note later to talk to Jane about contacting their contractor and interior designer so she can revamp her wing in Huis ten Bosch Palace.

When they entered the Hall of Mirrors, Arabella was entranced. It was absolutely stunning and majestic.

"The Hall of Mirrors, the most famous room in the Palace, was built to replace a large terrace designed by the architect Louis Le Vau, which opened onto the garden. The terrace originally stood between the King’s Apartments to the north and the Queen’s to the south, but was awkward and above all exposed to bad weather, and it was not long before the decision was made to demolish it. Le Vau’s successor, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, produced a more suitable design that replaced the terrace with a large gallery. Work started in 1678 and ended in 1684." Alice showed them around the room while explaining what the purpose of the room is.

"Courtiers and visitors crossed the Hall of Mirrors daily, and it also served as a place for waiting and meeting. It was used for ceremonies on rare occasions, for example when sovereigns wanted an extra dash of lavishness for entertainment (balls or games) held for royal weddings or diplomatic receptions. During the latter events, the throne was placed on a platform at the end of the hall near the Peace Room, whose arch was closed off. Rarely has the show of power reached such a level of ostentation. In 1685 the Doge of Genoa and the ambassadors of Siam (1686), Persia (1715) and the Ottoman Empire (1742) crossed the full length of the gallery, under the scrutiny of the French Court seated to either side on tiered seating, before they reached the king. It was also here that the Treaty of Versailles was signed on 28 June 1919, ending the First World War. Since then, presidents of the Republic have continued to receive official guests here."

Throughout the next three hours, the couple toured the entire palace and was awestruck. So much history as well as beauty was in the palace. They toured the War Room, The Peace Room, The Queen's Apartments, The Gallery of Great Battles, as well as the gardens. After the tour was done, they thanked Alice the tour guide and head back towards the hotel to get ready for dinner. Which was still a surprise for Arabella.

When they got back to the hotel, the room was dimly lit, and there was rose petals on the floor leading to the bathroom. Arabella gasped in surprise and turned to Harry.

"Oh Harry." She smiled before tilting her head up and kissing him softly. She then took his hands and followed the roses. It ended up at the bathroom and inside, there was a bath ready for them. It was very beautiful and romantic with the Eiffel Tower at the background. Arabella just fell more and more in love with Harry every second of everyday.

They had a romantic and relaxing bath together and got ready for the surprise dinner Harry had planned for Arabella. Harry had surprised her again with a new dress from Dolce and Gabbana. It was an off shouldered white dress with gold linings and embroideries as well as some flowers at the top half of the dress. The dress itself was tight at the top until her upper waist and then it flows until a little after the knee. She paired the dress with a white Badgley Mischka heels that is embroidered. She also wore a cape like coat from Vilshenko, that’s colored black and has some flowers down the upper middle part. She paired her outfit with some diamond necklace, a simple one, her engagement ring, the cartier LOVE bracelet that has A&H engraved on the inside as well as diamond drop earrings

The engaged couple left the hotel once both Harry and Arabella was ready. The journey itself wasn’t long. It was less than ten minutes, even with traffic. The whole ride to their destination, Harry kept Arabella distracted by tracing figures on her arms and her having to guess what he drew. Once they have arrived at their designated destination, Harry asked Arabella to look outside the window.

"Oh Harry." Arabella whispered underneath her breath, looking up the Eiffel Tower in awe.

"Come on." Harry said as he opened his door and try to get Arabella out as well. "We're having dinner up there."

"But, how? Won't there be people?" Arabella asked as she followed Harry towards the lift that's going to take them up.

"Well, it does have its advantages when you know the French president." Harry said. "No, really. Gran asked me the other day what I was planning for valentine's day. And I told her I haven't got much yet, all I know is that I want to take you somewhere and be incognito for a while. I don’t want to share you for valentine's day. She said she can make something happen for me, and told me about this trip a few days ago."

"Aunt Lilibet is really sneaky." Arabella laughed. "She called me the other day and asked where I wanted to go. I told her I wanted to go to Paris, a place I haven't been since I was young. She then just said thanks and hung up the phone."

The pair laughed as they made their journey up the Eiffel Tower. Once they have reached their destination, Arabella gasped again, bringing her hand up to cover her mouth. The room was covered in candles, (the battery kind so it doesn’t burn out) and rose petals everywhere. There was a table set for two with the view of the whole of Paris.

Arabella turned around and pulled Harry close to her.

"I love you so much Har. Thank you for doing this for me today. I honestly have never felt so loved by someone until I met you. You are the best thing that's ever been mine." Arabella smiled up to him before leaning up and giving him a sweet sensual kiss.

"Arabella, there's no one I can think of that can replace you. You've made my heart so full since the day my mother died. You are the reason I'm even here right now. I couldn’t stand thinking about Paris let alone be in Paris since that night but because of you, I am here. On top of the Eiffel Tower, with the love of my life." Harry said as he pulled away from the kiss. "Now come on, before the food gets cold."

Together they took a seat at the table and had their food served to them.

"Honestly Harry, thank you for today. I really love it." Arabella said once they’ve finished their meal and wait for dessert. The whole time during their dinner, they bickered back and off, joking with each other, teasing one another and kept the conversation light and full of love.

"It's okay. I love pampering you and being able to shower you with love. Especially today." Harry said as he sipped his wine. "Just letting you know though, you'll have to think of what to do for Valentine's next year."

"We can make it our little tradition." Arabella said. "Do a surprise trip every year, we'll take turns of course, so you can get surprised too."

"I'll drink to that." Harry chuckled. "Cheers."

"Cheers baby." Arabella smiled at him and leaned over the table to give him a sweet kiss.

With the moon shining on them and the whole of Paris as witness, Arabella and Harry kissed until they run out of air.

Next Chapter

#chapter 21 #phff #prince harry #prince harry fanfic #in a heartbeat #in a heartbeat phff #royalty #british royal family #dutch royal family #princess Arabella

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inaheartbeat-phff · 6 years

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Chapter 16

Thursday, January 29, 2015 6:00am Nottingham Cottage, Kensington Palace, London

"Do you have everything?" Harry asked from the bed with half his eyes closed as he watch Arabella get ready for her trip to Plymouth with his grandfather. She's wearing a blue long sleeved dress that flares at the waist. It's custom made for her as it has weights at the bottom of the skirt so Arabella won't have any accidents in public. She has on Jimmy Choo nude heels with a nude Michael Kors Lava tote bag. She grabbed a white Herno classic collared coat to go with her outfit. She has on nude stockings as the weather forecast in Plymouth today is 7 degrees Celsius.

"Yeah. Just about." Arabella replied as she put on her earrings. "You can go back to sleep you know. I'll be fine."

"I won't see you the whole day, Belle. I want to kiss you goodbye." He said to his fiancé with his head in the pillow.

"Well, I'm going to go downstairs, Jane is waiting for me to have a quick briefing before we leave." She then moved to Harry's side to kiss him softly before leaving their bedroom.

"Have fun babe." Harry mumbled before going back to sleep.

Laughing Arabella went downstairs to the sitting room where Jane, Gerrit, Anna, Barend, Finn, Liam and Max are waiting.

"Good morning Your Royal Highness," they all greeted before curtsying/bowing.

"Good morning," Arabella greeted back before sitting on the chair. This is the cue for the rest of the team to sit down as well.

"Ma'am, we'll be leaving to Paddington Station at twenty past six, we'll be there promptly before the Duke of Edinburgh before the train departs to Plymouth. I will be riding with you as well as Anna and Finn. Barend, Liam and Max are going by car and meet us there at Plymouth. Barend will drive the backup car as you will be riding with The Duke." Jane said.

"Ma'am, the protocols are the same. There will be a walk about at the train station there for fifteen minutes before leaving to Elliot Terrace. The Lord Mayor will greet you at the station along with a military attaché." Gerrit continued. "After Elliot Terrace, you'll spend the rest of the day at the Devonport base with The Duke talking to their personnel, tour the grounds, meet their families as well as have special tea time made on board Her Majesty's ship. You'll both be greeted with the 21 gun salute. After that, you'll leave for the station and on your way back to London. Barend will be there at the station waiting for Your Highness's return. You'll arrive approximately at 10 pm ma'am."

"Is that all?" Arabella asked. When they all nodded their heads Arabella continued. "Let's get this day started then."

With that, they all went to the cars and to Paddington station. Arabella arrived a few minutes before Philip and waited by the platform for him. Once he arrived, he introduced her to the personnel of the train such as the conductor, the footmen and cooks that will serve them during their trip to Plymouth. Once they are all introduced and acquainted, Philip lead Arabella into the train carriage. They left Paddington Station promptly at 6:30 am.

"It's a four hour train ride, Bella. Get some rest in the spare bedroom." Philip said before retiring to the main bedchamber he often use with Elizabeth.

Smiling at the people waiting at the main carriage, Arabella moved to the second carriage where another bed chamber has been prepared for her.

"Ma'am, change to these while you rest," Anna said as she handed Arabella a lose black and white pyjama set.

Nodding her head, she changed out of her clothes as well as jewellery before going on the bed and let sleep take over. Arabella slept for the first three hours of the ride before she was awoken by Anna and got ready for the second time. She then went to the main carriage where breakfast is being served. When she got inside the carriage, she saw that Philip was already up and ready. He was reading the morning paper as well as eating some English breakfast.

“Morning, had a nice nap?” Philip asked when he saw Arabella entering the carriage.

“Yeah. I didn’t even notice I was on a train. If Jane didn’t wake me up, I think I would’ve slept until evening.” Arabella said before pulling a chair opposite of Philip and being served breakfast. "How far away are we?"

"We have an hour left of our ride before arriving." Philip told Arabella before putting his paper down. "When we arrive, Dr. John Mahony will be there to greet us along with the commanding officer of the Naval base. We'll greet the crowds for a bit before leaving to Elliot Terrace to have brunch, meet a bunch of politicians and then we're off to the base for the rest of the day. We'll be served tea at the base."

"I know. I've been briefed too you know." Arabella said. "But thank you for telling me."

"I didn’t tell you to brief you. Once we're out there, there will be a lot of eyes on us. We can't afford a slip up."

"Don’t worry uncle Philip. This isn't my first rodeo. I've been to military bases before. I do have my own country to govern one day."

"I keep forgetting you're not just Harry's fiancé, but an heir to your own right." Philip shook his head. "Never mind that, did you know, I was a sailor when I married your godmother?"

"Were you? What happened?" Arabella asked.

"She became Queen."

"Oh. Well, becoming Queen isn't all that bad, I think." Arabella thought. "Do you think I'm making the right decision marrying Harry? I know he doesn't want this life but if he's going to be with me, he's stuck with it. I don’t want him to regret his decision many years down the road."

"Darling, he is smitten by you. He will move mountains if it meant that he gets to be with you for the rest of his life. I didn’t want this life either, but when I saw Lilibet, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. Doesn’t matter if she was going to be Queen one day and I would have to bow down to her. I would move heaven and hell if that meant that I get to be with her. Harry is the same in that respect. He loves you very much so. The difference is, he won't have to bow down to you once you're Queen. He'll be your equal." Philip told Arabella. "The both of you will be fine."

With that, they spent the final parts of the train ride relaxing, sharing jokes, had some witty banter and light hearted conversations. When they arrived at Plymouth station, Philip and Arabella looked at each other before nodding their heads.

With a sigh, Philip straightened up himself and make sure there isn't any visible wrinkles on his suit. Arabella followed him by making sure her hair was somewhat not frizzy, her make up intact and she has no visible wrinkles on her dress as well as her coat.

When the train comes to a stop, Arabella can hear the screams from outside. Turning to Philip, she asked, "did you hear that?" In which he replied with, "they're for you my dear," before looking at the footmen by the doors and signalling them to open them.

Philip stepped out of the train first and was met with deafening screams from the crowds. Arabella stepped out behind him and the crowds screamed even louder. They were greeted by the Lord Mayor as well as a representative from the Royal Navy.

The Lord Mayor greeted Philip first before Arabella.

"Your Royal Highness, it's a pleasure to welcome you to Plymouth. I hope your visit today will be a pleasurable one." He shook Arabella's hand before bowing his head. "This is my mayoress, David Taylor."

"Pleasure to meet you Sir." Arabella shook his hand before going back to the Lord Mayor. "Very nice to meet you. I hope you didn’t have to wait long."

"No ma'am. We came only ten minutes ago. The crowds have been here much earlier. Since five this morning if I'm not mistaken, to get a good spot to meet you." The Lord Mayor replied.

"Well we better make sure to greet most of them. Don’t want them to stay and wait in the cold for nothing." Arabella said before turning to where Philip was standing talking to the representative of the Royal Navy. "Uncle Philip, I'm heading to greet the crowds first. Is that okay?"

"That's fine dear, go ahead. I'll join you in a minute." Philip replied before going back to his conversation with the Royal Navy officer.

Arabella started walking towards the people closest to the railway, by the barricades. Jane, Anna, Finn, Liam and Max close behind her with Barend waiting in the car that will take Jane, Anna, Finn, Liam and Max to the next destination. That car also serves as a backup car.

"Good morning." Arabella greeted the first person she saw and shake her hand. "How are you today?"

"Very well ma'am. How was your trip here?" She replied with a smile after shaking the Princess's hand.

"It was very smooth, though I admit, I slept most of the way here." Arabella laughed making the surrounding people laugh as well. "What’s your name and are you from here?"

"Samantha Rogers ma'am and yes, I am from here. Been here for most of my life." The woman replied.

"And what time did you get here to see us and I would assume take the best position?" Arabella asked.

"Came here at five this morning ma'am." Samantha replied. "It was worth it to be able to meet you in person."

"Oh you're too kind." Arabella smiled at Samantha before squeezing her hand and move to the next person, a man who was standing beside Samantha. "Good morning, what's your name?"

"Morning ma'am. My name is Roger Davies. Congratulations on the engagement by the way ma'am." The man, Roger, replied.

"Thank you," Arabella said. "Are you from here or?"

"No ma'am. I'm from Cornwood, about an hour or so away."

"Well thank you for coming out and meeting me." Arabella smiled at him before moving on to the person next to him, which happened to be a mother with a baby in her arms.

"Good morning, how are you today?" Arabella greeted the mother. "What's your name?"

"Good morning ma'am. My name is Jackie Edwards." The mother replied.

"And who is this little bundle of joy. Aren't you just the cutest? Don’t tell Leonore I said that, she can be very territorial." Arabella laughed.

"Her name is Kelly, ma'am."

"How old is she?" Arabella asked as she started playing with Kelly's little hands.

"She just turned two ma'am. She wouldn’t stop fussing this morning and it's not every day that a foreign princess comes to town." The two of them shared a laugh before Arabella spoke again.

"Thank you for coming out here." Arabella then smiled and wave at the little girl again before moving down the barricade, greeting as many people as she can.

Arabella tries her hardest to greet everyone and those who are too far for her to reach, she would wave at them and made sure she always had eye contact. She wanted to make sure that every single person who came out to the station got a chance to be at least acknowledged by her.

"Good morning, what are your names?" Arabella greeted two teenage girls towards the end of her side of the barricade.

"Morning ma'am." The two girls replied simultaneously.

"My name is Penelope and this is my best friend Madelaine." One of the girls replied introducing herself and her best friend.

"Ooh, my best friend's name is Madeleine as well. Where are you two from?"

"We’re from Hope Cove ma'am. About an hour's journey from here." Madelaine answered.

"When we heard of you coming here for an engagement with Prince Philip, we made sure we had to be here and meet you." Penelope started.

"You've been our role model since we were fifteen. We couldn’t pass up meeting you in person." Madelaine gushed.

"We're so happy when you and Prince Harry announced that you both were getting married. You both complement each other." Penelope continued.

"We wouldn’t want anyone else to be our princess." Madelaine finished.

"Thank you girls for the kind words." Arabella smiled.

"Besides, we're rooting for you to be our Queen one day. Not Kate. No offense to her or anything." Penelope smiled.

"Well, I will be Queen one day, just not sure if it's for this country or mine. But thank you for the kind words. Have a nice day." With that, Arabella moved on to the next person.

"Good morning." Arabella shook the elderly woman's hand. "How are you doing today?"

"Good morning, ma'am. I'm good thank you. How are you?" The woman replied smiling very big.

"I'm doing well myself, thank you."

"These are for you ma'am. These are for you." The woman gave her a bouquet of tulips to Arabella.

"Oh thank you so much. These are my favourites you know, not to be biased or anything." Arabella laughed and accepted the flowers. They spoke for a minute before Arabella had to move on to the next person.

Arabella spoke to the crowds for a little while, before Jane, who was a few feet behind her, whispered in her ear that it was time to go. Arabella waved to the crowds one last time before heading to the car where Philip was waiting. Once she was next to him, he climbed in the car while Arabella went to the other side. Once they were both inside, the car started moving and they were on their way to the Elliot Terrace.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

They had their brunch with the Lord Mayor and a few politicians as well as some military men. The lunch itself was very classical, being that they had classical music playing in the background with champagne given to everyone. It was filled with polite small talks and exactly what one envision of an upper-class brunch.

Once Philip and Arabella was inside their car and on their way to the navy base, Philip let out a chuckle.

"God I hate those suck ups." He shook his head. "I was complimented every two seconds. 'Your Royal Highness, you look dashing for a man your age.' A man your age?"

"Well at least you got complimented, all I got was, 'ma'am congratulations on the engagement,' 'Your Royal Highness you look remarkably well today.' Everyone kept asking about either Harry or my father." Arabella said.

"Well that’s all the pleasantries done, we’re off to the fun part of the engagement today." Philip said.

"Ah yes, we're having tea in one of Aunt Lilibet's ships aren't we?" Arabella double checked.

"HMS Ocean. Yes we are indeed. There's also a few activities that you might take part in, I'm sure the sailors will draw you in." Philip remarked. "There's all sorts of games and activities on standby. You might need to change your outfit though. It's not fit for a day on the boat."

"It's an official engagement, I will make do with what I have on right now. No matter what, 'a princess shall never be seen wearing trousers.'" Arabella imitated her Etiquette Madam who taught her the do's and don'ts of a princess when she was a young girl. "I shall wear what I want to wear woman. I swear, I can still hear her every time I'm out doing an engagement, 'keep your legs closed, no one wants to see your undergarments.' 'Cover your mouth when you laugh, no one wants to see your tonsils.' 'Back straight, chin up, you don’t want to look like hunchback of Notre dame.'"

"She sounds like a pain."

"Oh she is. I make sure whenever I'm out, I don’t make any mistakes, especially when I was younger as I do not want to have a recall session with her."

Philip and Arabella chatted some more. They talked about the weather, joked about how people are usually tense when they meet them as well as some memories of their childhood. Arabella is close to Philip, not as close as she is with Elizabeth but Arabella is comfortable around him. They share similar humour and Arabella always entertain Philip's dirty minded jokes. They were more or less the same person, only Arabella knows when to shut her mouth and Philip doesn’t.

They arrived at the Naval base, both their doors being opened, and they both stepped out simultaneously. Arabella made sure that when she got out of the car, both her legs remained closed and she made sure to keep her expressions pleasant. She went around the car to meet with Philip on the other side and together they greeted the fleet commander, Vice Admiral Philip Jones and Commander, Captain Ian Shipperley. The UK national anthem was played and after all the introductions, they headed inside the main building.

Philip and Arabella is getting a small tour of the place with Vice Admiral Jones entertaining Philip and Captain Ian Shipperley entertaining Arabella. They made small talk on the way to the main office building and when they arrived, waiting at the front is a little girl and boy dressed as sailors waiting at the steps with a bouquet of flowers for Arabella. As they walk closer to the children, Philip indicated Arabella to go ahead first to greet the children as he stand back. Knowing that there is no arguing with him, Arabella walked faster before bending her knees a little and greeting the children. She only bent her knees as she wanted to be eye level with them instead of looking down.

The two children gave an elaborate bow and curtsy which was quite charming to Arabella and gave her the flowers.

"Are these for me?" Arabella asked. When the children replied with a shy nod, Arabella said, "Why thank you."

"What are your names?" Arabella asked the children as she accepted the flowers.

"James." The boy replied shyly, "and this is Alexia." He introduced the girl next to him who was too shy to talk to the princess.

"What beautiful names." Arabella gushed. "Oh, I have a sister and her name is Alexia too. She's ten this year. Are you both siblings?"

"No, but we're best friends." Alexia spoke up.

"That's wonderful. Thank you again for these flowers, they're lovely." Arabella then stood up and went to stand next to Philip. They then walked inside the building to have a short meeting regarding how the base is doing and everything. Once Arabella was inside the building, she handed her flowers to Jane who was behind her so she could free her hands to greet navy officials.

They stayed at the base for several hours, talking to the families of the sailors as well as actual sailors. They talked about their way of life and how they had to adjust with their loved ones at sea for long period of times. Arabella can relate to this as Harry is in the Army and a few months into their relationship, he was deployed for four months. It was a hard time for Arabella but she made do with what she had. She sucked it up and in those four months, she kept herself busy. She didn’t want to be that person who can't function without her significant other but she was still worried about him.

Arabella was fully briefed about his deployment and precautions were made if he died out there. Arabella will be informed immediately with the blessing of the Queen and she will be a part of the procession for the funeral. Arabella will be taken care of nevertheless and Harry got the assurance of his grandmother that she will be there for Arabella if anything were to happen to him.

Thankfully, he returned home safely and when he arrived, he was greeted by his girlfriend at that time.

Arabella knew well enough how these people are feeling, and that made her bond with them even more. Sure they’re not exactly in the battlefield, but the sea is a very dangerous place as well. There are pirates and unknown ships. Let's not forget the weather and lack of space.

When they left, they received a royal salute. Philip and Arabella walked their car and entered them. Arabella sat behind the driver while Philip sat adjacent to the driver, behind the passenger seat.

Right before they entered the train to leave for London, Philip and Arabella went to say goodbye to the well-wishers and spent a good fifteen minutes just shaking hands and answering some questions. One woman in particular ask Arabella about her relationship with her godmother.

"How is your relationship with Her Majesty? Is it different now that you're getting married with her grandson."

"Well, I didn’t have to worry about meeting Harry's family when I first started dating him. Her majesty is my Godmother so I grew up with his family, so to speak. It’s a miracle that I didn’t meet Harry sooner actually. We always miss each other. My relationship with my aunt Lilibet is one of Godmother and goddaughter. It really is as simple as that. She's always there for me when I need help or advice and I couldn’t be more happier to have her as my godmother and soon as my grandmother as well. She's taken me under her wing when I first became crown princess and she will continue to do so until god forbid, she's no longer with us. I love her very much." Arabella smiled fondly.

"What about Harry's relationship with King Willem-Alexander? Was he nervous when he first met His Majesty?" Another woman asked somewhere from the back.

"Harry's relationship with my father is a good one I think. They aren't trying to kill each other so yeah. He was very nervous when he first met my father, as any good boyfriend should." Arabella laughed. "He was a blubbering mess, I would say. But he had nothing to worry about. Harry charmed Father and Mama the second he stepped into Huis ten Bosch." Arabella smiled as she recalls her family meeting Harry for the first time.

Arabella answered a few more questions, knowing that her answers are being recorded before waving goodbye and joined Philip to climb aboard the Royal Train and depart the station. It was around half past six in the evening when they departed Plymouth and will roughly arrive at ten that night in London Paddington station. There will be two car awaiting them at the station. One for Philip and the other for Arabella. Philip is heading straight to Buckingham while Arabella heads over to Kensington. It's been a long day for Philip and Arabella and all they wanted to do is sleep beside their significant other. Both cars will have their designated escorts since they are going two separate directions.

They had dinner on the train at eight and retired to their chambers to rest until they arrive at Paddington. Once they arrived at Paddington, Philip and Arabella said their goodnights.

"Thank you for accompanying me today Bella." Philip kissed Arabella's cheeks softly.

"It is my pleasure. Will you be joining us at the Ballet?" Arabella asked.

"If I had nothing else to do. More likely so actually. But I doubt I will enjoy watching women wearing very little clothing dance across the stage." Philip shrugged and smiled cheekily.

"Uncle Philip!" Arabella gasped mockingly. "If you are going, then I will see you then. If not, I'll try and have dinner one of these nights with you and Aunt Lilibet. I have to show you some ideas regarding the wedding."

"Have a good night Arabella." Philip smiled before entering his car and they drove off to Buckingham.

"Well, that leaves just us then Jane." Arabella turned to Jane before heading to her car waiting outside. "You go ahead take the car behind with Anna, Finn and Max. Go straight to St. James and have some rest. I'll be fine with the army of police escorts, Liam and Barend." With that Arabella climbed into her car with Jane going into the car behind her and they were on their way. Arabella to Kensington while Jane and the others goes to St. James as they have been staying there since they came to London.

It was roughly a five minute journey from Paddington to Kensington Palace so as they were on their way, Arabella decided to call Harry, already missing his voice.

Arabella pulled out her iPhone from her purse and dial Harry's number. It rang a few times before going to voicemail.

"Hello there, this is Harry. If you're trying to reach me, sorry 'bout that. I'm a little tied up now. Please leave a message and I'll get right back to you. Or you can call my Private Secretary, Ed, or even my lovely fiancé, Bella."

"Hey, it's me. I'm on my way home now. Just left the station a minute ago. Should be home in five minutes. I'm going to assume you're either sleeping already or in the shower. Anyways, I can't wait to go home and cuddle with you. I talked to a few of the sailors families that were there and it just brings up a few memories. I just need to be reminded that you're here now and hopefully will never leave me again. I know you'll be away in April for a month long attachment, but I'll know you'll be somewhat safe. Anyways, I can’t wait to see you and hug you, and kiss you. I love you Harry, I can't wait to be your wife. Love you, by-" Arabella was cut off with a really loud honk blaring and a crunching sound.

Arabella could see her world tumbling and rolling before it all goes dark.

Next Chapter

#chapter 16 #chapter #phff #in a heartbeat phff #in a heartbeat #Prince Harry #prince harry fanfic #british royal family #Dutch royal family #royalty

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inaheartbeat-phff · 6 years

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Chapter 18

A/N: Even though its currently 1:45 in the morning and I have a 10am class tomorrow, I finished this long awaited chapter and let me tell you guys, this was the most hardest chapter I have ever written in this story. Goodness gracious. I am so sorry again for the wait, but I hope you guys enjoyed this. SURPRISE

Chaos. That’s what's happening at Bayswater Road. Police sirens as well as ambulance sirens can be heard from miles away. Security running everywhere, trying to figure out what to do next. What happens next.

Inside the rolled armoured car, Barend was the first person to come to. He had hit his head on the windshield and there was slight pain in his ankle. Blinking a few times, he tried to remember what happened. He looked to his left and see Liam on the passenger seat still passed out from hitting his head on the widow next to him. Barend reached over and checked Liam's pulse, whether he has one or not. Thankfully he does. Barend then looked behind him to check on the Princess. When he does, he saw that there was a lot of blood and that she was unconscious.

The car, after rolling a few times, was right side up. The windows at the back was shattered and the sides of the car was badly damaged from rolling a few times.

Barend felt his heart stopped when he saw that the Princess was badly injured. By the looks of it, she was the worst among the three, sporting a badly bleeding head trauma and what appears to be a sprained arm. Barend hopes that it was all it was. A sprained arm. His hands shook as he tried to undo his seat belt. He then tried his hardest to climb to the back seat to check on Arabella's pulse.

Barend put his fingers against Arabella's neck and tried to find a pulse. For a while, he couldn’t find anything, but after a few seconds, he could feel a heart beat. It was faint, but there. Barend then looked up and saw that Liam was coming to.

"What happened?" Liam groaned touching his head. "The princess?" He then gasped before turning back to look at Barend and the still unconscious princess.

"She got a heartbeat, but a weak one." Barend replied.

"Can we open the doors?" Liam asked before trying to open the doors by himself. He found no such luck when the doors are crushed shut. "We'll have to wait for the fire department to get here." Liam then si9ghed before handing Barend some tissue he found near the dashboard. "Here try and stop the bleeding on the Princess's head.

Barend took the tissues and pressed it tightly over the bleeding area on the Princess's head. He hoped to god that the Princess is alright, or else there will be two nations mourning and a very very traumatised prince.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The police escorts in front of the cars screeched to a halt as they heard a loud bang behind them. Turning around almost simultaneously, the officers had their mouths open as they stared at the scene behind them, watching the armoured car that has the princess inside roll a few times before stopping. They all stood frozen for a second before jumping into action. Two of the officers called 999 for emergency as well as the palace to inform them about the accident respectively. The officer calling emergency stressed how this is the crown princess and prince Harry's fiance's life on the line and that they should get here as soon as possible. The officer calling the palace was more nervous and jittery than the one calling emergency. He was calling Buckingham Palace, the Queen's staff that The Queen's goddaughter was in an accident, and that he doesn’t know whether she is even alive or not.

While the two officers rushed to make their respective calls, the other split into two groups. One to check on the Princess and the other to check on the truck that hit the Princess's car.

The group checking the Princess's car approached it slowly, afraid of what they're going to see inside. Once they've reached the vehicle, they tried opening the doors but it was crushed to the side. They looked inside the car on the princess’s side only to see her unconscious with a bleeding head. They panic when they saw that everyone inside They looked inside the car on the princess's side only to see her unconscious with a bleeding head. They panic when they saw everyone inside unconscious as well.

The group that is checking the truck saw that the driver of the car was conscious but looked a little out of it. The officers quickly pulled him out of the car to ask him some questions. They need to investigate a little before Scotland Yard arrives to see whether this was an accident or if it was planned.

"Sir, can you hear me?" One of the officer asked the driver of the car once they pulled open the door.

"Yeah I can hear you just fine officer." The man slurred a little as he swayed on his feet. It was clear that the man was intoxicated and that made the officers very angry. "What happened?"

"You were in an accident sir, you will be taken in for questioning once Scotland Yard arrived." The officer said.

"How's the other person? The one that I hit?" He slurred.

"She is unconscious at the moment. Why don’t you take a seat while waiting the police to come." The officer decided not to say that it was the crown princess that the man crashed into. This way, it's easy for the inspectors to investigate later on whether this accident was deliberate or not.

They waited for two minutes before the ambulance came as well as the firefighters to open the car and take the princess to the nearest hospital which was St. Mary's. There were four ambulances that came, three for the Princess, Barend and Liam, while the other one is to check out the truck driver. Scotland Yard arrived as well as the Princess's head of security, Finn.

When the firefighters opened the car door, Barend was at the back seat holding tissues against the princess's head and Liam was semi-conscious. They quickly moved her to a gurney and rolled her to the ambulance. They checked her out and put some wires on her to check her heartbeat.

"There's a pulse, but it's weak. Her head injury hasn’t stopped bleeding." The paramedic told Finn. "It looks like she got a dislocated shoulder and maybe internal injuries but we wont know for sure until we get to the hospital. Are you coming with us sir?"

"The Princess's escort will follow you to the hospital. Make sure to let them know that this is the crown princess and to keep it on the down low for now. Max and Lucas will come with you in the ambulance if that's possible." Finn told the paramedics. Then he turned to Max and Lucas who was with him. "Do not leave the Princess's side unless it is to the operating room. Jane and Adam will meet you at the Hospital as well as the Queen's representative. Jane will be communicating with The King and update him on her health."

"Sir, only one person can come with us in the ambulance." The paramedic told Finn.

"Max, go with the Princess. Lucas, go with the police." Finn told them.

With a nod, they loaded her up into the ambulance and Max followed in before closing the door. The police escort than started to move and they left to go to the hospital quickly.

Finn then rubbed his head before turning to the inspector in charge.

"So what's the plan?"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Dr Mason, there's a trauma coming." The nurse at the station told Dr Mason, the attending on-call that night who happened to be chief of trauma surgery. "It's Prince Harry's fiance." The nurse paled when she repeated what the paramedic told her.

"Oh dear," Dr Mason paled at that information. "Page Dr Harrison, Dr Foster, Dr Rogers and Dr Adams." He told the nurse at the station as he ask her to page the chiefs of neuro, ortho, cardio and general surgery. "And tell them it's a 911, only them, no residents or interns. Make sure to have the private wing ready as well." Dr Mason then turned to get gowned and wait by the ambulance bay.

A minute later, he was joined by Dr Adams, Dr Foster, Dr Harrison and Dr Rogers who were all gowned and putting their gloves on.

"Is it true?" Dr Rogers asked Dr Mason. "The Prince Harry's girlfriend is coming?"

"Fiance." Dr Foster corrected him before turning to the rest of them. "Let's hope that it’s nothing and that we don’t lose her."

"I heard she's the Queen's goddaughter." Dr Harrison told the rest. "And that her father is the King of the Netherlands."

"She's also close to Europe's royal family." Dr Foster piped up.

The ambulance then came together with the escort. The doors to the ambulance opened and the paramedics got out while pulling out the gurney with the princess still unconscious. The surgeons immediately sprang into action.

"30 year old female with a head trauma and weak pulse. It looks like she dislocated her shoulders. There's some bruising in the chest area due to the seatbelt." The paramedics told the surgeons as they checked her over.

"Pupils blown, might have a bleed, wont know until we get a CT." Dr Harrison checked her eyes and shined his flashlight on them.

"Heartbeat's weak, but there's a pulse." Dr Rogers said as he listened to her heartbeat. "Airway's clear, but she bruised her ribs from her seatbelt."

"She has a dislocated shoulders, everything else looked clear." Dr Foster said.

"Abdomen is a bit tender." Dr Adams said as he softly pressed on her stomach area.

"Alright lets get her to CT." Dr Mason ordered as he started to push her inside the emergency room. He then turned to Max and Lucas as well as the rest of the officers. "One of you can follow us to the CT but you have to wait outside the door. The others can head up to the private wing and wait there. Everyone else will be directed over there." Dr Mason then turned back to the hospital and catch up with the rest with Max following behind him while Lucas and the rest of the officers check out the private wing.

Once the scans are out, the doctors looked over it.

"Yeah, she's got bleed in her head. I have to open her up." Dr Harrison said as he looked over the scans.

"There's no internal bleeding so that's good." Dr Adams said.

"Her shoulders completely dislocated so I have to set it." Dr Foster said.

"The airways clear and her heart is fine. I'll just monitor her inside the OR." Dr Rogers said.

"Alright let's prep her and inform whoever is there." Dr Mason said.

"Who wants to tell the Queen of England and the King of the Netherlands that their goddaughter and daughter is going in surgery?" Dr Adams asked.

"Most importantly, who wants to tell the fourth in line to the throne that her fiance needs surgery?"

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Your Majesty, there has been an accident." King Willem-Alexander was waken up an hour before midnight with the news that his daughter have been in an accident. His heart stopped for a minute before he composed himself.

"What happened?" He asked his private secretary. The unfortunate soul who has to break the news to him in the middle of the night.

"The princess of Orange was on her way back from Paddington station when a truck crashed into their car at an intersection by Bayswater Road. She had an engagement with Prince Philip that day." His private secretary told him.

"and what's the update on her now?" the King paced in his study.

"She's currently at St Mary's. They found a bleed in her brain and a dislocated shoulder. There is no internal bleeding. She still hasn’t regained her consciousness yet. They're taking her into surgery to take care of the bleed as well as her shoulders. The cardio surgeon will be there as well to monitor her heart."

"Ready the jet, I'm going to see my daughter." King Willem-Alexander rubbed his eyes. His wife was still asleep in their room and he has to go back to her and tell her that her step-daughter, who she considers her own daughter, who she has raised and been there for was in an accident and that she's in surgery. He also has to pack his clothes and leave tonight itself so he can be there for her daughter.

Willem-Alexander sighed before leaving his study to his master bedroom in Huis ten Bosch palace. He then shook his wife awake and prepared himself to tell her the news.

"Maxima, honey. Arabella was in an accident." Willem-Alexander told Maxima and watched as she gasped and teared up.

"Is she alright?" She asked trying to hold back her tears.

"They found a bleed in her brain, they're taking her to surgery." He told his wife. "I'm going tonight. You have to stay here with the girls."

"I want to go with you. She's my daughter too." Maxima said.

"I know she's your daughter too. But what about the girls? They need to be told the news as well. And we all know that if anything were to happen to Bella, Amalia is next in line to the throne. We can't have them at the same place."

"Then I'll tell them tomorrow morning and then fly to London. I'm not letting you go alone. I need to see with my own eyes that she's going to be okay. Oh my mija." Maxima sobbed and prayed for her eldest daughter.

After packing a few clothes, mostly casual, a few suits in case of anything as well as black suits just in case, Willem-Alexander said his goodbyes to his wife before leaving his palace and are on his way to see his daughter. He just hopes that everything went well and that she's still alive when he gets there.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Queen Elizabeth the second was reading a book when she got a phone call. She was waiting for her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to come home from an engagement with her goddaughter, Arabella. She wanted to know what happened from the point of view of her husband and not the television. She put down her book, remembering to put a bookmark on the page she was on and answered the phone on her bedside table.

She rarely got phone calls on the line nowadays since the age of mobile phones and most of her family would just call her on her own cell if they wanted to talk to her. So this must be important.

"Hello." Elizabeth said as she picked up the phone.

"Your Majesty, there has been an accident." The voice on the other line rang out. She recognised it as her private secretary, Christopher Geidt. Elizabeth's heart beat faster. The last time she got this type of call, her daughter in law died.

"Who?" Elizabeth asked, holding her breath.

"The Princess of Orange Ma'am." Christopher answered, sadness in his voice since he watched her grow up to be an amazing young woman. He also knows that the Queen holds her very close to her heart.

"Tell me everything." Elizabeth demanded.

"The princess of Orange was on her way back from Paddington station when a truck crashed into their car at an intersection by Bayswater Road. They are currently on their way to St. Mary's and we'll know more once she's there."

"Ready the car. Once the Duke is back, I want to leave to St. Mary's right away." Elizabeth ordered before putting the phone down.

Elizabeth prayed that her goddaughter is alright. She's going to St. Mary's and is going to be there for her goddaughter no matter what anyone says. She doesn’t care. That's her goddaughter's life on the line here. If anything happened to her, she will be crushed, The Netherlands and all of world will be crushed, Arabella's family will be crushed but most importantly, Harry will be heart brokened. And Elizabeth will be damned if she would let that happen to her beloved grandson twice.

When Philip got back, which was two minutes after Elizabeth's phone call, she hugged him tightly before letting out a loud sob. Knowing that Philip had only seen her ten minutes or so ago, she dreaded telling him the news. Once Elizabeth have calmed herself down to talk properly, she got out of Philip's hug and told him the news.

"But I saw her ten minutes ago." Philip said in denial. "How can this happen?"

"Scotland Yard is investigating whether or not this is deliberate. If they fail to find anything, MI-6 will do a thorough investigation to find out what really happened." Elizabeth told Philip. "I'm heading over to the hospital right now. I don’t know if that's okay or not, this never happened before. Especially so close to home."

"I'll go with you." Philip said.

"No, you've been out the whole day . You should rest."

"You think I can rest after hearing that my future granddaughter in law has been in an accident? No. I'm going with you and that's final."

Elizabeth just nodded before getting her coat and purse and head downstairs to her car. She's going incognito and hopefully no one will notice what's happening.

On the way to St. Mary's, Christopher informed her that Arabella was headed into surgery to address the bleed in her brain and to set her dislocated shoulders. Other than that, she doesn’t have any other injuries, since the armoured car took the brunt of the crash.

Once she reached the hospital, they were immediately escorted to the private wing of St. Mary's and were shown a private waiting room. Elizabeth was told that Harry will be there soon. She doesn’t know how he reacted, but she hopes that he's going to be alright. That Arabella's going to be alright.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Sir. There's been an accident."

Harry's heart stopped. "What." He blinked several times.

"The princess of Orange was in an accident." Ed started off. "Sir, do you need to sit down before I continue?"

Harry just nodded without really hearing anything that Ed was saying. They went into the living room downstairs and Harry sat down on the couch waiting to hear what Ed has to say.

"At precisely 9:58pm the princess of Orange was on her way from Paddington station to Kensington. She was two minutes out, by Bayswater Road when a truck crashed into her side on an intersection. She is currently on her way to St. Mary's right now. The Queen and her father has been informed. The Prince of Wales and your brother will be informed next once we know what course of action the doctors are going to make." Ed explained everything to Harry.

"Get the cars ready. I'm going to St. Mary's. Tell my brother and father as soon as possible. No need to wait around. Also inform her other godparents and her best friends. They are all from a royal family so they would understand the importance of keeping quite." Harry then rubbed his eyes. He needed to be strong right now. For both himself and Arabella. "I'm assuming her father is on a flight her right now. Her step-mother will follow suite tomorrow after informing her sisters. Get the spare room ready for him and Maxima once he's arrived. The rest can stay at Buckingham or hotels. Whichever they feel comfortable with."

With that Harry got his wallet and phone as well as a coat on before going outside and into the awaiting car on his way to the hospital. On the way there, he got a phone call from Jane, Arabella's private secretary who is already there at the hospital, that Arabella will undergo surgery as she has a bleed in her brain from the crash as well as a dislocated shoulder. They want to address that as soon as possible. She also told Harry that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh has arrived at the hospital and are waiting in the private waiting room in the private wing.

Harry didn’t know what to feel or think. His fiance's life is on the table and he doesn’t know what he'll do if he loses her. She is the love of his life, his other half. She understands him, completes him. Arabella is the first person Harry has ever let into his life where he tells her everything, from how his mother's death had affected him, to his struggles with PTSD after going to war. Arabella helped him get better and be a better person.

Five minutes later, Ed and Harry arrived at St. Mary's where he was escorted to the private wing where his grandmother, grandfather as well as Arabella's staff was waiting for news. When Harry stepped into the room, he was immediately brought into a hug from his grandmother and he couldn’t help but sink in to her warm hugs. He also couldn’t help but let a few stray tears roll down his cheeks.

"I can't loose her gran." Harry sobbed quietly. "She's my other half."

"I know Harry." Elizabeth rubbed his back softly. "I know."

Once Harry settled down, he pulled away from his grandmother's embrace and was brought into another hug. This time from his grandfather. There were no words exchanged between them, but Harry knew what his grandfather meant. 'I'm here as long as you need me.'

The surgery itself took two hours. During that time, his father and brother as well as sister in law arrived at the hospital, as well as Arabella's father, Willem-Alexander. When Willem-Alexander first arrived, he immediately asked for Arabella's doctors in which they spoke over the phone regarding what is happening to Arabella. They also talked with Finn regarding the driver who crashed into Arabella.

"And what of the person who was driving the truck? Is he intoxicated? Driving under the influence? Being paid to crash into the car of my heir and daughter?" Willem-Alexander asked Finn who subsequently cleared his throat and begin to explain what he had found out.

"The driver of the truck was highly intoxicated when we pulled him out of the crash sight. He acted like he didn’t know who it was that he crashed into but later on, once we finally got him sober enough, we found out that he was paid to crash into the princess's side of the car." Finn started off. "It seems like someone tried removing the princess's life from the crown. Not exactly from the Netherlands, but as Prince Harry's fiancé and soon to be wife."

"What?' Harry spoke up from his seat. "You mean someone wanted her gone? That this wasn’t an accident?"

"Yes sir." Finn cleared his throat before continuing. "We are currently trying to find out who exactly is behind this whole ordeal. But the driver is going to be charged with High Treason against the crown."

When Finn left the room, they were in complete silence with Willem-Alexander pacing by the door. They were all waiting for the doctors to come back and give them the news whether Arabella made it through surgery or not.

It was all very nerve wrecking for Harry. The last time he was in this position, he was in another country and his mother died not long after the crash. Harry doesn’t know what to think, he doesn’t know what to feel or what to expect. All he knew is that he doesn’t want to lose the love of his life.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The three attendings got out of the OR and scrubbed off. In the scrub room, they talked amongst themselves. The chief of Surgery came inside the OR scrub room to find out what the verdict was.

"So? How did the surgery go?" Dr Richard Manson, the chief of surgery asked.

"It went well. We'll know more when she wakes up. Her brain injuries are not critical, it was a textbook surgery." Dr Harrison said.

"Great. That's uh, that's great news." Dr Manson said. "Uh, Mason and Adams are meeting us by the hospital entrance to the private wing so we can go in there together. We got a full house in there tonight. The halls are swarming with English as well as Dutch guards."

"Who's there?" Dr Foster asked smiling nervously. "It's just Prince Harry right? Since this is his fiancé, I would assume he would be here along with his brother, maybe the Prince of Wales as well?"

"Well for starters, you underestimate how much she is loved. Her entire household staff is in the second waiting room." Dr Manson said. "Not to mention that her father the King is in Waiting Room 1 as well as The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Harry is present as well his father, brother and sister in law."

"Wow." Dr Rogers said. "So who’s going to deliver the good news?"

"Uh, we'll figure it out once we're with Mason and Adams." Dr Manson said. "I know I have to start off first by introducing ourselves and what we specialise in. Then we'll dive in with the details, lay man terms."

"Well, lets get this show on the road." Dr Harrison said, wiping off his hands, the other two following suite.

The four doctors walked through the halls and was joined by the rest of the response doctors at the entrance to the private wing. The private wing is reserved for the royal family typically if they had an accident or was admitted to St. Mary's.

Once they entered the wing, they can see police officers standing guard as well as staff members on their phones, probably alerting the Princess's close friends and family friends, people who should not learn about the Princess's accident on the news.

The six doctors entered the waiting room that held two reigning monarchs, a duke with unfiltered mouth, an heir apparent, the heir of the heir, a future queen consort and a very worried fiancé. They all stood up when the doctors entered the room.

The doctors simultaneously bowed their heads to the royalties in the room before Dr Manson spoke up first, introducing himself as well as his surgeons.

"Your Majesties, Your Royal Highnesses, my name is Dr Richard Manson and I am the Chief of Surgery. These doctors behind me are the ones who initially received the Princess of Orange when she arrived after her accident. This is Dr Mason, he is the Chief of Trauma Surgery, Dr Harrison, Chief of Neurosurgery. Dr Foster, Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr Rogers, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Dr Adams, Chief of General Surgery." Dr Manson introduced everyone who has worked on Arabella.

"The Princess came in with extensive injuries on her head, shoulders and chest. Her pulse was weak when she came in. We did a CT scan as well as an x-ray to determine any broken bones or internal injuries." Dr Mason started off as he was the one to receive the princess that night. "Once we got the scans back, we can see that the princess had a major bleed in her brain and that pressure was building up. We also found that the princess had a dislocated shoulder that was easily fixed in the OR. Other than that, there were no internal bleeding, her heart was fine, no damage was found there and there is only bruising in her chest area due to the seatbelt."

"The course of action that we took from that information was to rush the princess to surgery to elevate the pressure in her brain and fix the brain bleed as soon as we can. During the surgery, Dr Foster was able to fix her shoulder with Dr Rogers to observe her heart during the surgery." Dr Harrison explained. "We minimised the amount of surgeons needed in the OR and the surgery went smoothly. I was able to elevate her pressure as well as fix the bleed in her brain, Dr Foster was able to fix her shoulders without any complications and throughout the surgery, her heart was beating strongly and was being transfused with blood bags."

"The anaesthesia is due to wear off in a couple of hours, we are currently moving her to the room down the hall as we speak. The Princess will wake up hopefully in the morning if everything went as planned. Baring any complications, the princess is looking forward to a full recovery in a few months. Of course, the princess will be strictly on rest for the next few weeks, but after that she is more than capable to take a few engagements and work done. We will be checking in every hour until the Princess wakes up to monitor her progress."

"Thank you so much doctors." Willem-Alexander spoke up first, "Thank you for saving my daughter."

Harry let out a sigh of relieve to find out that his Arabella will be alright. He couldn’t get any words out of his mouth, he can barely stand straight or be on his feet during this whole ordeal.

"Thank you doctors, for keeping my goddaughter alive." The Queen thanked the group of surgeons. Everyone in that room shook the hands of the surgeons and let out a big sigh of relieve.

Harry took a deep breath before standing up and stretched his body a bit after the doctors left them. He then turned to everyone in the room and said, "I better tell Arabella's staff. They must be going over their heads now."

Arabella's household staff that came to London has been at the hospital since the news that Arabella was in surgery reached their ears. They were all in the room a few doors down from where Harry and his family was. They were so in love with Arabella that they couldn’t wait in St. James or wherever they were staying and sit still.

When Harry entered the room, they all stood up in attention to the news that Harry brought.

"She's going to be okay." Harry smiled for the first time that night. "She's going to be just fine."

With that cheers and claps erupted in the room. Everyone has tears in their eyes and were clapping in relieve over the safety of their princess.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning, Arabella's communication team sent out the official press release regarding this accident. They posted it on the Dutch Royalty website and posted something in their twitter account as well as Kensington Palace, Buckingham palace and Clarence House twitter and their newly made Instagram accounts as well.

@DutchRoyalFamily: His Majesty King Willem-Alexander is heartbroken to announce that Her Royal Highness The Princes of Orange was involved in an accident last night at 10pm London time as she was on her way home from Paddington Station. The accident took place at Bayswater Road. A truck crashed into The Princess of Orange's side at an intersection. The Princess was then brought into St. Mary's and was rushed into surgery as she received a brain bleed and a dislocated shoulder. The surgery went smoothly and thankfully the Princess is alright now. Their majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Elizabeth as well as Prince Harry requests that you keep your prayers for The princess's recovery in your hearts and wish to give them privacy for the princess's recovery.

@KensingtonRoyal: HRH Prince Harry of Wales is heartbroken to announce that Her Royal Highness The Princes of Orange was involved in an accident last night at 10pm London time as she was on her way home from Paddington Station. The accident took place at Bayswater Road. A truck crashed into The Princess of Orange's side at an intersection. The Princess was then brought into St. Mary's and was rushed into surgery as she received a brain bleed and a dislocated shoulder. The surgery went smoothly and thankfully the Princess is alright now. Their majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Elizabeth as well as Prince Harry requests that you keep your prayers for The princess's recovery in your hearts and wish to give them privacy for the princess's recovery.

@BuckinghamPalace: Her Majesty The Queen is heartbroken to announce that Her Royal Highness The Princes of Orange was involved in an accident last night at 10pm London time as she was on her way home from Paddington Station. The accident took place at Bayswater Road. A truck crashed into The Princess of Orange's side at an intersection. The Princess was then brought into St. Mary's and was rushed into surgery as she received a brain bleed and a dislocated shoulder. The surgery went smoothly and thankfully the Princess is alright now. Their majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Elizabeth as well as Prince Harry requests that you keep your prayers for The princess's recovery in your hearts and wish to give them privacy for the princess's recovery.

@ClarenceHouse: HRH The Prince of Wales is heartbroken to announce that Her Royal Highness The Princes of Orange was involved in an accident last night at 10pm London time as she was on her way home from Paddington Station. The accident took place at Bayswater Road. A truck crashed into The Princess of Orange's side at an intersection. The Princess was then brought into St. Mary's and was rushed into surgery as she received a brain bleed and a dislocated shoulder. The surgery went smoothly and thankfully the Princess is alright now. Their majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Elizabeth as well as Prince Harry requests that you keep your prayers for The princess's recovery in your hearts and wish to give them privacy for the princess's recovery.

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Chapter 19

PRINCESS OF ORANGE IN AN ACCIDENT?

Early this morning, the Dutch Royal Family's instagram, twitter and official website sent out a news release that the Princess of Orange was in an accident. In their tweet, it states what happened, where it happened and how the princess is doing.

Kensington Palace, Clarence House and Buckingham Palace twitter accounts issued the same written tweet as well, only changing who announces the heart breaking news.

Yesterday, The Princess of Orange was on a public engagement with the Duke of Edinburgh in Plymouth visiting the Devonport base, the biggest naval base in western Europe.

The Princess was seen wearing an Oscar de la Renta light blue dress. Insider from the palace reports that it is custom made with weights placed at the bottom to prevent any Marilyn Monroe moments from ever happening. She used a white Herno classic collared coat on top of her outfit as it is reported to be 7 degrees there in Plymouth. She added a nude Jimmy Choo heels with a nude Michael Kors Lava tote bag to finish off her look.

The princess is known to vary on her outfits and it seems as though she used more high end part of her closet that day. She is known to wear H&M and Cotton On to her official engagements before.

We wish the Princess a fast recovery and sending her all our love here at the Daily Mail!

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MASTERLIST

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12 (Part 1)

Chapter 12 (Part 2)

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

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Chapter 15

Monday, 19th January 2015, 10:30am Nottingham Cottage, Kensington Palace, London

Harry and Arabella’s weekend was relaxing. They stayed in bed and had everything sent to their room. The morning after their night out with their friends, they were supposed to meet their lawyers to discuss their pre-nuptials as well as the wedding planner, Samantha Hartfield, but Arabella decided that they needed a weekend off work. Their schedule for the next year is pretty packed so they need all the free time they can get.

This morning, Arabella woke up pretty early at 8:30am to do half an hour worth of exercise. At nine am, she was joined by Harry in the shower and they both got ready for the day. It’s a full day of meetings and planning so Arabella want to dress comfortably.

As they were having breakfast in the dining area, Jane entered the dining area and did a small curtsy.

“Your Royal Highness, your box has been delivered. It’s currently in your office with Benjamin.” Jane left the dining room shortly after.

Harry turned to Arabella and asked her, "Box?"

"Every few weeks, the parliament and advisors compile documents and put them inside this box we like to call the Crown Princess' Box. You know them by the name Red Box?" Arabella asked. When Harry nodded she continued, "My father and your grandmother get them daily, I'm not sure about your father but they do the same to me. Just instead of every day, they send them every few weeks. We established it when your grandmother became Queen I think. My great grandmother, Juliana wanted to be more informed about her kingdom so she had one made. The designs a bit different though, each unique to its owner. Papa has his monogram at the front with the words 'The King' printed on it in orange while mine is just gold. Come, I'll show them to you."

With that, Arabella got up from her seat and left the room while Harry followed close behind her. They entered their currently joint office, there sitting on top of their desk was a big red box Harry would often see in his granny's office. Next to the box stood a man, wearing a black suit.

"Harry, this is Benjamin. He's usually the one who sends these boxes to me. Once we're married, you'll be allowed to see what’s inside and if they can't reach me, or I'm unavailable, they will be delivered to you." Arabella explained.

"Your Royal Highnesses." Benjamin bowed to the both of them. "I'll be waiting outside these doors. Once your highness is done, I shall come in and collect it." With a nod, he left the room leaving the soon to be heirs to the throne alone.

"Come closer Harry, it's not going to bite you." Arabella laughed before sitting herself down on the chair.

"It's so weird seeing it so close. Usually I'll see them pass by, going inside Granny's office during Christmas time and then see them depart again at the end of the day." Harry looked at the boxes closely. "Your name is engraved." He noted.

At the top of the box it has her monogram, the letter A as well as the Netherlands Crown on top as well as her coat of arms. Just above the lock was Arabella's full title engraved, 'The Princess of Orange, Princess Arabella Elisabeth of The Netherlands'.

"Yeah. Once we're married, you get your own box too. They'll send you official details as well as notices, bills they want to pass in the parliament, all those stuff. Some of the documents can only be approved by my father but other less important stuff we get to approve." Arabella said to Harry.

"Wow." Harry sighed.

"Come on, grab a chair, we can do this box together." Arabella suggested.

Harry took one of the chairs across the desk and placed it next to Arabella's. Arabella then took out her key and opened the box. Inside was divided into two parts. One for all the folders and documents, the other for her stationary such as pens, wax and stamps with her initials on them.

"Everything they want me to know, they put it on top." Arabella pointed out to Harry. "Everything they rather I didn’t know, like cabinet meetings, foreign office briefings, they hide it away at the bottom. So whenever I have the room all to myself and no one is looking, I do this." With that Arabella took the whole pile of folders out of the box and flipped it on the table. "I learned this trick from Aunt Lilibet when I got my first box."

"Was she there when you got it?" Harry asked.

"Only her and Uncle Carl was there." Arabella smiled as she recalled back the first time she ever got her own box. "Right after my father's coronation, I had the first box delivered to me. Aunt Lilibet and Uncle Carl have asked my father when they were planning to deliver my first ever box so that they would make the time to be here when I open it. They wanted to guide me through it since I haven't got a clue what to do. I remember just opening the box and stared at it for five minutes because I didn’t know where to start and what I'm supposed to do. Aunt Lilibet taught me that trick which she learned from her father, and Uncle Carl told me not to be afraid to write remarks or disapprove of the documents. They guided me through that box and I will do the same for you and for our first born should the time comes for that."

Arabella explained to him what she needed to do to get through it. The contents of the box wasn’t much, it was mostly to inform Arabella what is happening in her country, updated finance of the country as well as some events that needed her attention such as the parliament meeting dates. Once they were finished, Arabella called back Benjamin so that he could take away the box and deliver it back to Parliament with Arabella's updated notes and some approvals. They quickly had their lunch before leaving to St. James Palace.

Their entourage today, even though it's a day filled with meetings and is going to be indoors most of the time, consists of James and Arthur for Harry and Finn, Lucas and Liam for Arabella with Barend driving the main car. Ed and Jane is meeting them at St. James along with Sir David Manning, Harry's advisor, Gerrit, Arabella's advisor, Melissa, Arabella's lawyer and Harry's family lawyer. First, Arabella and Harry will meet Samantha Hartfield, their wedding planner to discuss a basic layout and everything with Ed and Jane present. After that, they're going to have a meeting with their advisors as well as lawyers to discuss their pre-nuptials and other contracts required.

When they arrived at St. James, Ed and Jane was waiting for them at the front entrance. As Harry and Arabella step out of the car, both gave a bow and a curtsy respectively and said, "Your Royal Highness."

"Ms. Samantha Hartfield is waiting for you both at the meeting room." Ed informed them as they walked inside the palace.

"We've prepared some sandwiches as well as scones, tea and coffee for the meeting." Jane said afterwards.

"Thank you." Arabella said before they reached the door of the meeting room. The footman waiting opened the doors and announced their arrival.

"Their Royal Highness The Princess of Orange and Prince Henry of Wales."

Arabella entered first with Harry slightly behind her while Ed and Jane walked in a few steps behind the two. Once Ed an Jane had entered the room, the footman left closing the doors behind him.

"Your Royal Highness," Samantha Hartfield stepped forwards and curtsied to the both of them.

"Hello. Thank you for helping us." Arabella said as she shakes Samantha's hands.

"It's a pleasure ma'am." Samantha said before greeting Harry. Behind her was four other people, which she then introduced.

"Ma'am, Sir, these are my team, Jessica Wilson, Friday Miller, Noah Smith and Ethan Jones." Samantha pointed to each member of her team.

"Hi there. Thank you so much for helping us do this." Arabella said as she shook each of their hands. "These two behind us are Edward and Jane. If there is anything you need to clarify or ask, just give them a call and they'll re-direct it to us."

"Shall we get started?" Harry then gestured at the seats and they all sat around the table.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"We have a basic checklist about the wedding we can discuss today." Samantha started off saying. "Firstly, do you have a specific budget in mind?"

"Well, money isn't really a problem, but we do want to keep it under £30 million." Harry said. Arabella and Harry have agreed before the meeting that they would each give £15 million each to make up for the budget.

"Great." Samantha said as Friday note down what was being discussed. "Moving on, do you have a date in mind?"

"We were thinking of doing it on the 18th of October?" Arabella said before looking at Jane and Ed to see if that is possible or not.

Jane opened her calendar and checked the date. "The 18th falls on a Sunday."

"We can make it happen and have Monday as a bank holiday Monday, but it’s frowned upon to get married on a Sunday." Ed told Harry and Arbella.

"The 16th?" Arabella asks.

"16th falls on a Friday." Jane said.

"We'll have it on the 16th of October then." Arabella sighed. "The Netherlands and The United Kingdom will have a long weekend."

"That should give us what, under two weeks for the honeymoon before that forum thing?" Harry asks Ed to confirm, which he did with a nod.

"Wedding date is set on the 16th of October twenty fifteen? The time can be confirmed later on our second meeting." Samantha regarded.

"Yes. The 16th of October." Harry nodded.

"Next, what would you like your theme to be? The decorations, cards, etc?" Samantha asks.

"I was thinking of maybe autumnal colours? Since it’s in October?" Harry suggested.

"Oh, that's pretty. Yes, I like the idea of autumnal colours. But I still want the wedding to look very majestic and regal." Arabella added.

"We can work with that. So colour wise would be reds, oranges, burnt red, brown?" Samantha re-confirm to make sure they have it right.

"Yes." The royal pair nodded their heads.

"Moving on, do we have a draft guest list?" Samantha asks.

"Their Majesties, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Elizabeth is sorting out the list. Their office will forward to us the final version at the end of February. Then we'll proceed with Their Royal Highnesses friends and family friends they would like to invite. We should have the final list early March." Jane spoke up.

"An estimate of 3,500 people most likely." Ed said.

"Okay then. Venue?" Samantha noted down.

"I would prefer it be at Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam. But it's very small." Arabella remarked. "Now that I think about it, none of the places in the Netherlands are big enough for this large scale wedding."

"It's down to St. Paul's or the Abbey." Ed noted.

"I kind of like the interior of St. Paul's. it's very majestic feeling." Arabella smiled thinking about it.

"I honestly don’t really mind." Harry shrugged.

"St. Paul's it is." Samantha clapped her hands. "Is there anything else we have to discuss?"

“Will you be doing a civil ceremony?” Jane asks. “Many of the Dutch Royal Family does that including His Majesty.”

Arabella looked at Harry before slowly nodding her head. “If we were to have the religious ceremony here, we could do the civil ceremony afterwards at The Hague. We can do them whenever.”

“I’m okay with it. It gives both countries a chance to celebrate.” Harry agreed.

"Their Majesties are hosting the luncheon at Buckingham Palace after the ceremony. There will be approximately eight hundred guests." Ed cleared his throat before continuing, "HRH The Prince of Wales will be hosting your reception dinner at Kensington with close friends and family."

They spent two hours going over wedding details and at the end of their meeting, Arabella felt very drained and tired. All this wedding planning makes her head pound.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After their meeting with Samantha and her team of wedding planners, Harry and Arabella has another meeting with their lawyers and advisors to discuss their prenuptials.

"Sir, Ma'am, shall we get started?" Gerrit, Arabella's advisor started off. "We are here to discuss what will happen to your properties, money and heirs if anything were to happen to you or you get a divorce.

“We would like to start off by stating both your net worths and what the outcomes will be if you were to join accounts or keep separate accounts and an additional joint account.” David, Harry’s advisor continued. “Prince Harry has a net worth of £30 million while Princess Arabella has a net worth of £32 million.”

“Princess Arabella has an annual allowance from the state of £8.8 million for expenses such as wardrobe, staff and transportation.” Gerrit said.

“Prince Harry has an annual allowance of £450,000 from the late Princess Diana’s estate and a £6.8 million from the Duchy of Cornwall for expenses such as staff, wardrobe and travels.” David finished off. “If you were to combine everything, your net worth would be £62 million, with allowance of £15.6 million. Prince Harry's allowance from the late Princess Diana's estate will remain untouched."

"I think it would be best if we keep our separate accounts but make a new one as a joint account for everything we spend together as well as a trust fund for our future children." Harry suggested.

"In case of a divorce or god forbid, death, whatever is in the joint account would be automatically sent to the trust fund." Arabella said her input. "We'll portion off our allowances per year for our joint account as well as to start off the trust fund."

"And how much would that be?" Gerrit asked.

"It would only be fair for the both of us, if we each give the same amount for both the trust fund and the joint account." Arabella suggested.

"We could each give say, £1.5 million to start up the joint account and an additional £500,000 to start up the trust fund." Harry piped up. "And every year, £1.5 will go to our joint account whereas for the trust fund, we'll half it to £250,000 each. That way, when our children are all grown up, they have more than enough to live very comfortably."

"I'm okay with that." Arabella agreed. On that note, the lawyers noted what they have agreed upon and moved on to the next part of the meeting.

"What will become of properties, estates and jewellery collection? I understand that Prince Harry inherited his mother's jewellery collection that is shared with the Duchess of Cambridge?" Arabella's lawyer, Melissa asked.

"That's right. On my mother's will, she specifically said that her jewellery collection is for Will and I's future spouses." Harry confirmed. "And I would like to continue that as well. If anything were to happen, the jewellery collection will go to our children."

"As for my personal jewellery collection, only my children will inherit it. If we were to divorce or if god forbid, I passed on, my collection will only go to my children. If I do not have any, they will go to my female next of kin, which would be my sisters." Arabella added on. "If Harry were to ever re-marry, she will have to make do with whatever she got. Sorry babe." She then kissed his cheeks.

"No, I understand completely. If I were to re-marry, she will be under the British monarchy and not yours. Though I doubt she'll get anything from Granny since we all know you're her favourite." Harry laughed.

"As for estates, our children will inherit our privately owned estates such as Craigowan Lodge, York Cottage and Soestdijk Palace. Our official residences in each respective countries will remain as it is." Arabella continued. "As what the law says, any legitimate children of ours have a claim to the throne so even if we divorced, they will remain in the line of succession."

They discussed more details about the prenuptials for another half an hour before the lawyers updated the documents and printed it accordingly for the engaged couple to sign.

Once they are signed, the pair went back to Nottingham cottage to freshen up for tea with The Queen.

Arabella wore a black cropped shirt paired with a khaki coloured high waisted skirt that falls just above her knees. She also has on a three tiered pearl necklace with a black clutch. To top it all off, she has on her black pointed Louboutin's and a beige coloured coat. Harry on the other hand, changed into a loose white buttoned on shirt tucked into khaki pants and a black coat.

When they arrived at Buckingham Palace, the footman opened their doors and let them to the drawing room where Elizabeth and Philip are in.

"Their Royal Highness, The Princess of Orange and Prince Henry of Wales." He bowed to the Queen and Prince Consort before leaving the room.

Arabella entered the room and greeted the older pair. Arabella was about to curtsy to her godmother when Elizabeth held her hands tightly and keep her up right.

"What did I say about curtsying in private?" Elizabeth said looking up to Arabella's eyes.

"You are the Queen, it's disrespectful not to curtsy to you." Arabella said.

"Nonsense." Elizabeth waved her hand. "You are my goddaughter, in private you do not curtsy to me at all understood? Or I will throw you in the tower." Elizabeth warned Arabella.

"Fine. But just to tell you that you can't throw me in the Tower, it's now a tourist attraction." Arabella leaned down to kiss her cheeks before moving on to Philip while Harry greeted his grandmother.

"You my dear, will cause her to go into an early grave." Philip remarked as he kissed her cheeks in greeting.

"Ha ha." Arabella rolled her eyes before kissing back his cheeks. "We both know you're the one sending her into an early grave. Mr I run my mouth a lot without thinking."

"I'll have you know, I have my inside voice now, it's just sometimes people are too annoying and irritating those words just spill out of my mouth." Philip shrugged.

"Okay you two, come sit." Elizabeth shook her head before gesturing the both of them and Harry to sit down.

"So how's the wedding planning going?" Elizabeth asked as they all got themselves comfortable.

"It's going. We settled on a date and the venue. Guest lists are up to you and Alexander while budget isn't really a problem." Harry said. "Thank you Richard." He accepted the tea from the butler who was making it.

"Have you? What have you decided." Philip asked as he sips his tea.

"We decided on October 16th for our date and St. Paul's Cathedral for our venue. It's a better choice since Nieuwe Kerk is too small for a wedding this big. We will have a civil ceremony in Amsterdam though. It's just going to happen after we get back from our honeymoon." Arabella explained. "Since we’re having it in October, the colour theme would be autumnal colours. Can you please wear red or burnt orange Aunt Lilibet? I know you love wearing neon colours but just make sure it sticks to the colour scheme yeah?" Arabella pleaded.

"I’ll try my best." Elizabeth sipped her tea. "Have you both got any engagement planned for the remaining month?"

"Nope," Arabella answered. "I do have to go back to The Hague on the 18th of February for Great Aunty Christina's birthday and I know Harry's first official engagement is on the 26th of February which I will be joining."

"Would you mind accompanying me on an engagement to visit the Navy base in Plymouth at the end of this month?" Philip asked Bella.

"I would love to join you Uncle Philip." Arabella smiled at him. "Are you going to wear a sailor's costume though? I don’t think you'll look that attractive given your day and age." She joked.

"I'll have you know, young lady, I was the most handsome sailor during my time in the navy." Philip retort back.

"Yeah, when was that? During the ice age?" Arabella shot back making Elizabeth and Harry burst out in laughter. The rest of the evening was spent in laughter and lots of banter between Philip and Arabella. Deep down in her heart, Elizabeth knew that Philip and Arabella has a special bond between them.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

@DutchRoyalFamily: HRH The Princess of Orange will be joining HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on his trip to Plymouth to visit the Royal Navy Base. The trip will happen on the 29th of January. The pair will be using the Royal Train per the request of HM The Queen. This will be HRH first engagement with The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH first visit to Plymouth. For more information about HRH trip, visit Kensington Palace’s Twitter.

@KensingtonRoyal: HRH The Princess of Orange will be joining HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on his trip to Plymouth to visit the Royal Navy Base. The trip will happen on the 29th of January. The pair will be using the Royal Train per the request of HM The Queen. This will be HRH first engagement with The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH first visit to Plymouth. The pair will be departing from the London Paddingdon Station at 6:30 am and is due to arrive at Plymouth station at 11am. They will be greeted by the Lord Mayor, Dr. John Mahony and will have brunch with him before promptly leaving to the Royal Navy base and spend the rest of the day there. They are due to return back to London that night.

@TheRoyalFamily: HRH The Duke of Edinburgh will be joined by HRH The Princess of Orange on his trip to Plymouth to visit the Royal Navy Base. The Trip will happen on the 29th of January. The Pair will be using the Royal Train per the request of HM The Queen. This will be HRH first engagement with DofE and HRH first visit to Plymouth. The pair will be departing from the London Paddington Station at 6:30 am and is due to arrive at Plymouth station at 11 am. They will be greeted by the Lord Mayor Dr. John Mahony and will have brunch with him before promptly leaving to the Royal Navy Base and spend the rest of the day there. They are due to return back to London that night.

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Chapter 14

8:45am Nottingham Cottage, Kensington Palace, London

Arabella squinted her eyes as she came to that morning. Yesterday they didn't really rest much after their flight as they had dinner with Harry's immediate family. Arabella stretched her body and rolled to her side to see Harry peacefully sleeping beside her. No matter how many times she's seen this view, she couldn't help but smile to herself. He looks so peaceful while he was sleeping. There was no lines on his forehead and his body is relaxed.

Sighing she looked to a clock by her side table and checked the time. She groaned when she realised that she overslept by 45 minutes and rolled to her side to get out of bed. She sat down for a while before stretching and standing up. Walking towards the en-suite bathroom where she will do her morning routine. Once she was done, she got out of the bathroom to see that Harry was awake.

"Morning," he said in his morning voice. Harry rubbed his eyes and stretched before getting himself up to a sitting position.

"Hi. Did you have a good sleep?" Arabella asked Harry as she walked towards the bed and kiss him good morning.

"Yeah, I did. What’s your plan today?" Harry asked her as he reach towards his phone on the night stand.

"I'm heading off to St. James Palace for a meeting at ten, and then I have lunch with Bea, Genie and Zara. After lunch I think we're going shopping, but it's up to the girls really." Arabella laid back down on the bed next to Harry so she could have some morning cuddles.

"I'm so happy you get along well with my family. Really." Harry said as he put his head on top of Arabella's head. "Skippy invited us to a club opening tonight."

"What club?" Arabella looked up at Harry.

"Not sure. I think it's one of Sam's private clubs." Harry shrugged. "There's an actress coming tonight that Skip wants to introduce to you. She's a big fan of yours apparently. Maia something."

"You sure she's a fan of mine and not yours. I think you've got that mixed up babe. Besides Maia something?" Arabella giggled. "I don’t recognise an actress with the name of Maia something."

"Maia, Meghan, Molly. I don’t know. I know it begins with an M though." Harry shrugged, not really caring. "Do you want to go? I have to tell Skippy so he can call Sam and get everything sorted.

"Sure. I need a night out anyways. I think it will be nice to have a night to let loose. It has been a crazy week." Arabella nodded her head to Harry. Harry then typed something in his phone, probably replying to Skippy.

Skippy, or also known as Tom Inskip, is Harry's best friend. They've known each other since their time in Eton. Skippy is usually the reason why Harry got into so much trouble when he was younger. Though most of his partying days were over since Harry and Arabella became official publically in 2013, the pair do enjoy some odd night outs with friends. Arabella got along well Harry's friends. They have been very welcoming and friendly to her.

Arabella was introduced to Harry's friends back in 2012 when they first began dating. Since Arabella has met most, if not all of Harry's family members, she was a bit nervous during her introductions with his friends. She even met Harry's ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy early 2013. They were friendly with each other and know their places. They're not exactly the best of friends but if they see each other in public, they wouldn’t tear each other's hairs out.

Harry has 7 close friends and some of them has gotten married so his circle consist of 12 people. Him being a prince and all made that circle very very tight. There's Skippy and his girlfriend Lara Hughes-Young, Sam Branson and his wife Isabella Calthorpe, Hugh Grosvenor, Jake Warren and his wife Zoe Stewart, Thomas van Straubenzee and his wife Melissa Percy, Arthur Landon and Guy Pelly.

Arabella went to Sam and Isabella's wedding back in 2013 as well as Jake and Zoe's wedding in 2013 as well. It was in Jake and Zoe's wedding that she met one of Harry's previous flings Cressida Bonas. They were on friendly terms and it seems that Cressida and Arabella remain a good friend to each other. Cressida happened before Arabella and Arabella is not the type of person to get jealous at all. She knows what she's worth and feels very comfortable in her own skin. Besides, she is the crown princess for god sakes. If Harry would leave her for someone else, it would be a step down, unless of course, that someone is a Queen of her own right, but then again, there is no Queen who is single and even close to their age.

Harry finally got up from the bed and head into the bathroom to get ready for the day. While Harry was in the bathroom, Arabella finished getting ready before going to the dining room for some breakfast.

The tables were set differently here. There is no place mats on the head of the table and instead they are on the seats next to the head. So Arabella and Harry would be facing each other.

Arabella sat down and started eating her breakfast. Fifteen minutes later, Harry came out of the bathroom and sat opposite to her and start loading his plate up.

"So what's your plan today babe?" Arabella asked Harry. She realised that she didn’t know what he's doing today.

"I don’t think I have anything going on today. I think I'm going to visit Will and Kate at 1A, and I think I'm meeting Granny for lunch at Buckingham." Harry thought. "I think I have the afternoon free before the club tonight. We're having dinner with everyone before the club and I think Chelsy and Cressida will be there as well."

"Is the actress friend of Skippy going to be at dinner as well?" "I think so yeah." Harry said.

As Harry has finished his breakfast, he stood up from his seat and went across the table to kiss Arabella goodbye and head off to Apartment 1A. Arabella sighed. She isn’t normally a jealous person but she feels as if something is going to happen tonight and she doesn’t know whether she likes it or not.

Sighing, she called Anna, one of her ladies in waiting to the room.

"Your Royal Highness." She curtsied as she entered the room.

"Get Markus to ready the car, I'll be heading off to St. James in fifteen minutes."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The meeting at St. James Palace went as much as a meeting would go. They discussed their schedule for Arabella in London for the next month. Not much is planned, mostly meetings with charities that Arabella is patron of as well as some wedding planning. That and an engagement with Prince Philip at the end of the month. Arabella knew that it’s going to be a stressful thing planning the wedding as they have to incorporate both Dutch and British traditions. That and under which church do they get married in. Do they get married under the Church of the Netherlands or under the Church of England. Arabella thought that maybe they can have two weddings, one under the Netherlands and another under England, but that requires even more planning.

Jane and Eva have compiled a list of designers that would love to design Arabella's wedding gown so there's a pile that needs to be sorted. There's also the matters of cake, reception, music, decorations, guest list, and many more.

Now that she's done with her meeting, Arabella is off to lunch with Bea, Genie and Zara, some of Harry's female cousins that Arabella is close with. Arabella met Zara when she was visiting her Aunt Lilibet back in 2010 just after her wedding with Mike Tindall. They hit it off right away and remained close ever since. Arabella met Eugenie and Beatrice during Will and Kate's wedding and they kept in touch. Whenever Arabella was in London, Bea and Genie has taken her under their wing and show her around places that isn't that well known.

Travelling to lunch, Arabella slumped inside the car. The car they have used is her official car in London, a black Range Rover Sport that is actually armoured. In front of the car is a flag of the Netherlands. That is to say that it is her that's traveling in the car. If it was her father, there will be two flags in front of the car as well as a flag of his house.

Accompanying her to lunch today is Max, Lucas and Liam since Finn has to take care of head of security things. Markus is driving her car with Max in the passenger seat, while Lucas and Liam are in the car behind. At all times, there has to be two cars with me. One of them are my emergency car, or as I like to call it, the backup car.

Arriving at the restaurant Bea has chosen for lunch, Markus opened Arabella’s door and help her step out of the car.

Entering the restaurant, Liam was walking in front of her surveying the scene with Max behind her. They walked to the reception table at the front.

"Good Afternoon ma'am. Do you have a reservation?" The woman behind the counter asked looking at the boys who are now standing behind.

"Er, I'm actually meeting someone here, I think it should be either under Beatrice or Eugenie. Or maybe Zara actually I'm not too sure." Arabella reached up a hand to tuck in a piece of stray hair behind her ears.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Ma'am. Right this way." She then started walking to the back and opened another door for her. This led into a private room which currently hold Zara, Bea and Genie.

Liam walked in first to check the room before allowing Arabella to enter. He checked every nook and cranny of the room, even under the table to check if there is any other entry door. When he's satisfied that there's none, he bowed to her before leaving the room.

In front of Arabella, stood three beautiful English women she’s going to call family soon.

They greeted each other with hugs and kisses before settling down in their seats around the round table.

"Happy belated birthday Bella." Genie started off once they’ve settled in their seats.

"Thank you. How are you girls?" Arabella asked them looking around the table.

"We've been good. Had a good New Year, it’s been pretty relaxed here this time of year." Bea shrugged.

“Tell me, how did our dearest cousin proposed? I know you guys had interviews and all that regarding this but you never tell in detail.” Zara asked leaning forwards a little.

“Well it was very romantic. We were at the Alps for my birthday and he took me outside to go for a walk underneath the stars. He got down on one knee in the snow and asked me there and then with the stars as witnesses. It was freezing as well.” Arabella told the girls before moving to a different subject.

They spent the next hour or so catching up with each other. Out of all of Harry's cousins, Arabella is closest to Zara, Eugenie and Beatrice, not only are they closer in age but they are the people that Arabella can turn to without being judged. Arabella doesn’t have many friends that is non-royal. Her best friends are members of a royal family and even then, sometimes they don’t have a title, but they understand how it feels like under pressure. Over the years, she had friends who tend to take advantage of her status and fame.

The four of them talked about their life, their other halves and what they've been up to. They called the waitress to come in and give them the cheque before moving outside and onto the next part of their outing which is a shopping spree. They went to oxford street to do some window shopping. When Arabella is given the chance to shop, she usually shops at high street shops instead of high ended ones. These are the clothes she'll wear every day. Clothes she'll wear during engagements and other things are usually picked out by Eva and she knows Arabella's type of style.

They went to Primark first, looking at pyjamas and night clothes. Arabella got some Harry Potter pyjamas as well as some really soft robes. Then they went to ZARA, which they promptly made fun of Zara for.

"Come on Zara, let's go to your shop next!" Bea exclaimed as they walk out of Primark.

"Do you think you'll get a discount for having the same name?" Genie thought out loud.

"I don’t think it works like that Genie," Zara then said shaking her head.

"Well let's go anyway. Kate likes to shop here, I haven't seen any of their winter line yet." Arabella said.

When they went inside ZARA, Liam stayed outside the doors, with Lucas and Max following behind them. Due to Zara not having a title, she did not get protection officers, however, Bea and Genie did have them before but in 2011, they were pulled away and are only used during engagements. So the only protection officers there are Arabella's and she has 3 with them at all times with an extra one, the driver Since she is the crown princess. It's a good thing that while she's out and about, she doesn’t need to bring any police escorts with her.

They walked around ZARA for a while and got some clothes. Arabella got a few dresses as well as jeans and t-shirts while Zara, Bea and Genie got a few dresses as well. As they were queuing to pay, a few girls behind them noticed them and was whispering with each other. They didn’t really recognise Arabella at first which was a relief but they noticed Bea, Genie and Zara. The girls didn’t bother them much and after they paid, they went to the next shop which is Marks & Spencer.

They walked along Oxford Street, getting noticed here and there, and at the end of their trip, Arabella's second car was filled with shopping bags and they went to Selfridges, Mulberry UK, Adidas store, Forever 21, Lush, Disney Store, Next, Urban Outfitters, Mango, Nike town, H&M, JD Sports and a lot more shops along the way.

"I'll say that was a very successful shopping trip." Arabella said to the girls before laughing and going back home.

~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry's day have been very relaxing so far, he spent the morning with his brother and his first born son who's 6 months old. They talked all morning about this new role that Harry is going to take.

"So how are you doing?" Will asked Harry as he play with little George. "How are you coping with everything?"

"I'm doing okay, I think. Bella is there to explain how things are going and what to expect. It's been a roller coaster ride to be honest." Harry confessed.

"I'm sure you'll be fine Harry. If you need anything I'm sure Pa will help you. I don’t know how most things run there but I'm sure its similar to how Pa is here. "

"I think it's going to be a bit different Will. Pa is what Bella is. They're the heir apparent. I'm what mum was, what Camilla is." Harry said. "Though I will get the title Prince of Orange, and I will get the title King, but I don’t do the work that Bella will do, with the parliament, the government and all that."

"You'll learn along the way Harry. Just asking, what is your title after you marry Bella?"

"I asked Alexander about it while we were still at The Hague." Harry started. "I'll be HRH The Prince of Orange, Prince Henry of Wales, Duke of whatever gran gives and so on."

"Wow. You'll be known as the Prince of Orange then."

"Yeah. You'll have to bow to me then Wills." Harry jokes.

With that, Kate went down to where they were sitting.

"Hey Kate, you didn’t go have lunch with Bella, Genie, Bea and Zara?" Harry asked his sister in law.

"No, wasn't invited." Kate shrugged her shoulders before laughing at the uncomfortable look on Harry's face. "Relax, I'm joking. No, I have a meeting in a few with Rebecca about some of my charities. I'm also limiting my appearance in public if I have to, hiding the little one you see." Kate then rubbed her small bump.

Harry nodded before standing up and excusing himself as his phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Ah, Harry my boy." His father's voice rang through the phone.

"Hi Pa, what can I help you with?"

"Do you have any current lunch plans?"

"No, not at the moment."

"Great. Come have lunch at Clarence with me. I have a few things I would like to discuss with you."

"I'll be over in a few. Bye Pa." With that, Harry hang up the phone and went back to the sitting room where Will is left with George.

"Where did Kate go?" Harry asked.

"She left for her meeting." Will answered.

"Sorry to cut this meeting short, but Pa has summoned me to Clarence." Harry gathered up his things before going over to his brother who stood up.

"Take care alright. I know this is new territory for you but take these next few months for you to learn the ropes. You are going to be a King Harry, a King. You won't bow down to Arabella once she's Queen, not like grandfather. You'll be her equal. Observe how they do things, learn their culture and language. Prepare yourself. You will still be King if Arabella dies before you. You won't be a prince or prince consort, you'll be King. I know you'll do well. Just take care alright." Will said hugging Harry tightly.

"I will." Harry hugged back. "Thank you."

With that, they pulled away from the hug and Harry said goodbye to his nephew before going to his father's place.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~

"So tell me, how are the wedding preparations? Have you started yet?" Charles asked as they eat their lunch.

"We’re having our first meeting with the wedding coordinators tomorrow. We plan to incorporate as much as we can from both countries in the wedding. It’s not going to be easy but we’ll try our best.” Harry answered his father’s question.

“That’s good to hear. It’s going to be a bit difficult since you are under the Church of England and she’s under the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. What’s your plans for this?”

“We might do the same thing as what Alexander and Maxima did for their wedding. Neither of us will be losing our place in the line of succession if we marry someone of a different religion but to appease both countries, we will have two ceremonies on that day or a separate day. It’s still uncertain.”

“My boy, going to be king some day. Never thought I’d see that day ever happening.” Charles shakes his head. “You were such a care free child. You didn’t have the pressure of being the heirs heir like your brother and you were so naughty growing up as well. Always getting into trouble.”

"Pa," Harry started.

"Let me just say this Harry." Charles interrupted Harry. "Before you met Bella, you were a mess. You've been with Chelsy for seven years, you were known as the 'party prince' to the press, hell you made a lot of mistakes and caused this family through bad press, but I feel like, if it wasn’t for that, you wouldn’t learn and grow to the man you are today. Ever since you met Bella, you've become such a good role model for the people, more responsible. I'm sure Afghanistan also contributed to this factor, but I am so proud of you Harry. I'm sure your mother would be proud to. Just remember, it's just not this country that you need to worry about now, you need to start thinking about the Netherlands and how you want to be as a King."

"Did you give Will this speech too?" Harry asked. "When he was about to marry Kate?"

"Yeah. Just not the King part, I gave him that speech when he was fifteen." Charles shook his head. "Your brother was under a very tight leash. We wanted him to have a normal childhood, but after your mother passed away, I had to talk to him and get him to understand the world we lived in. I told him, you are going to be King one day, don’t do anything that would jeopardise that."

They finished their lunch with small chats about their plans for the next few weeks, how long is Harry and Arabella going to be in London, and what about their royal engagements. Once they were done with dinner, they moved to Charles study to have a drink.

"Harry, your grandmother has spoken to me earlier," Charles began. "She asked me to give you and your future wife something."

"Yeah?"

"Yes, the reason why I've invited you over for lunch is to discuss your titles and some estates she would like to give to you. Normally, she would tell you herself, but she wish for me to tell you tonight so she can make preparations and join efforts with King Willem-Alexander." Charles then passed Harry his drink. "She has decided to give you a Dukedom. The Duke of Sussex actually, as well as the Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. Your official title, from England once you've married would be His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. You will be primarily known as the Prince of Orange however once you've married Arabella."

"So how what's my full title? If I'm a prince and a Duke as well."

"Well your official title would be HRH Prince of Orange Prince Henry of Wales, Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. Your titles from the Netherlands with come first since it’s a higher rank. Just like how I'm Prince of Wales and then comes my dukedom and so on."

Harry nodded understanding what his father was trying to say.

"Your grandmother, as an engagement present, would like to give you both York Cottage at Sandringham and as a wedding gift, she would like to give you Craigowan Lodge at Balmoral. She knows that Balmoral is Arabella's favourite place as a child and you love going to Sandringham during Christmas. You may start repairs anytime you want. The family lawyer will draw everything up and will present it to you once it's done."

"Wow. She's giving us two?" Harry asked slightly in shock. She knew his grandmother has given his brother Anmer Hall but other than that, they have been living at Apartment 1A at Kensington.

"Yes. She decided to give you a summer home as well as a winter home. Let's not forget Nottingham Cottage at Kensington. All three will be under both of your names, once everything is signed, you'll have to release a press release. Have you both talked about a pre-nup?"

"Yeah, we're meeting our lawyers and advisors tomorrow at St. James. Parliament on Arabella's side won't let her marry without one and we know that they have the power of removing her as the heir if they don’t approve of our marriage. They only agreed because I'm granny's grandson and fourth in line to the throne. There is also a probability that Will might abdicate or George but I don’t see that happening, or at least I hope not." Harry shrugged.

"Well, whatever their reason is, they allow you to marry and let her keep her place."

They talked some more before Harry have to excuse himself to go home and get ready for dinner and a night out with his friends. He did call Arabella on his way home to check in and see whether she's home or not.

"Hey." Arabella's voice called out on the other side of the phone.

"Hey, I'm on my way back from Clarence."

"Clarence?"

"Yeah. Pa wanted to talk about some things."

"What about?"

"Granny is giving us York Cottage at Sandringham and Craigowan Lodge at Balmoral. Both needs a lot of repairs but as soon as they're signed, we can start."

"Did she really?"

"Yeah. Are you home?”

“Just arrived. What time are we meeting everybody?”

“Meeting them at 8:30. I’ll see you at home, I’m 5 minutes away.”

“Love you.”

“I love you too.”

With that Harry hanged up the phone and sighed. He has a feeling that tonight will be a long night.

*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*

Arabella walked out of the bedroom wearing a sequined maroon sleeveless mini dress. Her hair was up in a ponytail with a few pieces loose in the front. She did her make up a little bit smoky with some liner and nude lips.

Arabella felt very comfortable in her skin and love dressing up to look good. She went downstairs and greeted Harry by the door, ready to go.

"Are you ready?" She asked him while putting on her shoes.

"Yeah. Barend is on shift tonight so he's driving us using my car, Samuel will be in the car with us while Arthur, Lucas, Max and Finn will be in the car behind." Harry informed her.

"Are all your friends going to be there tonight?"

"Yeah pretty much. Skippy, Lara, Sam, Isabella, Hugh, Jake, Zoe, Tom, Melissa and Guy will be the only ones for dinner. After that other friends of friends will join us."

"Great! I haven’t seen them in so long."

With that, they climbed into their car and left Kensington grounds.

The couple arrived at the restaurant at eight thirty sharp and was shown their tables as soon as they went inside. It was an Italian restaurant and they were seated in a private room. When the pair entered the room, all of Harry's friends stood up and started clapping their hands, shouting words of congratulations and praise. Once they were all seated, they began looking through the menu and ordering their food.

It was a rectangular table with six seats on each side. Arabella was seated in the middle with Harry seated across of her. On her immediate right was Lara and next to her was Isabella and Sam at the end. On her left side was Zoe and Jake. Next to Harry was Skippy, Tom and Melissa at the end while on his other side was Guy and Hugh.

"Well, let me see the ring!" Lara said to Isabella once they've finished ordering their meal. Out of all of Harry's friends, Arabella was closer to Lara and Melissa.

Arabella just smiled before showing Lara her left hand. There in her ring finger was her beautiful engagement ring.

"My goodness, what a beautiful ring. We saw your engagement interview and everything, but those don’t do these any justice." Lara said smiling before turning to Arabella. "Have you started the planning yet?"

"We've got a general idea of what we want but we're having our first meeting with the wedding planner tomorrow." Arabella started off. “We know we would like to incorporate both countries in the wedding, we just don’t know how."

"That idea will make both countries very happy I hope." Lara said.

"Do you know which designer doing your dress?" Zoe asked from Arabella's other side.

"Definitely not McQueen or David and Elizabeth Emanuel. The comparisons will be horrific. I know that I'm going to have more than one designer that's for sure." Arabella said. "I have a huge pile of resume's in my office with designers that wants to design my dress already. God knows it will only continue to grow until the actual wedding."

"Do you have a date already in mind?" Zoe asked.

"Well, we know it's going to be in October, I like the autumnal colours, like oranges and burnt red, it's absolutely beautiful. Perhaps early to mid-October, I don’t want the weather to be too cold or too hot." Arabella explained.

"Have you thought about your bachelorette party yet?" Lara asked. "Are you going to be the one planning it, or will someone else plan it."

"Madeleine will plan it I'm sure. I bet she's already started planning it." Arabella laughed.

"That's cute of her." Isabella said from next to Sam.

"So what's the plan tonight?" Arabella asked.

"Well, when we're finished here, we're off to this new club Sam is overseeing." Skippy started off, after hearing Arabella's question.

"There's this new American actress that wants to meet the both of you, said to be a huge fan." Guy said. "I thought I could introduce her to you and in return have a very fun night from a very thankful actress."

The whole table burst out laughing at what Guy said. It was typical for Guy to introduce someone to them to get lucky, so Arabella and Harry did not feel offended of being used like that. And that’s only because Harry has known Guy since he was little and Arabella knows for a fact that Harry's close circle of friends are very loyal. Sure they joked around and often use them to gain a benefit here and there, but at the end of the day, they are fiercely loyal and extremely protective of their friends.

"What's her name? I tried asking Harry this morning but all he said was someone starting with an M, which wasn’t very helpful." Arabella started pointedly at Harry across the table.

"Meghan Markle, small TV show actress. I know you have ties with the Hollywood scene Bella." Guy told Arabella.

"The one from Suits?" Arabella recalled. "Harry we watched an episode of that series. Remember? I said if you weren't with me, you would go for her."

"Babe, we weren't doing much watching at that time." Harry laughed.

At Harry's reply, the whole table burst into laughter leaving Arabella red in the face and stuttering for an answer. Shaking her head, she opened her mouth to retort a comeback but the food has arrived and they ate their meal. Once they're all done, food and drinks has been paid, courtesy of Skippy who said that it was a night of celebration, they left the restaurant and went to the club to let loose.

The club they were going to is a very high class club, which means bouncers, and high security, but that didn’t mean that Arabella's protection officers would wait outside. Nope. Barend will standby at the car, Lucas will stand guard at the back door while Max stands by the front door. Finn however will be within 5 feet away from Arabella inside the club. Arabella won't see Finn, but rest assure, if anyone touches Arabella who is not authorized, they will be on the ground. Harry's PO's however is a different story. Samuel will wait in the car (there's two cars on standby) while Arthur will be somewhere inside the club. Not as close as Finn to Arabella but he can see everything.

All of Arabella's RPO's carry a weapon, maybe even more. Even Barend and Markus is trained in martial arts and carry a weapon. They take their jobs very seriously since if anything were to happen to Arabella, they have to answer to the King and make sure that they have done everything in their power to protect Arabella. Not only do they have to answer to the King but also to the people as well. Princess Diana might have been known as the People's princess of but Arabella is known as the Kingdom's Princess.

They went inside the club towards the VIP section on the second floor which oversees the dance floor below and has its own bar and bartender. When the group arrived, Chelsy Davy was there as well as a few other acquaintances. Arabella and Harry greeted everyone they knew with a kiss on the cheeks and everyone else with a polite handshake and smiles. There was a few people who they did not know that was there and when it was Arabella who was greeting them, they y did a small curtsy when they shook hands which Arabella just ignored.

"Harry! Bella! Come here for a sec, I want to introduce you to someone." Guy called from somewhere near the bar. Harry excused himself from the person he was talking to and reached Guy before Arabella. Arabella was sitting at the couches when Guy called so she took a bit longer to get to Guy.

"Harry, I would like to introduce you to Meghan Markle. Meghan, Prince Harry." Guy introduced them.

"Nice to meet you." Meghan gave a small shy smile.

"You too." Harry replied giving her a smile before turning around to look for his fiance.

"Babe," Harry called out to Arabella as she came closer to the trio.

"Bella, this is Meghan Markle, the girl I was telling you about." Guy introduced her again. "Meghan, this is Princess Arabella."

"Hello," Arabella said politely which Meghan returned with a smile. She didn’t really want to meet the Princess, she just wanted to meet Prince Harry. When Guy invited her to go out tonight, he said that the Prince might come so she dressed to impress. She wasn’t happy that his fiance was there as well.

"Shall we go sit? I'll grab us some drinks." Guy said as he gestured them towards the sitting area as he went to grab drinks. "Your usual I assume Harry? Bella? And what would you like Meghan?"

"Yes please." Both Harry and Arabella replied Guy.

"I'll have a Margarita please Guy." Meghan replied. With that Guy left to go to the Bar and order their drinks. Making sure to have Arabella's drink checked and made under direct supervision so that nothing is added or anything.

Meanwhile, Harry, Arabella and Meghan went to the couches and sat down. Harry sat first, pulling Arabella onto his lap and pulled her even closer, and Meghan sat opposite of the pair.

"So, Meghan, what do you do for a living?" Harry started off.

"I'm an actress and an activist." She replied.

"Oh, big screen or small screen?" Arabella asked. She knew a lot of actors and actresses and none of them have heard of Meghan Markle before.

"Small screen now, I'm currently doing this TV show called Suits. Have you seen it before?" She turned to Harry when she asked this question.

"I think we watched an episode, but I don’t think we were paying that much attention, did we babe?" Harry smirked at Arabella before pressing kisses on her neck.

Laughing, Arabella kissed Harry's cheeks before asking the next question. "How long are you here for?"

"Only for a few days." Meghan replied shortly. Feeling as if she didn’t want to talk to Arabella, Arabella just looked away and surveyed the area. It was then that Guy came back with their drinks.

"Martini for the Princess, Whiskey for the Prince and a Margarita for the actress. Enjoy." Guy handed each of them with their drinks and started a conversation with Harry and Meghan. Arabella whispered to Harry that she's going to go over to Skippy and Lara before getting up from Harry's lap and heading over there.

They stayed there for a while, many drinks between them. Arabella stayed with Lara and Zoe, often going to the railing to watch people dance before heading to the mini dance floor and dance themselves while Harry chatted with Guy and Skippy who joined them not long after Arabella left. Meghan stayed there as well with Chelsy joining them after Skippy. Chelsy and Harry remained friends after the break up and Arabella and Chelsy are friendly with each other. Chelsy has her own boyfriend and are very happy right now.

Throughout the whole night, Chelsy watched how Meghan interacted with Harry, feeling slightly suspicious of the new girl in their circle. She liked how happy Harry is with Arabella and she doesn’t want anyone jeopardising that. The whole night, Chelsy could see that this Meghan was full on flirting with Harry, touching his arms, laughing at every single thing that Harry says and even doing the tucking of the hair behind the ears move. Chelsy then glanced at Arabella to see if she noticed that Meghan was making a move on Harry and it looks like she was having a blast with Lara and Zoe. She was laughing and dancing and drinking like there was no tomorrow.

Feeling annoyed, Chelsey excused herself to go to the bathroom and went to go do her business. Once she was done, she left the cubicle to see that Meghan had went to the bathroom as well and is re-applying her lipstick. Chelsy ignored her as she went to wash her hands.

"Do you think if I pull down my top more, Harry will notice me?" Meghan spoke up beside Chelsy.

"I'm sorry, what?" Chelsy furrowed her eyebrows.

"What do you think I should do to get Harry’s attention?” Meghan asks again. “Do I need to show more skin to get him to leave his fiancé? Or do I need to play nice girl?”

Chelsy just looked at her flabbergastedly.

“Is that your plan tonight? To get Harry interested in you that he will leave his fiancé? A crown princess for some low small screen nobody? Please, have some respect for yourself.” Chelsy scoffed before leaving the bathroom.

Meanwhile at the table, when Chelsy left, not long after Meghan left to the bathroom as well and Arabella approached Harry, Guy and Skippy.

“Having fun?” Arabella asked Harry kissing his cheeks.

“Not without you baby.” Harry replied.

“Please stop guys or I’ll barf.” Guy said mockingly barfing.

“Why didn’t you stay here with us?” Harry asked Arabella.

“Yeah, you missed Meghan throwing herself at Harry while Guy just moped.” Skippy laughed.

“Well I didn’t want to see someone throwing themselves at my fiancé, so I decided to just let loose myself.” Arabella replied to Harry’s question. “Besides, absence makes your heart grow fonder, is it not?”

Shaking his head, Harry just pulled Arabella closer to him and swayed to the music.

It was then Chelsy came back from the bathroom with a slightly pissed off look in her face.

“What’s wrong Chels?” Harry asks still hugging Arabella close to him.

“I just want to rip out Meghan’s head off.” Chelsy said angrily.

“What? Why?” Guy asks.

“She literally asks me in the bathroom what to do to make Harry notice her, show off more skin or pretend to be a good girl.” Chelsy shakes her head.

“And? What did you say to her?” Curious, Arabella prodded some answers from Chelsy.

“Well, I said, word for word, if that’s her plan tonight. If she’s trying to get Harry to leave his fiancé, a crown princess, I might add, for a low small screen nobody. And that for her to have a little respect for herself.” Chelsy shrugged.

With that, the whole table burst out laughing.

“Oh Chelsy honey.” Arabella pulled away from Harry to hug Chelsy. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I had to, Bella. I know we’re not exactly the best of friends, but you are one of my friends and I have grown to respect you a lot. I’ve been through where you were, only I was more insecure and in the end, that and how his life is like, that we didn’t end up working. I don’t want some bimbo nobody get in between Harry and his happiness. After all that he’s been through, he deserves it. And you, not only embrace this life of his, but your life is even more demanding than his. So, yeah. I have to do this. I will do this again.” Chelsy said to Arabella.

“Thank you.” Arabella smiled at her. “It means a lot to me. For you to do this.”

When they pulled away from each other, they faced the smiling group and shook their heads. At that, Meghan came back from the bathroom and the group could clearly tell that she chose to show more skin. It was indicated by the lower neckline of her shirt and even shorter skirt and ruffled hair.

Arabella just stared at Harry before laughing and shaking her head. She then kissed Harry on the lips, just to mark her territory before going to the bar to get some more Martini, maybe even some tequila, she definitely needs something stronger.

"Tequila shot please." She gestured to the bartender before turning around and lean against the bar to survey the VIP area. What she didn’t realise, is that Meghan followed her and stood next to her against the bar.

"I see I pushed you to drinking shots now? Are you that insecure that I'll steal your man?" Meghan spoke up.

Turning around, she looked Meghan up and down, before laughing again. "Honey, what makes you so sure that you can steal my man?"

"He's been into me the whole night. I bet you if I would walk past him and give him a signal, he'll come following shortly. Because let's face it, who would want a stick thin dumb blonde as a fiancé?"

"Let's get one thing straight here Meg, can I call you meg?" Arabella asked before smirking. "That guy behind you there, with the leather jacket? He's my protection officer, well one of them anyways. I don’t usually pull this card but, compared to me, you're nothing. I'm the crown princess, my godparents are kings and queens, if anyone were to threaten me, well let's just say that you won't be allowed back in many countries. You want to try and get Harry's attention go for it. I just want to see your face when he doesn’t give you the time or day." With that, Arabella gestured for Meghan to go walk past Harry and come back.

"Fine. You'll see how he'll drool over me when I come back here." With that, she flicked her hair and walked towards Harry in what Arabella assumed to be a supposed sexy walk. She walked really slowly in front of Harry, trying, and failing to show some legs. When Harry didn’t even glance her way, she just huffed and stalked back to where Arabella was standing.

"Now watch how it's done." Arabella threw back her shot of tequila before slamming it back down on the bar top and make her way to Harry. She swayed her hips a little as she got closer to Harry. It was at that moment when Harry felt the need to look up and there it was, right in front of him, his fiancé walking towards him sexily. He bit his lips before excusing himself from his friends and meet her half way.

"You want to get out of here?" Arabella looked into his eyes and bite her lips.

"Let's go." Harry just signalled Finn that they were leaving before taking her hand and dragging her towards the exit and their cars.

Arabella turned her head to look behind her, her eyes stared into those of Meghan's and Arabella gave her a wink before turning back to the front and giggled softly.

"I know what you did," Harry said as the car doors close.

"I have no idea what you’re saying." Arabella smiled coyly.

"I saw you talking to her by the bar, I saw the way you laugh and how you challenged her."

"Fine, she told me that you were into her and how if she would walk past you, you would look at her and follow her into oblivion. I obviously challenged her to actually do it and when she failed to catch your attention, I told her to watch and learn how it's done, and well, you're here now aren't you?"

Let's just say, when they returned back to the cottage, their night was spent with laughter and a lot of love making.

Next Chapter

#chapter #chapter 14 #phff #Prince Harry #prince harry fanfic #in a heartbeat #in a heartbeat phff #fanfic #british royal family #Dutch royal family #royalty

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inaheartbeat-phff · 6 years

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Chapter 11

Wednesday, January 14th, 9:45am Noordeinde Palace, The Hague

"Your Royal Highness, The press has arrived in drawing room and is currently setting up their equipment's. They will be ready for you in fifteen minutes." Adam, Arabella's and Harry's acting press secretary said. He is in charge of this today and how well everything goes. "Sir, we will be doing a press conference first with His Majesty stating the engagement and then the Princess of Orange will speak, as per the Dutch Royal Family's traditions. Next will be the short questions from the press next door. That will approximately take fifteen minutes, before moving to the private drawing room upstairs for the interview by the BBC. Their representative as well as their crew are setting up there at this moment."

Arabella nodded and took a deep breath before turning to her full length mirror to check her outfit and makeup the last time as well fluffing up her hair. Harry, standing behind her with his dashing blue suit.

“You okay?" Harry looked at Arabella as she fumbles with her hair.

"Yeah. You?" Arabella looked at Harry through the mirror.

"I'm excited. I get to tell the whole world about you. I get to tell them how much I love you and how much you mean to me."

"Harry…" Arabella turned around and took a step closer to him. "I love you too. And I promise, I'm not nervous about the interview anymore. You helped go through the questions with me last night remember?"

"Ah yes. So are you ready? I think we're supposed to go downstairs to meet with your father now." Harry said kissing the side of her head before heading out the door.

Hand in hand, the couple went downstairs to greet King Willem-Alexander and prepare themselves to film the press conference. It's going to be mostly in Dutch so Harry just need to sit there and look pretty. After bowing his head and greeting his future father in law, Harry, Arabella and the King moved to the room that has been prepped for this press conference video shoot thing and sat on their respective seats. It was a round table with Arabella sitting in the middle with her father on her right and Harry on the left. The camera would then start rolling with all three of them in the frame, before moving closer until it was only Willem-Alexander in the frame.

(A/N: This press conference will be in Dutch, but as I do not speak Dutch, it will be written in English. This is inspired by when Willem-alexander and Maxima got engaged, then Queen Beatrix had a press conference about their engagement, basically announcing it and giving it her stamp of approval.)

"Good Morning. We are here today to announce something very important that has happened over the weekend. My daughter, Princess Arabella had become engaged to Prince Harry. It is truly an exciting news, one I am happy to share with you today. Prince Harry has been courting my daughter since 2012 and has been going strong ever since. I am glad that my daughter met Harry and have made each other very happy. It is important for me and for her late mother that she marries because of love. We are very happy and is delighted to have a new addition to our small family. Once married, prince Harry will become the Prince of Orange first and then bear the titles given to him by his grandmother. Since he is marrying the crown princess, this title will be higher than that of a Duke." King Willem-Alexander said towards the camera. Taking a deep breath, he turned to his daughter who is seated in the middle of himself and Harry.

"I am very excited to embark on this journey ahead of us, and couldn’t be more happier than I am now. Our wedding will hopefully happen in June here in Amsterdam where my father married my step-mother. However, since Harry is a senior member of the British Royal Family, our duties will be split in half. Our time will be divided between living in London as well as in the Netherlands. Any royal duties will be met and will be scheduled accordingly. My heart swells at the thought of combining our families into one, and could not be more proud of what we have achieved so far. Thank you for all your love and support towards us. Thank you." Arabella smiled towards the camera before the cameraman nodded to indicate the end of the press conference.

Smiling at the crew, King Willem-Alexander stood up from his seat, making Arabella and Harry stand up as well. Turning to his daughter and future son-in-law, he embraced them both while whispering in their ears words of encouragement.

"Good Luck. I know the both of you will do well."

Smiling at the king, the engaged couple stood back and bowed to him as he left the room.

Adam then came to the pair and smiled. "Your Royal Highnesses, the press is ready for you in the hall. This will only take fifteen minutes before we move on to the interview with the BBC." Bowing his head at the both of them, he lead them both to the hall.

Arabella held Harry's hand in hers as they walk down the halls of Noordeinde Palace. "You doing okay?" She looked up at him through her lashes.

"Yeah. I need to learn how to speak Dutch though. I was completely clueless back there." He chuckled thinking back at the announcement video and thought to himself that he must have looked a bit odd, sitting there and just smiling and nodding his head.

"You can start taking some lessons while we're in London. I can teach you some basic words." Arabella told him before the two of them come to a stop in front of a room filled with their staff. In that small room held Arabella's styling crew as they touch up her face and another stylist, one that came from her father's office, had a lint roller and started fixing Harry's suit. It took them a few minutes to make sure that the pair is picture perfect before they were being escorted by Adam, Jane and Ed, towards the ballroom that is filled with press, waiting to capture the engaged duo.

"Are we ready, Your Royal Highnesses?" Adam looked back at the pair, as he will be the one leading them inside the room and making sure everything is going as planned. Jane and Ed will wait by the door inside, as they will be the ones going Live on twitter on their official accounts. The fans love being a part of the process and god only knows how many international fans these two have.

"Let’s get this over with." Arabella shared a smile with Harry before nodding at Adam.

Adam entered the room first. As he entered, Harry and Arabella could hear the camera's start clicking and their video camera's start filming. There is over fifty press inside the room, fifteen from the UK, fifteen from the Netherlands and twenty from across the globe. Clearing his throat, Adam turned towards the press and said in a clear voice, "Their Royal Highnesses, The Princess of Orange and Prince Henry of Wales."

With a nod to each other, the pair held hands and entered the room. The entire room lit up in flashes and they both looked at each other laughing before smiling at the cameras. The press would shout at them trying to get them to look at their lenses and asked a few simple questions. Some of the questions or statements rather was amusing to both Harry and Arabella.

"Your Royal Highness, Happy belated Birthday! How are you enjoying your week so far?" one would ask, in which Arabella would reply, "Thank you! I'm enjoying this week very much so with Harry by my side."

"Your Royal Highness, will you leave the succession line of the British Monarchy to be the crown prince of the Netherlands?" Another would ask, which almost brought Harry to tears. "No I do not plan on leaving my succession line to the throne. I don’t foresee me being king of the United Kingdom anytime in the future. So I don’t think there should be a problem."

"Your Royal Highness, is your brother jealous that you will be a higher ranked royal than him, possibly be King before him?" One reporter stupidly asked in which Arabella was quick to answer. "Higher ranked or not, they are still brothers and brothers always compete with everything and apparently they compete with who gets to be king first." Arabella would then lightly nudged Harry's shoulders jokingly.

"Your Royal Highness, how will this wedding affect your royal duties? You both have to juggle between the duties required of you from the Netherlands as well as the duties from the United Kingdom." A reporter from the front asked Arabella. "We hope we can divide our time with each kingdoms equally. Since I am the heir to the throne of the Netherlands, I will put a bit more priority to some duties such as the parliament meetings and other state affairs. However, should the UK require our services we will be happy to do so."

The two of them answered a few more questions, some yes or no answers before they were pulled away by Adam, who said loudly to the press, "Their Royal Highnesses will take their leave now. Thank you all for your questions." With that, Adam led Harry and Arabella out of the room with Jane and Ed following close behind them. They then walked upstairs to one of the drawing rooms where the BBC is set up and their interviewer Mishal Husain is waiting for them.

When Arabella and Harry entered the room, the crew immediately stood up and bowed their heads before going back to work. Adam then introduced the two to Mishal.

"Your Royal Highnesses, this is Mishal Husain from the BBC, he will be your interviewer this afternoon."

Arabella then give out her hand for a handshake, "Mr Husain, very nice to meet you. Will this be broadcasted live?"

"Pleasure to meet you, your royal highness. Yes, this will be live on BBC ONE." Mr Husain shook the princess' hands before shaking Harry's.

"Well let's have a seat shall we." Arabella gestured to the couch and the seat across the couch and then sat down gracefully.

"Are we ready, Your Royal Highness?" Mishal Husain asked the pair as they get themselves comfortable on the couch. Harry held hands with the princess and Arabella showcased her engagement ring very proudly against Harry's hands.

"Yes." Harry nodded to Mr Husain. With a nod from Adam, the camera started rolling and the producer of BBC ONE gave the all clear and that they were now live.

"Your Royal Highnesses, congratulations to you both." Mishal Husain smiled at them from behind the camera. With the main camera focused on the pair.

"Thank you." Arabella said, smiling at Mishal Husain.

"Can we start with the proposal and the actual moment of your engagement? When did it happen? How did it happen?"

Smiling, Arabella looked at Harry and waited for him to reply this particular question. "It happened last weekend, we were at the Alps celebrating Bella's thirtieth birthday with her closest friends and when it was dark, I took her outside for a walk underneath the stars and got down on one knee."

"It was such a lovely surprise. Very romantic of him to ask me underneath the stars. It was very sweet." Arabella smiled up to Harry before looking at Mishal for the next question.

"Was it an instant yes for you, your royal highness?"

"Goodness yes. It was really sweet and we were both teary eyed. Yes. It was an instant yes from me." Smiling, Arabella patted Harry's knees softly before holding his hand once more.

"And this was how long after you first met?"

"Well, we met at Will's wedding back in 2011," Harry looked at Arabella. "So it's been about four years after we've first met.."

"Yes but we only started officially seeing each other a year later, so three years together but four years since we first met." Arabella confirmed to the camera.

"So you have to thank your brother for that? How exactly did the two of you met?"

"My father was supposed to attend Will and Kate's wedding, but he unfortunately had an engagement that same day to represent my grandmother, who was at that time, Queen of the Netherlands. And since we needed someone to represent us, I had to step up and go in his place. It really is a gem that the Queen is my Godmother so the arrangements was easily made." Arabella told Mishal the reason why she went to the wedding in the first place.

"My father and grandmother was clearly trying to play matchmaker on the both of us. Before we left Clarence House, my father would casually toss out Arabella's name and how she's very beautiful and how she's around my age. At that time I just came out of a long relationship and wasn’t looking to be in another relationship so I just brushed it off." Harry chuckled. "But I guess my grandmother had other plans because during the reception, she would introduce us and then quietly walked away. I have her to thank for that too I guess."

"You mentioned that Queen Elizabeth II is your godmother, how is it that you both have not met each other earlier in your lives?"

"Yes, she is one of my many godmothers. But thinking back, we almost always miss each other I think." Arabella said thinking.

"Yes, either that or whenever you were in London, I was training in the army or doing some royal duty." Harry turned his head to look at Arabella next to him.

"That or you were busy partying the night away." Arabella teased.

"Or that too. Really, I'm sure we somehow almost always miss each other."

"How much did you, Prince Harry, know about the Princess of Orange?"

"How much did I know? Not a lot actually, considering that we are both in the public eye and have a major fan base. I actually only heard about her. I mean, I know that at that time, Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands have an eldest daughter, but I no, I did not know much about her." Harry said furrowing his eyebrows thinking back. "I think that’s a good thing, not knowing much about your partner, so when you have your first date, you discover something new with your partner. During our introductions, I remember being very nervous to stand in front of this beautiful woman and I just asked her out in the middle of the reception of my brother's wedding. I straight up asked her how long is she staying in England and if we could meet up one of those days."

"Oh yes, I remember that, we were just casually trying to make small talk when Harry would blurt out if I want to go on a date with him. Looking back at it now, that was pretty random wasn’t it. We were talking about how I call Her Majesty the Queen, Aunt Lilibet when he suddenly asked me if I was free on Sunday." Arabella laughed a little while shaking her head.

"Do you really call Her Majesty 'Aunt Lilibet'?"

"Yes I do. She wouldn’t reply me otherwise if I didn’t. I grew up thinking she's just auntie lilibet from england. My late mother looked up to her majesty and in her short time being married to my father, Aunt Lilibet was considered someone she could call for an advice, they got very close they did." Arabella smiled softly.

"Granny is very fond of Bella. She would always ask her to come during Trooping of Colour and other official events. Bella always refused saying she wasn’t really a part of the family. But Granny would always scold her saying 'You are my goddaughter, you are a part of this family.' I would always laugh at her when she tries to say no to granny. Not many people can do that you know." Harry laughed.

"Compared to Prince Harry, Your Royal Highness, your godparents are Kings and Queens. How does that affect you growing up?"

"To me, they are not really rulers of a country. They are my godparents who whenever they would visit, they would bring presents. My childhood growing up is as normal as they can be. I was home schooled until the age of eleven where I went for my secondary school. Then I would continue my education until I had a degree in International Relations and Politics. It's no different that Harry's I'm sure." Arabella said looking up to him. "My parents, although they were the heirs to the throne tried to give me a normal childhood as they possibly can."

"Many people have wondered, when you were little, did you have what they call 'Princess Lessons'?"

"Funny you should say that. Yes, I had these so called 'princess lessons' when I was a child. They’re not really called princess lessons, I know them as Torture sessions." Arabella grumbled making the three of them laugh. "It really was. Can you imagine a five year old going to these types of lessons. Learning how to curtsy, who to curtsy to, the different types of curtsy, how to stand, eat, sit, talk, wave. It's all very tiring for a child that age. But I am grateful I have learned that at such a young age. It's second nature now."

"Now, did you Your Royal Highness, know about Prince Harry?"

"Actually as a matter of fact, I did know about him." Arabella said smugly. "You see, being the heir of the heir you have to know about the surrounding royal families and your allies. Of course I have a packet in my office that details Harry, what he's done and so forth. I obviously only know the important bits, to be able to make small talk, not too much in detail and I learned those more intimate detains from Harry himself as time got on."

"I found her stash of files on people a few years ago and got a little freak out session." Harry admitted. "But then I learned that she is in direct line to the throne so it must be really important for her to know everything. Truly it is eye opening."

"Was it refreshing for you to have someone who has gone through something similar as you have?"

"It is. It truly is. To find someone who understands duty to country above all, it really is refreshing. I feel as though I am more happy and secure in our relationship. We both know how the press sometimes like to twist stories and make things up and we both understand how it is to live in the public eye." Harry answered.

"Starting a long distance relationship - With both your busy schedules and commitments, how hard was it to keep things going?"

"We are both very committed to our countries and that requires some kind of sacrifice. We were friends for a year, getting to know each other and got closer to each other. We would go months before seeing each other but the phone calls and skype sessions makes up for it I guess." Arabella rubbed her hands on Harry's.

"We both know that getting involved with each other, we have to make some sacrifices. There was a lot of travelling during our years together and when one have a free weekend, or a few free days, we would make time to visit each other." Harry finished it off. "But, you know, we made it work and now we’re here, so we're thrilled."

"Do you see children in the future? Any talk about those plans?"

"Well I always knew I wanted children. Lots of them." Harry chuckled. "And with Bella being heir, I don’t think that's going to be a problem."

"We would joke about it before. How he wants a big family, with eight children." Arabella shakes her head. "Eight children! Can you believe it. It would make me feel better if he would be able to carry half of them." The three of them laughed. "But yes, many many children in the future. We hope we can give them as much of a normal life as we can but we also want to have them used to this type of life. We want them to learn from an early age that they are a part of not only the Dutch royal family but also the British."

"You've met each other's families, I imagine."

"Yes, meeting Bella's family has been nerve wrecking. I think I kind of know how it feels like when I would introduce my previous girlfriends to my family. But no, they’ve been really welcoming and lovely. It truly is something." Harry said.

"I have of course, met Charles and Camilla, as well at some point, during my early years, have met Diana. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have been lovely. The Duke of York, Duke and Duchess of Wessex, The Princess Royal, I have met them all during official events and such, but meeting them as Harry's girlfriend, was a whole new experience." Arabella detailed.

"You mentioned that you have met the Princess of Wales previously. Can you elaborate on that?"

"Yes, during official visits and functions before she passed on. I met her officially when I was seven years old and was in Buckingham Palace visiting The Queen. She was there for tea if I remembered correctly and we met each other in the drawing room. Her Majesty introduced us, and her first words to me was, 'You're such a beautiful little girl.' she would ask me some questions and I would answer her how seven year olds would answer. Before she left, she told me, 'You know you remind me of my son Harry. The next time you visit, I would be sure to introduce the both you. I think you would make quite the pair.' The next time we met, it was during a state visit and Harry wasn't allowed to come I think." Arabella smiled up at Harry.

"Oh I remember that. Mum came back from tea with Granny when she hugged me and told me that there was a pretty girl I had to meet. But then I would tell her about my lessons and we would change the subject." Harry shakes his head.

"Now tell us about your ring."

"Yes, the ring." Arabella looked at Harry.

"The band of the ring is rose gold because that's her favourite. The main stone itself is from her grandmother's collection, and the diamonds surrounding it is from my mother's collection." Harry smiled at Arabella.

"How did you get the stone?"

"I got them when I asked King Willem-Alexander for his blessing to marry his daughter. He then took me to his mother's office and told her my intentions. She was going to give me one of her rings but I felt as if it wouldn’t represent Bella, so she gave me a stone instead to be put into the ring."

"It’s a beautiful ring. I really do love it. And he designed it himself, which I appreciate." Arabella said while looking down at the ring.

"Yeah, make sure it stays on that finger." Harry joked.

"I wouldn’t have it any other way." Arabella smiled up at him lovingly.

"Thank you for your time. We at BBC ONE wish you all the best."

"Thank you for having us." Arabella smiled softly. While Harry just nodded and stood up to shake Mishal Husain's hands.

And that was the end of the interview. Once the camera was shut off, Harry and Arabella took a deep breath and smiled at each other.

"Now that that's out of the way, we have the photoshoot left and then we are done." Arabella said to Harry as they left the room. "And you were nervous about the interview last night, you did amazingly." Harry put his arms around Arabella as they walked to her dressing room to change outfits.

"I was nervous, but I think having you there with me made it all better."

"Well I'm glad to hear that. Now let's get this done with so we can have some time to ourselves yeah?"

"Yeah." She then leans up to kiss him softly. "I love you."

"I love you too." and together they walked towards her dressing room and changed to their next outfit for the engagement photoshoot.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Arabella and Harry was situated at the main entrance staircase with their photographer snapping pictures of them. They would exchange jokes and laugh together giving the photographer plenty of lovely photos.

The photographer felt really privileged to be able to photograph these intimate moments of the two royals and would give them all the copies. Later on, as the couple choose their photos to release, they smiled softly as the photographer did capture their love and support to each other.

They went back to Huis ten Bosch palace once their day was done and planned to have a nice night in and relax.

"You okay?" Harry looked down at Arabella softly.

"Shouldn’t I be the one asking you this?" Arabella smiled up at him.

"Touché." Harry smiled. "You look beautiful."

"You don’t look so bad yourself." Arabella's hand reached up to tap Harry's cheeks lightly. "Shall we go get changed and relax in our room?"

"Lets." With a grin, Harry picked up Arabella and swung her on his shoulders.

Taken by surprise, Arabella shrieked his name before giggling madly. "Put me down you oaf." She slapped his ass.

"I don’t think so milady." With a grin stretched across his face, he carried Arabella over his shoulders towards their suite.

Next Chapter

#chapter 11 #chapter #phff #in a heartbeat phff #in a heartbeat #Prince Harry #prince harry fanfic #fanfic #british royal family #Dutch royal family

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inaheartbeat-phff · 6 years

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Chapter 13

PRINCE HARRY ATTENDS THE PRINCESS OF ORANGE'S WEEK LONG BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS

Prince Harry, 30, recently announced his engagement with the crown princess of the Netherlands, Princess Arabella. They recently had their engagement interview and press conference during The Princess of Orange's third day of Birthday celebrations where she would usually have her press conference. The couple used this time to address the public and share their journey with us. They also undergo their engagement interview with BBC that same day as per British Royals tradition.

Last night, Princess Arabella had her birthday state banquet where many Kings and Queens as well as Prime Ministers attended. It was an opportunity for Prince Harry to socialise with the elite of elite and prove to the public that he is able to be a crown prince or if he is just a spare.

Among the guests are Sultan Sir Muda Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei as well as his wife, the Queen Consort.

Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan

Prince Hans-Adam II and Princess Marie of Liechtenstein

King Harold V and Queen Sonja of Norway

Prince Seeiso of Lesotho has attended in the place of his father King Letsie III

King Abdullah II and Queen Rania

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain

And let's not forget, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama had also attended the birthday banquet

Many allies came to HRH Princess Arabella's 30th Gala dinner as it marks an important mile stone in her life. And of course, her godparents as well as some of her closest friends has attended the banquet as well.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh

Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg,

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden

the Princess of Hanover

Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neil,

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie,

Ms Charlotte Casiraghi

And we can't forget the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who attended as well.

Prince Harry and Princess Arabella was reportedly seen as a good host, socialising with everyone as well as showing some public displays of affection during the dinner. Many times, it was seen that the Prince has his hands on the Princess's waist. The pair was seen giving loving looks to each other.

The Prince looked very comfortable conversing with other royals and dignitaries, a good trait to have as a future monarch. As this is his first state banquet as the fiancé of Princess Arabella, he seems very comfortable and was seen laughing the whole night. Sure, this was in a room filled with very important people, he seemed at ease the whole night.

Comparing him to his older brother, the heir of the heir, Prince William is seen to be the more strict brother. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is known to not show any affection in public, a spokesperson of the Duke and Duchess has said that it was due to the fact that they see themselves as 'working' when they are on engagements and events and want to be seen as professional.

The Duchess of Cambridge was seen last night wearing a dusty blue gown that leans more towards grey coloured. The Princess of Orange was in a similar colour, though hers was much more edgy yet respectable. She was wearing the Sapphire Necklace Tiara. It's one of the tiara's that is shared between Queen Maxima and the Princess of Orange. The princess also had her blonde locks lightly curled and let them down while the duchess had hers up in a low bun.

The Princess of Orange was seated at the main table with her parents and her godparents. Her closest friends along with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was seated on the table to their right that is filled with dignitaries around the world who attended the event.

A state banquet in honour of their Heir is not uncommon in Europe. It's a tradition that is used by most of Europe's monarchy. However, The United Kingdom does not follow these traditions.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

@DutchRoyalFamily: BBC will film a short documentary about HRH Princess of Orange's year as she embarks on a journey that is her 30th year. They will film some behind the scenes footages and the daily life of HRH. HRH is pleased to build a bridge that separates her life and that of her people. She would like the Kingdom of the Netherlands to be a part of her wedding as much as possible. HRH has chosen BBC as it is not only a respectable news channel, but also British owned to pay tribute to her future husband.

@KensingtonRoyal: HRH The Princess of Orange has allowed BBC to film her 30th year for a documentary. It will be released February next year. The documentary will have some behind the scenes footages of the Royal Wedding as well as an insight to the daily lives of HRH The Princess of Orange.

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#chapter 13 #Prince Harry #prince harry fanfic #in a heartbeat #in a heartbeat phff #phff #chapter #british royal family #Dutch royal family #royalty

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inaheartbeat-phff · 6 years

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Chapter 9

Monday, January 12th, 8:00am Princess Arabella's Suite, Huis ten Bosch Palace, The Hague

Arabella sat at the head of her dining room table, nibbling on a toast, reading the morning paper while Harry sat on her left eating his pancakes. They were both ready for the Parade that is starting at ten that morning. Prince Harry and Princess Arabella will have their first public appearance since their engagement that was announced right now.

(Author’s side note: Just imagine her skirt is longer until just before her knees.)

They both were enjoying the quiet morning eating their breakfast before there were three knocks on the door. Arabella sighed before folding her paper and wiped her lips and Harry drank his tea.

"Good Morning Your Royal Highness', these came for you this morning Ma'am. Ms Jane and Mr Fox are also here ma'am, sir." Pieter bowed his head and announced their private secretaries who came in behind him and stood by the sides. Then eleven men in suits came in the room holding a tray with tiara's sat on top of them. Harry sat there jaws open as he stared at the people in surprise. Arabella just sat there drinking her tea.

"Are these the tiaras I got for my birthday?" Arabella asked Pieter. He nodded his head before adding, "As well as tiaras you got as an engagement present ma'am."

"Please proceed." Arabella said knowing that every year for her birthday she got some jewelleries and sometimes tiaras from her godparents.

"The Blue Sapphire Flower set from His Majesty King Willem-Alexander." Pieter announced and a man on the front of the line brought forward the tray with the tiara and matching earrings.

"Ruby Star jewellery set from Her Majesty Queen Maxima."

"The Bella tiara from Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."

"The Enchanted Pearl tiara from His Royal Highness The Grand Duke of Luxembourg."

"The Sapphire Teardrop jewellery set from Her Royal Highness The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg."

"The Rose Tiara from His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden."

"The Pearl and Crystal tiara from His Majesty King Phillipe of Belgium."

"The Golden Forrest tiara from Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark."

"The Blue Fairy tiara from His Serene Highness The Prince of Liechtenstein."

"The Golden Dragonfly Tiara from His Serene Highness The Sovereign Prince of Monaco."

"The Rose Bandeau Tiara from His Majesty King Herold V of Norway."

"The Elisa head piece tiara from His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain."

"And Lastly as an engagement present from Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Elizabeth II, The Blue Crystal Cluster tiara."

"Jane, will you please send the official thank you notes to the Kings and Queens for the tiaras and update the royal vault account about the history and from where the tiaras originated. Pieter please inform Sara and Anna about these tiaras and put them in the Vault thank you." With a nod, Arabella sipped her tea as Pieter proceeded to leave the room together with the jewelleries leaving Ed and Jane by the wall.

Harry couldn’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed. He couldn’t remember a time where he had seen that many tiaras in one place and openly. He remembered his mother had a few collection but not that much. Arabella just got eleven new tiaras just by getting engaged and turning thirty. Harry knew that Kate had inherited his mother’s tiara through Will by default and when he and Arabella marry, she will inherit some too but Harry doesn’t think that Arabella will need them as she will have her own sets clearly from just now as well as her own family jewels.

"What just happened?" Harry thought aloud, he was still in shock of what had occurred a few minutes ago.

"It is customary that Princess Arabella receive a few jewellery or tiaras for her engagement. It was a sign of respect that every monarch in Europe especially sent some form of jewellery to mark the Princess's engagement. It is also an understanding and a sign of treaty amongst the current European monarchy with a future monarch." Jane quickly stood forward and explained to Harry simply. There was more to that of course. Arabella is close to most if not all of Europe's reigning monarch therefore most of them sent her tiara's. However, other heirs during their engagement got pieces of jewelleries such as brooches, watches, jewellery sets. Not as grand as Arabella. Then again, she calls most if not all of the reigning monarchs aunts and uncles.

"Please sit down, Jane and Ed. We have much to discuss this morning before the parade." Arabella said as a request but they knew that underneath, it was more like an order.

Ed tried to shake his head, getting briefed earlier about the etiquette towards the princess, but when he looked to his left, he saw Jane shook her head lightly before sitting down one seat below the princess on her right side. The protocols were so much different than to their British ones. He was sure that he didn’t act this way towards Prince William and even calls prince Harry, Harry sometimes. He knew that when at home, he usually don’t bother Prince Charles so he doesn’t know how to act around the heir of the throne. Ed then pulled the seat next to Jane and sat down.

"The announcement were live ten minutes ago and so far the response have been positive. Many would like to see the Prince by your side in public more often." Jane started off, she had her tablet in front of her with information open and her notes easy to access.

"That's wonderful news." Arabella said before calling the footman forward. "Call Miss Sara or Anna, whichever is not occupied with the gifts and tell her to come here please and bring my notebook with her as well. Thank you."

"Prince Harry's office staff will still reside at St. James Palace and will communicate here for the time being. They will then move to Noordeinde Palace in March after your royal tour in the UK is done." Ed said next, ticking it off the list.

"Yes, in the meantime, Harry will use my staff while he is here to work on any projects. The staff members that he doesn’t have will have to use mine from now on until further notice." Arabella added on.

"What exactly does that mean?" Harry asked, before they could move on to the next topic. Harry knew that he can always ask questions if he was confused and doesn’t understand. Arabella is trying to ease him into this life and makes sure he understands it all.

"Staff such as press secretary, lawyer, and doctor are those you share with Will and Kate. Now that you are engaged to me, you are no longer their employer and you will use mine from now on." Arabella tried to explain.

"Today's parade will start at Binnenhof, where you will meet the Prime Minister as well as the parliament, meet the crowds and will be on an open topped car that will take you to Noordeinde Palace. There will be a soldier's march and a marching band that will lead you to Noordeinde. The parade will take a few hours as half way through, the both of you will have to walk and talk to the people. King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and former Queen Beatrix will meet you at Noordeinde for Lunch. Lunch is a public affair so there will be photographers present. After lunch, you both have meetings to discuss and pick wedding planners and things related to the wedding." Jane told the pair.

"Is that all?" Arabella asked as she finished her tea.

"Yes Ma'am. Your car is waiting for you downstairs to take you to Binnenhof." Ed said as both he and Jane stood up and bowed to Arabella and Harry before leaving the room.

"Are you ready for today?" She asked her fiancé, looking at him with loving eyes.

"I think so."

"It will be much different now that everybody knows you're my fiancé."

"I know, but I'm ready." Harry kissed her knuckles before standing up and pulling Arabella up to go downstairs and into the cars.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Harry and Arabella arrived at Binnenhof to a thundering screams. There was a lot of people present and Harry could clearly tell that Arabella is loved by her people. There was an open top vehicle ready infront for the steps of Binnenhof. The car stopped a few meters away from the car and Harry went out of the car first. With a wave, he went over to Arabella’s side and helped her down the car. When she stepped out of the car, the crowds grew wild and she waved at them making them screaming even louder.

The couple held hands before moving towards the crowds by the barricades to greet them.

“Congratulations on the Engagement princess Arabella!” An elder woman said as she handed Arabella a bouquet of roses.

“Thank you so much!” Arabella smiles at the woman, shaking her hands.

Arabella and Harry went down the barricades and shook people’s hands. All of them either wishing Arabella a happy birthday or congratulating them on their engagement. They reached the point where their car is next to them so they waved to the rest of the crowds before moving to the car. Harry climbed in first before helping Arabella up and into the car.

“You okay?” Arabella asked Harry holding his hands in hers.

“Yeah. The people clearly love you.” He said smiling at her.

“I try to be as relatable as I can even though I am a royal and is privaledged. That’s why I try to have a lot of charities to help out.” She said shrugging her shoulders.

“You are amazing, you know that right?” Harry said before leaving to kiss her cheeks lightly. The crowds saw that and cheered very loudly.

Laughing they both turned to the crowds of people waiting to see them and waved.

On their way to Noordeinde Palace, the engaged couple could see signs wishing Arabella a Happy birthday as well as some UK Flags mixed with the Netherlands Flags.

“You know this will be somewhat like our wedding but instead of a car we will be in a glass carriage my father used and in Amsterdam. There will be soldiers marching and a marching band. There’s more that will happen I just can’t remember what.” Arabella told Harry.

“As long as I get to be your husband, I’m okay.” Harry said cheekily to Arabella which earned him a slap on his arm.

“Stop abusing me woman!” Harry laughed. “I’m trying to be loving but I got slapped instead. Sheesh woman.”

Shaking her head, Arabella just laughed and laid her head on his shoulders. Unknown to the couple, this private moment was captured by the press and sold to every magazine cover in the world with headlines such as: "PRINCE HARRY AND PRINCESS ARABELLA SHOWS PDA" "PRINCE HARRY CHANGING UP THE ROYAL GAME" "PRINCESS ARABELLA PREPARES PRINCE HARRY FOR PUBLIC DO'S AND DON'TS".

Arriving at the half point mark, they got out of the car with Harry helping Arabella and waved to the crowds once more. The marching band, where students from all over the country were selected to play on the parade, started up the march with the couple walking behind them.

Harry waved at the people and mouthed hellos to them, trying to get eye-contact to some of them to show that 'yes, I noticed you'. Arabella smiled at the people and made faces at the babies that were carried on their parents shoulders.

When Harry noticed a sign that said, "Prince Harry, forget Arabella, Marry me instead." Harry laughed at that one before nudging Arabella and pointed to the sign. Arabella read it and laughed out loud, throwing her head backwards. Harry smiled at the sight before looking at the person who's holding out the sign. He then smiled before shrugging and mouth sorry before turning back to Arabella. The girls holding the signs squealed as they got noticed and awed at the love that can be seen in Harry's eyes when he looked at Arabella.

Arabella and Harry walked towards Noordeinde Palace, sometimes going to the side to say hello to the people and play with the kids. The pair would also sometimes dance while they walked and had a lot of fun on the parade.

When they arrived at Noordeinde Palace, Arabella's parents, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima was there accompanied by Princess Beatrix, the Prime Minister as well as Arabella's three younger sisters. Stopping in front of them, Arabella gave a deep curtsy while Harry bowed his head. When Arabella stood straight again, she went forwards to kiss her father on the cheeks before moving on to Queen Maxima. Harry then followed suit and greeted the king with a handshake and a kiss to the cheeks. This gave a public stamp of approval for the royal couple and they moved inside to the dining room after giving the crowds another wave.

"Come lets go to the dining room and have lunch. I’m sure you’re both famished.” Queen Maxima said to her daughter and future son in law ushering them into the dining room where around two photographers were waiting.

Since this is considered an official event, the press are allowed in and take photos to sell to the highest bidder. It’s a give and take scenario, the press respects the royal family and in turn the royal family gives the press something so they can do their jobs.

During lunch, they all shared a few jokes and laughed a few times. With the PM asking Arabella on her plans for the year, this time more constructed and more formal than their lunch the week before, King Willem-Alexander asked about their newly engaged title and how they felt with everything. With the press taking pictures and taking note what was happening in the room, they all knew to keep the conversations light and to not reveal anything that might endanger their safety.

At the end of lunch, the press invited were very happy as they got pictures and moments where Prince Harry was being affectionate with Princess Arabella as well as the relationship between the King and the Prince. It showed very good behaviour on Harry’s part as well as a polite and dignified young man that is capable of being a future King. This was approved by the public when they saw how he was interacting with the prime minister and Princess Beatrix. He was respectful and polite, answering all the questions they had for him yet he was also being his charming and funny self.

After lunch, the group went to the balcony to watch the flyover that the airforce have dedicated for Arabella and you can tell that Harry is amazed. During Trooping of the Colour, Harry is always either beside (when he was still single) or behind William. He was never front and center and that was where Harry was for this flyover. With King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at the center, Princess Beatrix was next to Maxima and the PM next to her while Arabella was next to King Willem-Alexander and Harry next to her. He was also not used to the minimal amount of people on the balcony looking over the crowds and the flyover. He was used to having a big family and have everyone crowded in that balcony to watch the jets.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry and Arabella, after the flyover, waved one final time to the crowds before going indoors and into Arabella’s offices in the East Wing of the Palace and that’s where Harry’s will be as well. Right now, they have a meeting with their team to prepare them, mostly Harry about the press conference, interview session and photo opportunity happening on Wednesday.

Adam, acting as both Arabella’s and Harry’s press secretary is leading the meeting with Arabella’s media relations team, now also acting as Harry’s.

“Good Afternoon Your Royal Highness’, this meeting will mainly be a refresher course of protocol and ways to act during the press conference on Wednesday. This is mainly for you sir.” Adam started off.

“Just be grateful that you’re not doing this alone and that it’s not an etiquette class. Gosh madam Sü is a pain in my backside.” Arabella mumbled to Harry’s ear.

“The conference will be conducted at Noordeinde Palace, as it is known as a working palace. It will be held in the east wing, where the Princess of Orange's offices are located. The doors open to press at nine in the morning so they will be able to set up their equipment's and get questions ready. Most questions are being sent over first so we can comb through it and take out unwanted questions, but there will still be questions that is difficult to answer on the day itself." Arabella's communications secretary, Aleta said. "Pieter will announce your entrance as 'Her Royal Highness The Princess of Orange and her fiance, His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales.' Princess Arabella will enter the room first. She will then be the first to sit down and everyone else will follow suit."

"It is important that Princess Arabella will open the panel and questions will start coming in. Avoid answering the questions in detail but avoid being too vague. We do want some substance for the interview that will be conducted right after the press conference." Her advisor, Gerrit mentioned.

Harry now realise what an important deal this is for them, for Arabella to be announced first, for her to open the conference and for her to end it as well. She is the future monarch after all and it has to be seen that she is in command of the whole thing.

"There are no rules of affections here so feel free to do so if you please. We want to make this conference as natural as possible. Unlike the British, we like to be as transparent with the press as much as we can afford to so they will be more respectful towards us. After the incident with Queen Maxima, there is an understanding between the press and the royal family." Jane piped up.

"As for the interview, it will be done by the BBC, as per your traditions, inside the drawing room at centre court. Your interviewer will be Mishal Husain from the BBC and it will air later that night at eight local time, seven in the UK. The photoshoot will be taken by Tatiana, Her Highness' official photographer and will take place all over the palace." Hans, the deputy communications secretary said.

"Three official engagement photographs will be released that night right after the interview by the Dutch royal family's official twitter account as well as Kensington Palace twitter account. They will be released simultaneously." Adam said before continuing, "As for the state dinner on Thursday night, Prince Harry is only required to bow to reigning monarchs now that he is engaged to Princess Arabella. It is crucial that you do not and I repeat do not bow to anyone other than Kings and Queens. Countries that are invited to attend are, Belgium, Denmark, Principality of Liechtenstein, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Principality of Monaco, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Brunei, Japan, Jordan, Lesotho, the United States and Canada. It is crucial that we remain an ally to these countries.”

“Guests and dignitaries will arrive at half past seven. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima will arrive at quarter to eight and Princess Arabella and Prince Harry will arrive last at eight sharp. The state dinner will be at Noordeinde Palace. They will introduce the Princess of Orange first before introducing Prince Henry of Wales and will enter the room together.” Gerrit said. “The King and Queen will sit down first followed by the Princess of Orange and Prince Harry and all the other guests will follow suit.”

“Okay I think we’re done for the day.” Arabella clapped her hands standing up, making the rest of the room stand up as well. “It’s been a long day and I would like go home and spend alone time with my fiancé thank you very much.” With a wave, Arabella left the room with Harry following

“Well that wasn’t so bad.” Harry said next to her walking to the entrance so they can head back to Huis ten Bosch palace.

“Actually I think that was a meeting more than a protocol lesson.” Arabella thought out loud. “Anyways, what do you want to do tonight?”

“Should we order in and watch a movie?”

“Hm, I’ll have Jane to order Chinese and maybe we can watch Suits.” Arabella smiled up to Harry.

“Yes to the Chinese and Suits? Really? That’s not a movie.” Harry laughed.

“Yes suits. I feel like watching that tonight. Just to relax.”

“Fine. Better call Jane now for the Chinese. God knows what they need to do before the food comes to you.” Harry said pulling her to the door and into the car. “Let’s go home.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~

“Okay so the Chinese food arrived ten minutes ago and its being processed right now, did you put on the tv?” Harry asked walking into the living room where Arabella is currently at.

“Yeah, it’s ready.” Arabella stood up and went to the couch where the blankets are laid out and Harry now sat. She climbed on the sofa and cuddled into Harry before pressing play on the remote, starting the episode. Halfway through, the Chinese arrived being brought out by Pieter and when the show ended the pair was hooked.

“I think if you never met me, you would be with her.” Arabella said pointing to the screen where Rachel, played by Meghan Markle froze. “Maybe even get married and have a nice small intimate wedding at St. George Chapel.

“Hm, maybe. But I’m with you and I’m having a big televised and overly glamourous wedding with you in Amsterdam. I’ll take you over her anyday.” Harry said before kissing her.

“Maybe we should take this to the bedroom?” Arabella looked up at Hary with a small smirk.

“You little..” Harry picked her up and Arabella laughed making Harry smile.

Next Chapter

#chapter 9 #phff #in a heartbeat phff #in a heartbeat #prince harry #prince harry fanfic #fanfic #british royal family #dutch royal family

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inaheartbeat-phff · 6 years

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Chapter 10

Tuesday, January 13th, 8:00am Huis ten Bosch Palace , The Hague, Netherlands

Harry sat on his place in the dining table alone this morning. It was Arabella's portrait reveal at Rijksmuseum at Amsterdam. It was about an hour's journey by car to get there and they would have to leave at ten to arrive there on time at eleven for the portrait reveal at twelve thirty. After that, they would have a private lunch and tour of the museum and straight after that, Arabella is showing him around Amsterdam, where they would get married and show him the royal palace. They also scheduled in a short tour of the Anne Frank House and after that have a romantic date on the canal.

Arabella is currently upstairs in her closet getting ready for the portrait unveiling, but Harry is downstairs eating breakfast and catching up on some news before getting ready himself. He knew he had to prepare himself for this particular engagement. Yesterday, since it was so soon after the announcement, he didn’t get the proper public treatment. Sure, they were excited to have him there and was happy to see them both out and about so soon after the announcement, but today, today is different. People had time for the news to sink in, people had time to make opinions of him not doing a good job or criticising him for something he did wrong. He always hated the public when they turn on you and he doesn’t want that to happen to himself.

Harry knew that amongst his own family, his poll numbers were very high, not as high as his grandmother's but high enough to keep the public loving him. Compare his to Arabella's though and his seemed like an ant size compared to hers. Not only is she severely loved by her people, but also by the world. She has visited so many countries and done so many charity works to help those people in need. People love her. She's not only a people princess but also to their leaders, she have charmed her way into the worlds heart. Not only that, she also have faced threats for her life before. Sure, a lot of those were just hate mail and letter, but last week, someone had attempted to stab her during an engagement. What makes him so sure that they won't try again? Only this time, how is he so sure that they're not going to try another tactic?

Harry had wanted to talk about this issue with Arabella's head of security, Finn since yesterday and this morning, Finn will be meeting Harry to talk about the safety measures that has taken place since the attempt.

"Your Royal Highness, Mr Finn sir." Pieter announced as he entered the dining room and bowed his head.

"Yes, thank you Pieter." Harry looked up from the papers and put them aside.

“Sir,” Finn nodded at Harry as he entered the room.

“Please, have a seat, Finn.” Harry gestures to the chair infront of him across the table.

“I understand you have security concerns regarding yours and the Princess?”

“Yes, I would like to know the risks as well as what safety measures you have in case anything like the attempt happened again.”

“The Princess have been receiving threats since she was sixteen years old sir. It ranges from mild threats like telling her she should starve and kill herself to those that have detailed ways to kill her. Though majority of the public love the Princess, there are few that doesn’t, especially those who wants the monarchy to be extinct, in their words” Finn told Harry. “Over the years, the threats would range, they would sometimes come every week through the letters or once a few months. However, when King Willem-Alexander was made King, the threats became more frequent, more detailed with promises instead of just words.”

“What are the measures you’ve taken since the threats began?”

“When The Princess was born, she is assigned one protection officer. When she started getting threatening messages at sixteen, we upgraded to two PO’s, when she was twenty four, she got three protection officers when someone tried to beat her up. Once King Willem-Alexander became king, he appointed her four PO’s as well as undercover agents everywhere when we are out in public. There are snipers available if we are at an official engagement and even more police force on the ground. There are one safe house and three bunkers in every city and town in the Netherlands. Top security systems made by engineers of the palace have been placed as well as a tracker in every piece of clothing the princess owns. The tracker is sown into the clothing itself so it is untraceble to people who doesn’t know where to find them. The tracker is only online once she hits the panic button inside her purse. The Princess brings a panic button everywhere and there is a panic button in every room in the palace. The cars that the Princess uses are armoured in case of an attack. Every angle is covered and every situation is thought off. I take my job very seriously and this is the heir of the country. If anything were to happen to her, I don’t think the country can cope with that loss.”

“I don’t think anyone who has ever known Arabella could cope with that loss, Finn.” Harry shook his head before standing up. “Thank you, for informing me this.”

“Just doing my job sir. When you got engaged to the Princess, you are automatically protected under the same conditions as the Princess sir. While my top priority is the Princess, James, Arthur and Samuel have been briefed with the procedures should anything were to happen. You will be the first to get out of the situation and will be forced to do so if you do not comply. Our job is to make sure you are safe, mentally and physically, and no harm will come to you, your highness.” Finn said standing up. “If you have any more concerns, please do call for me and I will be happy to answer them. The car will be ready at quarter to ten. It’s a complete convoy your highness, so you should prepare yourself. Princess Arabella could not talk her way out of this.” With that Finn exited the room and left Harry confused.

“Complete convoy? What does that even mean?” Harry asked himself before going to his and Arabella’s shared closet and got ready for the portrait reveal.

Arabella walked in the room and smiled to Harry. “You ready to go?” She leaned up to kiss him softly.

“Yeah.” He looked at her questioningly. “What the hell is a complete convoy?”

“Finn was here?”

“How’d you know it was Finn?”

“Because Finn is the only person I know who uses the term complete convoy.” Arabella laughed. “It just means that we get blocked roads, police escorts and armoured cars. That’s all.” Arabella assured Harry. “There’s going to be a lot of cars and maybe a few people from the military there to greet us.” Arabella smirked at him before leaving his arms to go out the door. “You do know how to salute, right Captain?”

“She’s going to be the death of me. I swear.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The difference between this engagement and the last is that Harry is officially part of the Dutch monarchy, since he is engaged to the heir after all. During the car ride to Amsterdam, Arabella explained to him what he needed to do. She wasn’t sure if he has ever been to a portrait reveal, especially a special one at that.

“The ceremony itself doesn’t take long. It’s mostly speeches made by the painter, the museum curator and myself. We should be in and out in two hours tops. After that we are going to greet the crowds, say hello for a few minutes and we’re off to the Anne Frank house. I know you’ve been here before but you haven’t been here with me. You’ll get the full royal treatment as my fiancé and not just prince Harry of Wales okay. So be prepared. Do not show any signs of you being bored at all. Everything is recorded. Okay?” Arabella looked at Harry.

“Relax, this isn’t my first time on an engagement okay? Remember I’m a Royal too. I might not be the heir but I am a senior member of my family. You have nothing to worry about okay. “ Harry reassured Arabella.

“I know. I just don’t want anything to go wrong today. Getting my portrait at the Rikjsmuseum is a big deal to me. You only get them done when you’ve done something to benefit the society. My father, my grandmother and all off my predecessors have got their portrait in the Rikjsmuseum.”

“I love you. I’m right next to you every step of the way. You are amazing okay? Don’t ever doubt that. And you have achieved so much. This painting, is just something to honour you. You’ve done so much for your country. Trust me the people love you. With or without the painting. It doesn’t measure how much you’ve achieved, because I don’t think you can measure something like that.”

“I love you too.” Arabella smiled at him before kissing him lightly. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

Once they arrived at Rikjsmuseum, Arabella wasn’t kidding. The complete convoy, filled with barricades, lots of cars and people as well as the military. As usual, Harry got out of the car first before going to Arabella’s side and help her down the car. She held his hands as he got both feet on the group very gracefully. The pair waved to the crowds before heading to the line of people waiting to meet them.

They greeted Arabella by giving her a curtsy as well as a bow to him afterwards. A little girl then came up infront of Arabella and had her bend down a little to greet the young girl.

“Hi whats your name?” Arabella shook her tiny hands.

“My name is Maria and these are for you.” The little girl gave Arabella a bouquette of flowers.

“These are beautiful thank you.” Arabella brought them up the her nose and smelled them. “How old are you Maria?”

“I just turned 6 years old.”

“Well you’re very pretty for being six years old.” She smiled at Maria before standing back up.

Harry saw the exchange Arabella had with Maria and couldn’t be more starstrucked. He couldn’t wait to start a family with her.

They waved one more time before going inside the museum.

Once inside, the museum curation and manager, who introduced herself as Kira Lewis, started showing them around the museum. It was a short tour, which Harry found to be very informational. Mostly about the history of the Netherlands, and how creative the painters are. The person who painted the portrait of Arabella introduced himself as Robert Phillius, , a well-known artist. He joined the tour around the museum as well as the Military officer. As they come to the room where the painting will be reveals, there was a podium next to the painting, as well as a curtain over it. There was also rows of photographers, wanting to record everything that happened in the room. In front of the sea of photographers stood one that Harry has seen around the palace and everywhere Arabella go, and that is Ms. Tatiana. She will get the exclusive and high definition photos that will be released by both Kensington Palace and the Dutch Royal Family's social medias.

The museum curator stepped up behind the podium and cleared her throat. While Harry, Robert and Arabella stood to her side. "Good Afternoon, Your Royal Highness the Princess of Orange, Prince Henry of Wales, and fellow guests. It is truly an honour for me to have you here today. It marks an incredible achievement for both the museum as well as the attendees. It is with great pleasure to introduce to you Her Royal Highness The Princess of Orange.” A round of applause thundered the room as well as flashes of lights and clicking sounds from photographers who wants to capture the moment. Smiling, Arabella went up to Kira, and shook her hand.

"Thank you Ms. Lewis, for that wonderful introduction. Before I begin, I would like to thank both Ms Lewis and Rijksmuseum for having me and my fiancé here today, it is such an honour to be unveiling the portrait. It signifies a new era, a new beginning. As a child, I always admired art. I would remember running around the halls of The Royal Palace here in Amsterdam, and looking at paintings and portraits of my ancestors. I remember thinking, that would be me up there one day. I would like to share with you this one memory I have of when I was thirteen years old. It was two years after my mother passed and I turned to art as a form of refuge. I started painting. I assure you, I was not as good as any of these artists, but I used it as a form of escape. I've always had a burden on my shoulders. A burden I would most likely pass on to my eldest child and their children. Things for me have come as fast as they go, but art has been the one thing that have been constant in my life. So to have a portrait of me hanging in the same halls as my ancestors, that’s putting a mark in society. You don’t have to be born a royal to do great things, you don’t have to have education certificates to achieve your dreams, and you certainly do not need a money to put your name on the maps. Sure, being a royal gives you the platform to spread awareness, sure education certificates helps you apply for jobs and sure having money can do wonders, but if you don’t have passion, if you don’t have your moral values and just love in general, you won't get far in life. So thank you Mr Phillius for painting me, thank you Ms Lewis for having me here and thank all of you here, for without you, my voice won't be heard." A thunderous round of applause rang throughout the hall. There were cameras flashing and people smiling. Arabella stepped off to the side took a hold on the ropes, with Kira Lewis on the other side as well as Robert Phillius next to her, they pulled on the curtains and the cover came off. Everyone was on their feet, clapping their hands and taking a lot of pictures, because there stood a portrait of Her Royal Highness The Princess of Orange Princess Arabella of the Netherlands, standing proud and tall.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"So this is the Anne Frank House." Harry said looking up at the building. "I thought it would be, you know, older."

"It was during world war two, not the sixteenth century. Gosh what did you learn in school Harry?" Arabella looked at him with furrowed eyebrows.

"We probably did learn about this, but I was probably too busy to pay attention. I didn’t really like history."

"Yeah maybe that was because you were history." Arabella snickered. "Oh, that was a good one, wasn’t it Lucas?"

"Yes ma'am." Lucas replied from behind the pair and had heard everything they were saying.

"Now that’s not fair, you're his boss, of course he's going to agree with you." Harry pouted.

The engaged couple along with their protection officers went inside Anne Frank House and had a private tour. Inside, even though it wasn’t an official engagement, Arabella’s personal photographer was taking pictures of the pair.

After the Anne Frank house, they went around Amsterdam for a while as they wait for their very own cruise on the river. They held hands, talk to some food venders and bought junk food along the way. There were a lot of photographer following them and a lot of pictures were printed the next day. This small impromptu outing made the nation fall more in love with the pair and got very excited for the wedding.

During their walk, Harry could be seen with his hands either holding Arabella’s, on her waist or around her shoulders. It made the public swoon and sigh in happiness at the blatant public display of affections. Harry thought it was a special day and he wanted to let the people know how much he loves Arabella and how proud he was of her.

Considering this was his first official public appearance as Arabella's fiancé, it wasn’t all that bad. They talked to the people who showed up and who they met along the way, they would stop and say hello, they weren't being rude to the public or inconsiderate and in return, the couple were mostly left to their own privacy. Sure there was an occasional photographer here and there, but Finn was quick to go to them and tell them that this was not an official appearance and reminded them about the agreement.

As the sky turned dark, the pair and their entourage went to the canal pier and got inside their personal cruise ship. The lights are on and festivities continued in the name of Arabella's thirtieth birthday so music was flowing and laughter can be heard all over Amsterdam. Having their date night on a cruise ship, Harry felt more at ease as they sail further away from civilization and have some private time. He wasn’t against being in public, but he would rather them have some time alone where he could relax a little bit.

"So how did you find today?" Arabella looked at Harry from her seat across the table as the waiter on hand poured them some white wine.

"It was good. I really enjoyed it. Not as bad as I thought it would be." Harry smiled as he took a sip of his drink. "You do realise that I'm not some common person who is new to all this right? I am a royal and I know what to expect in these type of things."

"Of course I know that. It was one of the reasons why I love you so much. You understand me. You know how it feels like to be in this crazy world, being watched like animals at an exhibition. I know you know what to expect but this is different. If anything were to happen to daddy, god forbid, we will be the next monarch. If anything were to happen that would injure daddy making him unavailable to rule for a small period of time, we will be the standing monarch. Don’t you get it? After daddy, it's me. I can't travel anywhere with my father in the same vehicle, one of us have to be in the country at all times, I'm next in line Harry. I'm uncle Charles. I just want you to understand what you're getting yourself into." She stared deeps in his eyes. "I know you hate being in the spotlight, hate being who you are. And I know that sometimes, you wish, you desperately wish to be normal. I know you love that you're the spare and you don’t get that much burden of being king someday, but marrying me, it’s a sure thing that you're going to be king one day. You are definitely going to be King in the future."

"I'm not backing out." Harry took her hands in his. "I'm with you till the end of the line Bella." Arabella giggled as he quote her favourite line from Captain America: The First Avenger. "Always." With that, he brought her closer to him and kissed her slowly.

"I love you Harry."

"I love you Bella."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "Your Royal Highness, Ms Anna is here with the questions regarding tomorrow's interview we have compiled." Pieter announced as he stepped into Arabella's home office that night.

"Yes, send her in please." Arabella smiled at Pieter before going back to her laptop and going over some files regarding one of her charities.

"Ma'am, these are the previous questions the British media would ask during an engagement interview. I have compiled them and cross referenced them to popular questions asked by the public. Since this royal family typically don’t give out interviews and instead give out a press conference, we will be doing both tomorrow. The press conference first in the morning at ten, followed by the interview at ten thirty and after lunch will be the engagement photoshoot."

"Thank you Anna. Could you call Jane and finalise everything for my travels to London this weekend, tell her to prepare the jet and have Eva pack my clothes as well. Make sure she packs everything from casual, to formal, to ball gowns please. I don’t know what out itinerary over there so be prepared. I'm not sure I need to bring any tiaras but bring the Sapphire Teardrop jewellery collection and the Cartier diamond jewellery set as well. I think that should be all. Thank you."

Anna nodded before placing the folder filled with questions on the table and curtsy before leaving the room. Arabella sighed before leaning over and opening up the folder. Inside, there are two to three pages filled with questions that they have asked before. Arabella have done this many times, give interviews about her charities, press conferences and speak to thousands of people at a time, but that doesn’t mean she still doesn’t get nervous.

Her heart still beats fasting, her hands still get sweaty and Arabella would still bite her lips as she mentally prepares herself with the questions and the proper answers to give them.

"Hey, there you are." Harry leaned against the doorway. "What are you doing here so late?"

"I had some files I needed to check for one of my charities." Arabella smiled weakly up at him.

"What's wrong love?"

"Anna came in just a few minutes before you did. It wasn’t anything wrong per se. It's just she gave me a file of previous questions asked for the interview. I know I shouldn’t be nervous, but I can't help it." Arabella shrugged.

"Hey, what did I tell you just now?" Harry walked closer to where Arabella sat on her chair. "We're in this together. If you want, we can always practice our answers. Okay?" Harry took her hands and kissed them slowly.

"Okay." Arabella whispered back with a small smile.

"Now, let's see the questions." Harry dropped Arabella's hands and moved on to take the questions papers.

"Here." Arabella passed him the file and he went to the couch across the table and sat down.

"First question…."

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inaheartbeat-phff · 6 years

Text

Chapter 8

Royal Engagement Announcements

@DutchRoyalFamily: His Majesty King Willem-Alexander is delighted to announce the engagement of the Princess of Orange and Prince Henry of Wales. The wedding will take place in autumn 2015. Further details about the wedding will be announced in due course. The Princess of Orange and Prince Harry became engaged on Her Royal Highness' thirtieth birthday. Prince Harry have asked permission and the blessing from both King Willem-Alexander as well as Queen Elizabeth II. The Princess of Orange and Prince Harry have informed Their Majesties, King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, Queen Elizabeth and other close members of their families. The couple will live in Huis ten Bosch Palace while at the Hague and at Nottingham Cottage in Kensington Palace while in London.

@ClarenceHouse: His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry and the Princess of Orange. The wedding will take place in autumn 2015.

@ClarenceHouse: On the news of Prince Harry and the Princess of Orange's engagement, The Prince of Wales, speaking for himself and The Duchess of Cornwall, said: "We're thrilled. We're both thrilled. We hope they'll be very happy indeed." Earlier The Prince of Wales released this announcement, "Their Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and the Princess of Orange are engaged to be married. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry and the Princess of Orange. The wedding will take place in autumn 2015. Further details about the wedding will be announced in due course. Prince Harry and the Princess of Orange became engaged on Her Royal Highness' thirtieth birthday. Prince Harry have asked permission and the blessing of both King Willem-Alexander as well as Her Majesty, The Queen. Prince Harry and the Princess of Orange have informed Their Majesties, The Queen, King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and other close members of their families. The couple will live in Huis ten Bosch Palace while at the Hague and at Nottingham Cottage in Kensington Palace while in London.

@KensingtonRoyal: Their Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and the Princess of Orange is engaged to be married. The Prince of Wales made this announcement this morning: His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry and the Princess of Orange. The wedding will take place in autumn 2015. Further details about the wedding will be announced in due course. Prince Harry and the Princess of Orange became engaged on Her Royal Highness' thirtieth birthday. Prince Harry have asked permission and the blessing of both King Willem-Alexander as well as Her Majesty, The Queen. Prince Harry and the Princess of Orange have informed Their Majesties, The Queen, King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and other close members of their families. The couple will live in Huis ten Bosch Palace while at the Hague and at Nottingham Cottage in Kensington Palace while in London.

@DutchRoyalFamily: The Princess of Orange Princess Arabella is delighted to announce her engagement with Prince Henry of Wales. The wedding ceremony will be held at Nieuwe Kerk, Amsterdam and the reception will be held at The Royal Palace, Amsterdam. The second reception will be held at The Royal Palace for family and close friends.

@DutchRoyalFamily: Prince Harry will be joining his fiancé, the Princess of Orange for her Birthday celebrations all week long. After Her Royal Highness' Birthday celebrations, the engaged couple will be going to London until early February. The Princess of Orange will still undergo her state visit to the UK in March.

@DutchRoyalFamily: The Princess of Orange would like to announce her bridesmaids for her wedding, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria as Sweden, Her Royal Highness Duchess of Cambridge, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York, Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Her Royal Highness Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and Miss Charlotte Casiraghi. Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden will be The Princess of Orange's Maid of Honour. The Princess of Orange will not be following the British tradition of having children as her bridesmaids and will not have children attending the Royal Wedding. They are however attend the reception at the Royal Palace afterwards and have their own entertainment in another ballroom.

@KensingtonRoyal: His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales will have the following titles once he marries The Princess of Orange: His Royal Highness The Prince of Orange Prince Henry of Wales, therefore when The Princess of Orange becomes Queen, Prince Harry will be King Henry and not Prince Consort.

@DutchRoyalFamily: The engagement ring is made from rose gold band that Queen Elizabeth have given Prince Harry, The stone in the middle is from Queen Beatrix’s collection whereas the small diamonds surrounding the stone is from the late Princess Diana’s collection. More details about the engagement and plans for the wedding will be announced in due course.

@KensingtonRoyal: Prince Harry will be accompanying his Fiance for Her Royal Highness' Birthday celebrations in the Netherlands. The couple will then be going to stay in London afterwards until early February.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

THE PRINCESS OF ORANGE AND PRINCE HARRY ENGAGED!

Earlier today, the Dutch Royal Family official twitter as well as Clarence House twitter announced the following statements :

@ClarenceHouse: His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry and the Princess of Orange. The wedding will take place in autumn 2015.

Kensington Palace then released this picture along with another statement stating that The Princess of Orange and Prince Harry is engaged to be married.

The pair was seen at The Alps, France on Friday January 9th, together with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Madeleine and her husband Christopher O'Neill, Hereditary Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg, Charlotte Casiraghi and her beau Gal Elmaneh. They celebrated The Princess of Orange's birthday that weekend at a cabin on the Alps.

The Princess of Orange will be having her panel of press conference this Wednesday to celebrate her thirtieth birthday, however we can also assume that she will be doing a photo session and interview session regarding her engagement to prince Harry.

This will be the Royal Wedding of the Century as past and present kings and queens, dignitaries and celebrities will be attending this wedding. This wedding is also rumoured to be bigger than any other wedding ever before.

Many people are anticipating this wedding since it has been so long since a prince will marry a princess. We asked around what are people's thoughts of this wedding.

"I am so excited for this wedding. I know that Princess Arabella makes Prince Harry happy and that's all I can ask from them. Truly wish them all the best."

"Princess Arabella, even though she is the crown princess, is a people's princess. She is so down to earth and shares her life with us normal people so much. She's not the type to hide from the public. I'm glad she found someone who can keep up with her life and make her super happy."

"I'm most excited to see what Prince Harry will do once he marries Princess Arabella. Her life is much different than his current ones. He's always been the spare, I wonder how he'll cope with being a crown prince. He will be in the same rank as his father as heir of the throne. Honestly super excited to see him be king one day."

Many hearts were broken by the news as Prince Harry, known for his bachelor years and ways, are off the market!

Speculations of the Princess of Orange's dress as well as which tiara she will be wearing for her wedding. Will she wear one of the Dutch's crown jewels or will she be lend some tiara's from Queen Elizabeth?

Stay tuned for the next royal update.

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