A Royal Story

Harry turned round. God, he thought, She's just beautiful. "Wait 'till you see her," he whispered into Will's ear. Will smiled. The hymn rose to a dramatic climax, and there she was, next to him. He looked. "You look like an angel," he whispered. She just gave him a look of unconditional love.

An hour earlier, he'd arrived in a sleek black car, Harry talking him through the ceremony...

"So, we come in, say hi to dad and grandma and grandpa and that dead dude-"

"The unknown warrior," interrupted Will.

"Good, ten points. Then we go into St. Edwards Chapel, and then we wait for a bit, everyone arrives, then we go out, I take you up to the altar, we wait some more, Rowan arrives-"

"The Archbishop arrives."

"Yeah, he arrives, then the lovely lady comes up to your arm..." he mimed taking Will's arm and looking adoringly at him, "You say your vows..."

"I, William Arthur Phillip Louis-"

"You're a Phillip? Awww, I wanted to be a Phillip."

"Well, I'll make you a Duke of something. I, William Arthur Phillip Louis, take thee, Catherine Elizabeth, for my lawful wife, to have and to hold-"

"Ooh!"

"Shut up. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death parts us."

"I now declare that they are husband and wife," said Harry in a monotone.

"Oh, shush. You know the Archbishop doesn't talk like that. Anyway, we're here now, so you better behave."

Will followed Harry into St Edwards Chapel. "You all right, big guy?" murmured Harry.

"Think so." They sat down on a pew.

Will clasped his hands and looked to the ceiling.

"What are you doing?" laughed Harry.

"I'm Anglican, aren't I? And I'm going to be defender of the faith, so..."

Just then, Eugenie came in. "Ho ho, boys!" she said, "Gran told me to ask if you needed anything."

Will looked up. "Could you see if dad can come in?"

Eugenie nodded and left.

A little while later, a familiar set of ears came in. "William, Henry."

"Hello, pops!" exclaimed Harry, cheerfully. He got on well with his dad, "Wombat's a bit nervous."

Charles sat down and put his hand on Will's shoulder. "Wombat. When I got married to your mother, I was wearing a very hot suit. Be glad you're not. And remember, you're marrying the woman of your dreams. I didn't exactly have that advantage. Now, go on. It's time for you to go up to the altar." Charles left.

"Harry," said Will, "I feel sick. I love you, man." They hugged each other.

"Save that for the lucky lady," whispered Harry.