Before the holiday Arthur had one major engagement, the State Visit of the President of America and his wife. This was an important visit and would last a week during which time the Royal family as well as the President and entourage would stay at Buckingham Palace. It was the first such event were Merlin would be visible throughout. Long discussions had been held beforehand and Arthur was determined that his brother was not going to be hidden away. Merlin was involved in the discussions and was keen to be there.

Morgana had spoken to Merlin with Mithian and Gwen and they all agreed Merlin could cope as long as certain precautions were taken. Merlin had recently become involved with the Epilepsy Association and felt it would help others if he was seen to be a visible symbol. Gwaine was also brought into the discussions as Merlin has expressed concern that he would 'disgrace the Pendragon's if he had a seizure in public. The very thing that had caused his father to fake his death.

Whilst Arthur wanted his brother there, he didn't want him exposed to the cameras and press should a seizure occur. Gwaine suggested that a portable screen of some sort be commissioned so that if the worst happened Merlin's dignity could be maintained. Once all the details were covered the plans were put in motion.

Arthur, Morgana and Merlin went to meet the President from the plane and come back in the carriages to the Palace. Aithusa was with Merlin to give support as well as warning of any impending seizures. Gwaine in particular had become expert in spotting the early clues the dog gave, he of course was close by. The President and his wife were please to meet Merlin and it all went very well as the group went back to Buckingham Palace in the open carriages. The Americans were all fully aware that it was a visit by a previous President that had prompted Uther locking his son away. Although it clearly wasn't their fault it was something they were conscious of.

Merlin remained quiet, he was getting better at dealing with the crowds but still found it hard to talk to strangers. Once back at the Palace amongst the gifts exchanged between the groups was something the First Lady gave personally to Merlin. It was a top of the range tablet that he could draw on. They had hear of his ability to draw and hoped it would help him as he could transport it easily when traveling. Merlin thanked them politely but as he had very limited computer skills didn't really understand what he had been given.

The banquet was Merlin's first fill state banquet and he was nervous, Morgan had spent some time before hand going through all the cutlery and glasses.

"Don't worry Merlin it's easy use the outside ones first and more in. No one will dare say anything if you get it wrong" his sister had told him "And the footmen will fill your glasses so that's no problem and they have orders it only let you have a small amount of wine for the toast. The rest will be juices so you needn't worry"

Merlin kept away from alcohol due to his epilepsy medication and anyway he wasn't that keen. Morgana smiled at Merlin "You will be sat by the First Lady and she seems to have taken a shine to you" Merlin looked at Morgana

"Couldn't I say here please" he pleaded, they were in his room as they had just changed into their formal clothing

"No you can't, and if I must say Merlin you look dashing, now come on" Merlin motioned to Aithusa who followed him out of the room. At lease he was allowed to take her with him. Morgana and Arthur's dogs were confined away from the guests "Oh and Merlin no feeding Aithusa at the table!"

Merlin looked embarrassed he was always getting told off for feeding his dog at the table but had got quite good at hiding it, or so he thought. The banquet went well and Merlin handled the situation well and went to bed tired but happy. It didn't take him long to be curled up with Aithusa asleep.

The next day didn't go quite as well. They all went for a walk round the gardens after breakfast to get some fresh air before the President's entourage left to attend several meetings. Even though the weather was overcast, if dry, there was a large press contingent present both from the UK and USA. Despite requests it seemed that some of the camera men ignored the ban of flash's being used if Prince Merlin was present. Aithusa picked up on what was happening and used her head to guide Merlin away and gave small sharp barks. Gwaine picked up on this and moved in to act. Talking through his walkie talkie as he did so. "Screen here. Security keep cameras back" he turned to Merlin started to guide him to the back of the group, he knew Aithusa was always right in her warnings, and using his body protected the Prince from view as Elyan joined him. "Sir just sit down" he was able to help guide Merlin to the ground and the screen that was quickly unfolded as Gwaine and Elyan blocked the view . It was a smooth operation and successful. Arthur and Morgana weren't happy and Arthur spoke out to the press:

"Please you were asked not to use flash cameras, there was a good reason as you were all aware. I expect you all to honour the Princes privacy better than you have the other instructions"

Some of the photographers had the decency to look embarrassed. The security men made sure to keep them away from the screen. Merlin was moved inside as soon as he had recovered. But at least it had given everyone the opportunity to test out the screen in more controlled conditions than might otherwise have happened. The group cut short their walk. As soon as they were inside Morgana went to check that Merlin was alright and found he was already resting in one of the downstairs rooms on a sofa. The Gwaine and Elyan ensuring his privacy. When the photos went out later on the news no sign of Merlin other than his dog leading him away were seen. A statement was made by the Palace press office to say the Prince had recovered well. Both the British, and American press gave generous donations to the Medical Assistance Alert Dog charity by way of an apology. Merlin wasn't seen again in public until the end of the visit when he was seen with the other Royals saying goodbye to the President. This time the camera flash ban was observed.

Merlin was later pleased to hear from the Epileptic charities that since his release earlier in the year their donations had soared. At least it allowed less fortunate people than himself to benefit. Aithusa had also proved her worth. Although she had already frequently alerted the family and protection officers of Merlin's seizures this was the first time it had been put to the test in the public eye.

A fortnight later the family got ready to go on their much anticipated holiday.