TPASD 28
Percy had taken his leave around nine, but not before Bea had stopped by and said her own tear-filled goodbyes. Percy had promised Henry to look out for Bea, and that they would come and visit them soon. Not long after ten, Shaan was calling again; Henry and Alex had not long climbed into bed. Catherine and Rose, Catherine's equerry, had managed to convince the bank manager to meet them, in twenty minutes.
Alex begged Henry to stay with Gabriella, even though he really wanted to go with Alex. But Gabriella was having another rough night, and Alex felt more comfortable with his daughter in Henry's care. Catherine had promised to come by and keep Henry company.
Henry needn't have worried, Alex returned with Shaan and the four PPOs that had accompanied them within the hour. Alex had emptied the entire content's of his safety deposit box. But he had left his English bank account untouched. It was almost two, by the time that the guest house was quiet once more. Gabriella was asleep in her pack and play, in the master bedroom Alex and Henry were sharing, Catherine was in the guest room, and Bea, whom had come in not too long after Alex's return, was snoozing on the sofa.
Five in the morning came earlier than any one of them expected. Nothing was said, as Henry and Alex packed up the last little bits and pieces of their belongings, and everything was loaded into the truck for the plane. Catherine hugged the trio goodbye, as did Bea, who had even hugged Gabriella goodbye and placed a kiss atop the infant's head.
By six, they were in the royal car behind blackened windows, on route to the airstrip. Two-thirds of the way into the trip, Henry's phone pinged, as did Alex's and Shaan's with a google news alert. Photos of Alex and Henry had been leaked to the media. Henry informed Shaan that the particular photos had been taken almost two months beforehand. They were jogging together in the park near Alex's house. Gabriella was in the jogging stroller, but you could not see her. The headlines and implication of the news stories had been particularly vile.
Nearly every media outlet in the United Kingdom was reported on these photos. There wasn't even anything untoward happening in the photos. The two men had coffee cups in their hand's and were laughing, while Alex's hand was firmly on the stroller. There was only one, somewhat suggestive photo in it Henry had his hand on Alex's forearm in a friendly reassuring way. There was nothing sexual about it. Although the exchange smiles screamed flirtation.
Queen Henry, gay! - The Morning Herald
Prince Henry dates married man! - The Daily Mail
Photos don't lie; Prince Henry destroys mystery man's marriage! - The Sun Times
Who is Queen Henry's new man? - The London Courier
Prince Henry plays house! - The English Advertiser
One article was speculating the identity of said man, another had made the connection to the shelter and their lawyer.
His Royal Highness, Prince Henry was photographed in Montpelier Park with a mystery man, last month. Witnesses at the park claimed the two men were laughing, joking and at ease with one another. "They clearly knew one another on an intimate level." One witness told the photographer. "You don't joke like that with someone, unless you are close."
"Whilst there was no wedding band on the mystery man's hands, sources claim that the two men were at ease with one another. So much so, that Prince Henry was quite doting on the child in the stroller also.
Other witnesses in park, speculated that it there was an obvious flirtation and attraction between the men, before inferring an affair between them was occurring.
This reporter has been investigating reports that the mystery man in question is none other than civil rights attorney for the Fox-Okonjo Foundation and personal friend, Mr Alexander Claremont-Diaz, QC. Mr Claremont-Diaz, QC has been an attorney for the Fox-Okonjo foundation for the last eight months. Sources from within the charity refused to comment on the speculation.
Palace insiders have confirmed the young royal's sexuality with this reporter with a source close to the prince telling this publication that "Prince Henry is gay as a maypole." We reached out to the palace for confirmation, but our attempts had been thwarted at the time we went to air.
"Shaan?" Henry asked, as he finished reading the article out loud. "Is it time?"
"As soon as we are on board for take off." Shaan confirmed, looking behind him to catch Henry's worried eye. "I have entrusted Rose, your mother's equerry to release your statement to the media. She will release it and we can pursue the media from the in-flight WiFi."
"My laptop is in my backpack, baby." Alex told Henry, with a smile, as he reached over to Gabriella, giving her the attention she was squawking for. "You can use that."
"I have my trusty tablet as well, Sir." Shaan reminded him. "Everything will be fine."
Arriving at the airstrip and boarding went perfectly according to to their list, in military-like precision, that had Alex weak at the knees. Once on board, there was a flurry of love and hugs between the women, Alex and Gabriella. While their little reunion was taking place, and Alex was getting all of the reassurance he needed that June and Nora really were ok, Henry and Shaan were installing Gabriella's car seat onto the aeroplane seat and securing it.
Shaan hastily ushered everyone into their seats, Alex getting shoved away from sitting next to his daughter; in favour of June who wanted to take the first watch. June had been firm with her little brother, insisting he got some more sleep. But Alex wasn't having any of it, and Henry asked Shaan to spin the chairs around, so that Gabriella and Alex were opposite one another.
Henry jumping at the opportunity to sit beside Alex, with Shaan on the other side of him. Nora, taking the seat opposite Shaan; next to Gabriella. The two PPOs making the trip with him, were in their designated seats at the back of the plane.
With everyone settled, it was a fast take off. As soon as they were at a cruising altitude, the in-flight WiFi was switched on and Alex handed Henry his laptop, while Shaan turned his tablet on. Nora booted her own up, interested in helping wherever she could.
"Your statement is now out, Sir." Shaan informed him, first checking his messages, before turning to google. "Rose confirmed it was released, just as we took off. Your mother has her tracking our flight to ensure we land safely in New York, refuel and onto Austin, Texas, as planned.
'From the desk of His Royal Highness, Prince Henry George Edward James Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor of Wales.
To speculate on someone's sexuality, based on several paparazzi photos shot with a long-range lens and a couple of questions to random people who have no idea to the dynamics of my inner-sanctum is deplorable. The fact that the media seem to think they have the right to speculate on anyone's sexuality is deplorable. No one should be harassed and bullied by the media, nor should anyone feel pressurised to face the media, in regard to their sexuality.
You just need to look at what had happened to that young English actor, Kit Connor and his situation with the media scrutiny. It is a disgusting practice by our media and it needs to stop. The Fox-Okonjo LGBT shelters are seeing more of this at a grassroots level, which is a byproduct of the media's poor example. This is a behaviour that we publicly condemn.
However, I do want to preface this message by going on record and saying; this was not the message that my original statement to the media had been intended for. My initial statement which was not intended to be released for another couple of days, has now been scrapped. This will be my one and only statement and any follow up questions are to be directed to the palace press secretary.
From the moment I first joined forces with my best mate Percy Okonjo, of Okonjo Industries, to set up our not for profit organisation focusing on a safe haven shelter for the LGBTQIA community, my sexuality has been under scrutiny by the citizens of the United Kingdom. A speculation fueled by the narrative in which news and media publications alike have taken.
My work within our foundation is always under close scrutiny and criticised. However, our foundation does good work. We are expanding due to the need for our services, and services like ours. Across the United Kingdom and across the world.
Whilst I may have grown up privileged, I did not grow up in an environment supportive to me. I know what it is like to live your life in fear. Fear of someone discovering your one true, authentic self. I know what it is like to verbally berated and emotionally abused for simply being who you are. I see you. I see how hard you fight. I see your plight for a safe haven. I too have faced those same challenges as you have because I am you. I am gay. I have always been gay.
Speculation has become the root of evil in society, overtaking money; by far. There is no place for speculation in today's society; especially when it comes to one's sexuality. Although I have had support from certain family members and members of staff in my employ, not all have been supportive or reacted in a positive manner.
In answer to the most burning question on the tip of most people's tongue is this – I do not owe anyone any additional information about my life. I do not owe any of you an explanation for my life's choices. Really, I do not even owe you this statement. But as the co-founding member of the Fox-Okonjo LGBT shelters, I would be remiss and rather hypocritical if I hid true self away.
Why now, you all might be thinking? Love is love; plain and simple. In the interest of media interest, and in light of these latest
developments, I will inform you all of this. I am gay, and yes, I do have a partner. No, I will not elaborate any further. His identity, and his truth is his to tell, not mine. Please understand that it is not who I am, I will not come out as gay, then deny my relationship status. I have a partner. Whilst we have only been together for a short while, we are serious about each other.
No names will not be provided and I implore people – do NOT speculate any further. All speculation does is hurt feelings and generate a divide between loved ones. It pits people against people and it causes a negative environment.
Lastly, if anyone needs to reach out; the Fox-Okonjo LGBTQIA shelters are open 24/7 with trained counsellors on hand to help. Thank you for your time this morning.'
"That's a great statement, baby." Alex praised him, kissing Henry's cheek. "You did it."
"I promised you I wasn't going to deny I had a partner." Henry reminded Alex, in his own sweet voice. Nora managed to catch Henry's attention. Nora had a pencil in her hair, her phone in her hand while Alex's laptop was precariously balancing on her knees. Her earbuds were in her ears, blasting some death metal song that was so loud, it could be heard through the ear buds. June and Alex were used of this sight. They had seen this sight before. This was Nora in 'analysis mode'. "What the bloody hell is Nora doing?"
"Nora's a statistician by trade, Henry." June replied, proudly. June was always proud of Nora, even if her and Alex secretly thought the woman was batshit crazy for choosing to become a statistician. But it made a strange sort of twisted sense. Nora was neurodivergent and she was scarily good with numbers. Both Ellen and Oscar, have used her for analysing polling figures and electoral data; as well as her own grandfather. "She's working the numbers."
June, Alex, Henry and Shaan began trolling social media looking at the reactions of the 'everyday' people to his coming out speech. "Vogue magazine said your statement was raw, gritty and honest." Alex beamed at his boyfriend.
"Out magazine is praising your words, calling them poignant, yet vulnerable." June read off the screen on her phone. "The journalist notes that there is an honesty to your sentiment and echoes your message about speculation."
"Mr. Okonjo has retweeted, regrammed and shared your message on all of the shelter's official social media channels; replying with one on behalf of the shelter." Shaan informed them. "The Fox-Okonjo LGBT shelters praise our co-founder and President of Operations, His Royal Highness, Prince Henry of Wales for his strong message regarding sexuality speculation, his brave words regarding his experiences and his truth. We are proud of you, Henry. Your friends at the shelter are behind you one hundred percent. If you, or anyone you know needs to talk, please don't hesitate to reach out. We have trained counsellors standing by, 24/7."
"Good ol' Percy." Henry whispered, knowing and hoping his best mate would have his back. "Beautiful speech, not really Percy's style though. Hmm, Alex?"
"Hey, I didn't do too bad, considering he only gave me ten minutes to work on it." Alex defended himself, playfully. "I'd like to remind you, baby, that the speechwriter in the Claremont-Diaz family is bug, not me."
"A statement from Clarence House and Anmer Hall; His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Her Royal Highness Princess Consort Martha and His Royal Highnesses, Princes Arthur and James. We wish to wholeheartedly congratulate our dearest brother, brother in law and Uncle on owning his own truth and coming out. We have seen your struggles and we acknowledge them. We know it has not been an easy life for you. We are proud of you, we salute you and we love you.
We wish to echo Prince Henry's statement, especially regarding issues of speculation of sexuality and identity. We send our warm thoughts and deepest regards to Henry and his partner today, on this momentous occasion. We also send out an apology. We apologise that the speculation had risen to such a level you felt that your only course of action was to issue this statement and tell the world your truth. You did not owe anyone that, Henry. Nor does anyone else owe anyone anything to that nature.
A reminder that the Fox-Okonjo LGBT foundation is open and has trained counsellors available."
Shaan recited, reading the statement out loud to the cabin. "That statement does not read of Her Royal Highness' Princess Martha's words."
"No." Henry murmured in agreement, gripping Alex's hand just that little bit tighter. "Agree. They are definitely Philip's words. Not Martha's."
"Will Beatrice release a statement now that Philip has?" June asked Henry, curiously. She managed to not mention the fact that Henry and Alex were taken aback in their realisation that Philip's words had been supportive. The brothers had always seemed to get along in public. She guessed it was true what they say – no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors. Sighing, she realised it was the same with their own family. No one knew that Oscar and Ellen would constantly argue and bicker with one another, to the point where either herself or Alex would have to referee. Mostly her, because Alex would blow up at them and storm out. While Leo would either sit there stoically in strong, silent support of their mom, gently try to reason with their mom, or on the rare occasion; try to comfort Alex, if he had stormed out.
"Any moment now, Mrs. Claremont-Diaz-Holleran." Shaan replied. "Sir, I believe that they're currently scrambling to get the statements out. Rose tells me that her and Virginia were caught quite off guard by Philip's statement of solidarity and support."
"Got it." June announced. She came to the realisation that the Royal Family weren't much different than her parents and their political agendas. They were all trying to show solidarity but attempting to one up each other. "The Gay Times say that you are brave and inspirational. The stalwart of the modern LGBTQ times."
"A statement from Kensington Palace, Her Royal Highness, Princess Beatrice of Wales. I wish for it to be on record that my brother, His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales has wholly and fully had my support in regard to his life choices since the day he was born.
My brother came out to me during a private moment between us, almost a decade ago. For many years, I was the only person aware of my brother's sexuality. It was at a low point in my life and I will always be in his debt for his bravery and courage in coming out to me. In that moment, Henry saved my life.
I have met and spent time with him and his partner together and they are a gorgeous couple; truly wonderful together. Henry's partner is kind, loving and caring. He is respectful, and a gentleman. He is everything I could have wished for, in a partner for my brother. I wish them every happiness in this world.
Once again, I ask the media to give them the privacy to deal with their new world, to respect their need for privacy and leave them be.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the truly wonderful, tireless work the Fox-Okonjo foundation do within the LGBTQIA community. The Fox-Okonjo Foundation was founded by my brother Henry, and his best friend Percy Okonjo, together their mission is to effect a positive change within the community and bring awareness to the plight of those under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. They have trained counsellors available 24/7 for those in need of support."
"Pierce Matthews claims Princess Henry is an abomination in the eyes of the lord, and must be disposed of." Alex muttered, through his gritted teeth. He was angry and had expected nothing less than that from the likes of the man. He was a racist, homophobic, right wing nut job. "I ought to dispose of him! He claims he isn't homophobic and is an ally of the LGBT community, but every other month or so, he is back in the spotlight apologising for his homophobic comments."
"Darling," Henry cooed, feeling so in love at Alex coming to his defence. "Don't do anything rash. Who bloody cares what Pierce Matthews thinks of me, anyway? I do not know a single person who pays attention to that man"
"Queerty says it's refreshingly honest, pared back and authentic." Shaan admitted with a grin. "The statement was definitely the way to go."
"Pink news claims, that Prince Henry is single-handedly bringing the monarchy into the twenty-first century by coming out. That his bravery and courage will assist other people scared to live their true identities and help them come to terms with their own in coming out." June smiled, absolutely beaming at Henry and the shocked look on his face.
Nora ripped her earbuds out and all but tossed Alex back his laptop, before unbuckling her belt; stretching and yawning. Her body stretched and keened under the impact of the strained muscles. Her shirt riding up, affording Henry and Shaan a view of her flank and the words that Alex had once accompanied her to get tattooed onto her body. 'Redditus est tibi in eo, ut eam vincas.' Which is Latin for you've got to be in it, to win it.
"Ok, here's the rub." Nora announced, moving to the aisle way so that she had the undivided attention of every adult on the plane. "The numbers are good, but they don't lie. There is an eighty nine percent chance that by the time we land, the media has identified your mystery boyfriend as Alex. There's a seventy-eight percent chance that this will all semi blow over by the end of next week. The other twelve percent is dependent on how nasty the social commentators and the tabloids are in the UK. There is a sixty-two percent chance that your socials are now flooded with horny men trying to slide into your DMs. Sorry Alex. A ninety-three percent chance you will feel guilty about the way you left Percy to deal with the shelters and ninety-eight percent chance that he is the one who told you go in the first place. So don't you dare feel guilty for one fucking minute. Lastly, there is a forty-one percent chance that there will be a crowd of reporter when we land because the story is trending on all the socials."
"Thank you, Nora." Alex said kind of pointedly as he watched the stress on Henry's face skyrocket.
"She's just trying to help, love." Henry reminded Alex, sweetly. Henry loved that Alex was willing to stand up for him, forsaking all others. But he thought that Nora had done a good job and like she had said, numbers don't lie. Henry appreciated her efforts. She could have just as easily laid back and done nothing. "I appreciate it, thank you Nora."
"See shithead!" Nora hissed at Alex in a sisterly way. "Henry appreciates it."
"Your mother has released her statement, Henry." June said softly, breaking up what had the potential to turn into a nasty argument between her bother and her wife. The last time that had an argument that was that particular brand of nasty, it had taken loads of barbacoa burritos and a dump truck of beer. June had been forced to intervene and force both parties to apologise; as they both had been at fault.
June dreaded the thought of being stuck in that position again.
"We are now crossing over to Nathan Walker, as we go live to the east drawing room of Buckingham Palace where Her Majesty Queen Catherine, is set to make a speech live." The BBC reporter said on the video Shaan was playing on his tablet.
'It has come to my attention that there is many stories currently floating around the media regarding my youngest son, His Royal Highness Prince Henry and his sexuality.
Quite frankly, I am disappointed and disheartened that the media in this country would stoop to such a low, as to attempt to out someone, just for clicks on a news headline, or for the viewer ratings. This behaviour is disgraceful and appalling. This behaviour will not be tolerated.
The journalists Code of Ethics specifically states that journalists should not 'place unnecessary emphasis on personal characteristics including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, family relationships, religious belief or physical or intellectual disability'. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, or more commonly referred to as the MEAA encourage all journalists to recognise the rights and freedoms of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and other people represented by the rainbow flag. They have adopted the term LGBTQIA+ as an umbrella term for people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions and sex characteristics. The MEAA encourages all journalists to carefully and critically think about the story before they start writing and whether it is relevant to refer to gender or sexual orientation at all.
The rights of LGBTQIA+ people are protected under a range of Commonwealth laws. Journalists must respect and follow them closely, including when reporting and quoting the public statements of others. Anti-discrimination legislation in United Kingdom has expanded in recent times to define a wide range of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics. Serious penalties can apply to journalists who break the law and publish discriminatory content. Harassment, intimidation or incitement of violence against LGBTQIA+ people are recognised as serious crimes that can result in a prison conviction.
The population of LGBTQIA+ people is large and very diverse, and represented by a wide array of groups, communities and individuals with different ways of identifying. All however share common experiences of prejudice, trauma and discrimination. Prince Henry is no exception to this, just because he grew up in a world of privilege.
I am proud of Henry for who he was, who he is, and who he is yet to become. He has chosen to come out, for himself. In order to live his own truth. We praise this action. We love and accept Henry as a valued and much adored member of our family. We accept without prejudice his choice of a partner, as well as his own sexuality.
Henry's partner is loving and loyal, kind and trustworthy. He is respectable and genuine. Their relationship is beautiful. As a mother, one of the biggest joys in life is to witness your child be happy and healthy. I applaud Henry for having the courage and bravery to come out, even if it due to the pressure and relentlessness of the media.
A reminder that the Fox-Okonjo LGBT foundation is open and has trained counsellors available for your support.'
There you have it, folks. Official confirmation from our Queen. His Royal Highness Prince Henry is gay. There has been no official appearances for Prince Henry in the days since the Queen Mother's funeral, when a statement was released informing the population at large that he would be immediately stepping back from his royal duties, as well as his work within his shelters.
A source close to Buckingham Palace has informed us that Prince Henry has been MIA from both KP and Buckingham Palace since the funeral. Tabloids have reported sightings across the United Kingdom from Wales, to Scotland, and even as far away as Northern Ireland. It has been reported that Prince Henry has been 'snowed under' in his grief for the late Queen Mother.
Another report has suggested that Prince Henry has left the United Kingdom entirely, with fresh reports that one of the royal jets departed RAF Northolt at 0500 hours this morning. However the flight plan was not available upon request, as per royal protocol.
This is Nathan Walker for BBC London, back you in the studio."
"Cipher Press have released something." Nora muttered, grabbing Henry and Alex's attention, while Gabriella began to fuss and June began tending to her niece; waving off Henry and Alex's automatic instincts to take over. "Cipher Press condemn the actions of the The Morning Herald, The Daily Mail, The Sun Times, The London Courier and The English Advertiser for their homophobic headlines and intrusion of Prince Henry's privacy. Every queer person has a right to come out on their own and on their own terms. They also have the right not to come out at all. Prince Henry has been vilified in the media for things beyond his control. One does not choose their sexuality. We would like to congratulate Prince Henry for coming out and echo the sentiments around the need for privacy and condemn the speculation of a persons sexuality."
"See, mostly positive press." Nora teased him lightly. "Congratulations Henry."
June's face paled, "Fuck!" She swore, thrusting her phone at her wife Nora.
Nora took the thrusted phone, and took in her wife's curse. Looking at the screen, she swore. "Fuck!" She was worried, as she risked a glance in the boys' direction, trying to catch Alex's attention
Tossing the phone to Alex, she reached out to place a supportive hand on her brother in law's knee. Risking a glance at the offending device, Alex shuddered, a cold shiver running down his back. "Fucking Fuck!" Alex cursed.
Henry looked concerned, seeing the two worried and concerned faces, and his boyfriend's face laced with fear. "What is it, love?"
"Miguel fucking Ramos." Alex replied turning the phone screen towards Henry and Shaan.
On screen, they saw the article was from the US online publication, Politico. Underneath the headline was Miguel's name and photo.
"Photos reveal; Alex Claremont-Diaz is Prince Henry's new man!"
Son of US Senators' Ellen Claremont and Oscar Diaz, Alexander Claremont-Diaz was photographed with Prince Henry at Montpelier Park in London, alongside Prince Henry and his nine month old daughter Gabriella Claremont-Diaz. Mr Claremont-Diaz, an expat of the US is currently a practising QC for the Fox-Okonjo Foundation where he works with the prince.
Mr Claremont-Diaz is not technically a widower, as he never wed his fiancee Erica Sanborne before her untimely death. It is rumoured that Mr. Claremont-Diaz met Prince Henry in the days after Ms. Sanborne's death and the two immediately began a relationship leading to questions around the status of his relationship with the young girl's mother.
Mr Claremont-Diaz is an openly bisexual man, he has been open since he first came out at age seventeen. This reporter has firsthand knowledge in the realm of Mr Claremont-Diaz's bisexuality, as I was part of the press delegation that actively followed both Senators on their respective campaign trails where the Mr Claremont-Diaz was actively bedding as many people as possible – men and women.
"That fucking arsehole!" June cursed in a scream, as she received an arm full of her brother. Alex was hanging on to his sister for dear life. Hot tears streaming from his face, his eyes screwed up tight to avoid the horrified look on Henry's face. "He was the one that was a sexual predator, Alex. Not you. The fucking legal age of consent in California is eighteen. You were only fucking sixteen years old!"
