Page 4 of Defying the Crown
I politely laugh along as the elderly woman regales me with her tale about wine, pretending to be amused by her not-so-subtle bragging about being able to afford thousand-dollar bottles. She's the widow of some oil magnate, and the charity organizers clearly invited her hoping she'll write a substantial cheque. She's just one of many similar guests; looking around the room, I can count the number of non-billionaires on one hand and still have fingers left over.
Desperate for an escape, I excuse myself from her monologue about vintage wines, catching Erik's eye across the crowded ballroom and subtly gesturing for him to rescue me.
"How much longer do we need to stay before it's considered polite to leave?" I whisper to him when he arrives at my side.
"Not enjoying yourself, I take it?" he asks, though he knows the answer.
I fix him with a look that I hope conveys exactly how much I'm not enjoying myself.
He sighs, resignation clear in his expression. "You need to stay until afteryou've made your speech, then we can quietly make our way out of here."
"This speech had better come soon," I grumble under my breath, tugging at my too-tight collar.
"It would appear you're in luck then," Erik replies, his eyes focused on the stage.
I turn to see the event host has taken her place behind the microphone, and the elegant chatter of the room dies down as she begins to speak.
"Ladies and Gentleman, I would like to thank you all for attending this year's gala event." The audience offers polite applause before falling silent again. "As you are all aware, we are here tonight to bring light to the endangered status of the Black-Browed Albatross, and to raise funds to aid in protecting them. I have the distinct pleasure to introduce tonight's guest of honor, his Royal Highness Crown Prince Harald."
She turns toward me with an expectant smile, gesturing for me to join her. I plaster on my best royal smile - the one I've practiced countless times in mirrors - and make my way to the stage, shaking her hand and murmuring thanks before taking my position at the microphone.
This is always the worst part of these events. Despite years of practice and countless hours of etiquette training beaten into me since childhood, public speaking still makes my palms sweat and my heart race.
"Thank you for your warm welcome tonight," I begin, my voice steady despite my nerves. "On behalf of my father, King Magnus, and the rest of the Royal Family, I would like to emphasize how important this event is to us. The preservation of Denmark's native species is always a priority, and one we truly believe is vital for our nation."
The audience applauds, and I continue with the carefully crafted speech the palace writers prepared. I've memorized it so well that I go into autopilot, my mind wandering even as my mouth forms the words. It's not until I'm wrapping up that I hear what I'm actually saying, and my blood runs cold.
"With your continuing support tonight, we can help preserve the arctic seals native environment for generations to come. Thank you." I step back from the podium into deafening silence, before scattered, uncertain applause begins.
The host looks like she's been slapped, but quickly recovers her composure as she returns to the microphone. "Thank you again your Royal Highness, Prince Harald, for that wonderful speech in support of theBlack-Browed Albatross," she emphasizes, trying to salvage the situation.
The audience laughs, and I can already feel the headlines forming. My father is going to be livid - he despises any hint of embarrassment to the Royal Family, and I've just provided plenty of fodder for the tabloids. I'll be lucky if he doesn't lock me in the palace for a month after this disaster.
Erik materializes at my side as I leave the stage, efficiently whisking me toward the exit as I mutter hasty goodbyes.
"That...could have gone better," he says diplomatically, his face twisted in sympathy.
That's putting it mildly. It's just one more piece of evidence proving what I've always known: I'm a disappointment as both a son and an heir. Father will make sure I don't forget this particular failure anytime soon.
Denmark National Tribune
September 20, 2024
By Dane Andersen
Crown Prince Gaffe: Prince Harald doesn’t know the difference between a bird and a seal!
Yesterday his Royal Highness Crown Prince Harald attended a charitable fundraiser in Copenhagen to support the protection of the endangered Black-Browed Albatross. While expressing his family’s strong support for their protection, the Prince failed to recall which animal he was trying to protect and instead referred to Arctic Seals. After making this embarrassing error, he quickly fled the event.
The Palace issued an official statement, claiming that the Prince felt unwell during the event and made a regrettable error. They insist that he misspoke, and that the Royal Family is very passionate in the preservation of the Black-Browed Albatross.
This public gaffe highlights yet another stumble for the Royal Family as King Magnus attempts to solidify his legacy within the nation. Prince Harald has often been described as sickly, and has a checkered history with the public since his mother’s death and his assumption of a public role at the age of 12. Rumors of the Prince’s mental health issues have abounded over the years, and it seems that this event proves that these issues may notbe in the past.
Attendees of the event stated that the Prince seemed disengaged and uninterested in the fundraiser. More than one guest overheard him speaking to his secretary, asking when they would be able to leave.
Sigrid Frederiksen, chair of the anti-monarchist league, had this to say. “This is yet another clear example of why this outdated institution needs to be abolished. Denmark does not need a monarchy, nor do we need an unelected Prince who doesn’t know the difference between a bird and a mammal. The people of Denmark deserve better!”
Karl Larsen, head of the Danish Monarchist Society disagrees. “The Royal Family contributes greatly to the Danish society and culture. We should not be discussing throwing away our heritage over a simple error made by Prince Harald. People make mistakes, and our Royals are simply people too.”
