A State Visit

[The Kingdom of Bretonia]

The spaceport had been prepared ahead of time, readyfor the Libertonian Delegations arrival. A few aides from the Liberty Embassy had attended ready to wait on the President and the two Admirals, and hand over any essential information on arrival. Outside, the waiting paparazzi ever vigilant, hoping to capture a good shot of the arriving dignitaries. A space has been cleared by local police allowing them to walk straight to the waiting cars.

Following the aftermath of the attack on New London, reconstruction work had begun, but in the meantime a decision had been made to relocate the Royal Family to Carina’s Cambridge estate. It was a small palace, in comparison to Buckingham at least, based out in the Cambridge countryside. The rolling hills provided a beautiful backdrop to what was effectively the royals holiday home. To say it was small itself though was a huge understatement. The estate covered around 10 acres, and the palace itself easily housed Her Majesty, her household staff, and provided an on site barracks for the Grenadier and Coldstream Guards in their duties defending Her. A wing had been set aside for the President and his two Admirals in preparation, with no expense spared for Her Majesty's most honoured guests.

The cars drove for roughly an hour to get to the palace, before being admitted through the gates by a soldier dressed smartly in his red coat and bearskin. Upon reaching the front of the palace, they would notice squads of the same guards marching about and patrolling the estate. At the doors stood a middle aged woman flanked by two soldiers. They stood at attention either side of the wooden door, ready to open, or eve bar entry, to any who approached. A man in full coat and tails would step up to each car and open the doors. They would be guided first to the woman

Good Morning President Powell, allow me to welcome you to Planet Cambridge. I hope the journey here was comfortable. I am Hayley Winchester, Her Majesty's Private Secretary. We are preparing to lunch at one this afternoon. Is there any requests you would make of the chef? I would be more than happy to deliver it myself. One last item is in terms of security. Whilst here you will be afforded the full protection of Her Majesty, Queen Carina. However, we are aware that you will have your own security detail, as is right. Captain Vickers of the Grenadier guard will be happy to meet with whoever is heading your security detail to discuss the finer points, and ensure your needs are met. Please do enjoy your stay

She extended her hand to shake his, before turning to the approaching Admirals

Fleet Admiral Hirlerman, Fleet Admiral Cleveland. A pleasure to meet you both. My name is Hayley Winchester, Her Majesty's Private Secretary. Thank you for both attending, and thank you both for everything you have done for us. I fear we may not be standing here today without your help.

Now, I believe this is your first time in meeting Her Majesty. Your aides may have briefed you, but it is my duty to provide some guidance on etiquette surrounding the Royal Family. There is no need to bow when meeting Queen Carina, however should you feel the need it is a short bow of the head for men, or a small curtsy for women. Some prefer to simply shake Her hand.

When addressing Her Majesty, on first greeting it is always “your Majesty”, followed subsequently by “Ma’am”. I’m not aware of Prince James joining us today, however if he does attend over the weekend it shall be “Your Royal Highness” on first meeting, followed subsequently by “Sir”. This is the same for all male members of the Royal Family. For females you would open with “Your Royal Highness”, and subsequently follow with “Ma’am”. Should you have any questions or requests, myself and members of the household staff will be more than happy to assist you.

Serving staff will bring your bags. If you are happy here, it would by my honour to take you to your rooms.

With that, she stepped back, the guards opening the doors. She extended her arm, allowing them to proceed

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