Running Around Royal (Prince Harry #4)

Chapter Fifty-One

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor flew into Cape Town, South Africa, on the private jet. Harry had driven them into town from Botswana, and they took off from there. On the airplane, Meredith became a duchess again. Her blonde hair was straightened, and she was put into a dress. Her makeup was done as a snack was brought to her. Jessica gave the schedule to the royal couple, and before she left, her eyes hovered on Meredith. Meredith gave no indication that Jessica looked. Harry didn't get involved because this wasn't the fight anymore about food and Meredith, this was a battle about Meredith wanting an apology but Jessica not willing to give it.

Meredith flipped her hair back as the airplane descended into Cape Town. The airplane parked, and Meredith joined her husband at the door. Meredith felt her stomach twist and turn from the flight, and Harry checked to make sure she was good. She was.

When the door opened, Harry and Meredith stepped out together. Harry held her hand as they walked down together. It was dry, even as a breeze come off the ocean. The smell of salt filled the air. The president waited on a red carpet for the royal couple. South Africa left the Commonwealth only to rejoin later. In Commonwealth countries, the duke and duchess were scrutinized even more because in these cases, they were the direct lines to the monarch.

Harry went in first down the line with Meredith always one behind. With a schedule today, they had to keep to it. Jessica and Harry had signs for when he needed to move on. The president welcomed the duke and duchess to South Africa. This was Meredith's first time, and she was promised a wonderful time here.

"I'm excited," Meredith said before she gave a general comment about the beauty of South Africa, even though she hadn't left the tarmac of the airport. The president left them as the royal couple headed off to their first destination, which was the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

The waterfront attracted over twenty-three million visitors a year, and besides the water, there was residential and commercial real estate. In 1860, Prince Alfred visited the colony, and it was later named after him. The houses were above the over 450 outlets of fashion, homeware and other things. Boats lined the side of water, which included fishing boats to container ships.

Bodyguards Bill and Bella kept a secure distance from the couple. While there were police officers around, the bodyguards often did this. Bodyguard Bill stood closer as a looming figure. Bella was well trained and was as dangerous as Bill, but she stood near the crowds. People usually underestimated her, so it was best that she was the first line of defense.

After the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the royal couple moved onto Bo-Kaap, formerly known as the Malay Quarter. The multicultural area held cobblestoned streets and brightly colored homes; in the area was the Nurul Islam Mosque, which was established in 1844. Walking down the street after getting out of their vehicle, people, especially children, looked down from windows and waved. Some held Union Jack flags. The duchess went over and greeted people. "Thank you for being here," she said. "Thank you for the flowers," she said. Other small talk came.

The Bo-Kaap Museum was housed in one of the oldest buildings in the quarter. Inside the museum, it showed the regular life of a nineteenth century Cape Muslim family with black-and-white photographs of daily life. Early Muslim settlers were usually skilled tailors, carpenters, shoe makers and buildings. Most of the furnishings in the house were original from the time.

Before going for afternoon activities, they returned to the British consulate, where lunch was served and an outfit change was necessary. Sitting in the morning dress at the table, Meredith didn't have her food limited, even though she felt awkward when Jessica came in. She did nothing more than give the afternoon and night schedule. After the hike, which made Meredith gag slightly, it was back to the consulate for a shower and change, and then it was a state dinner with the president and South African celebrities, politicians and the like. Jessica curtsied and left.