by John Simpson
“Brother, how nice to see you!” the king said.
They hugged, and then Harry turned to Michael and Darren.
“You two ready to take the plunge?”
“Yes, Your Royal Highness,” Darren answered.
“Damn it all, you’re becoming one of the family. Call me cousin or Harry when we’re in private.” Harry turned to Michael. “Nice ring, where did you nick that?”
“Darren gave it to me.”
“You have good taste, Darren. May it rub off on some of the women in this family!” Harry said, and everyone laughed.
“I’m honored and very pleased that you’ll be at our wedding. I hope your wife and children will be with you,” Darren said.
“Oh, my wife wouldn’t miss this for anything. We’ve had gay members of the family in the past, including some kings, but this is the first formal marriage under civil and church law. It makes me proud of our country that we’ve come this far so fast on this issue. I had gay soldiers under my command in the war, and they were just as fine as any other man at the front. I’m going to be there in full regalia.”
“That was purely for security reasons. There are a lot of nuts out there, as you well know. And we have to remember who Darren’s mother is. I don’t want the US Air Force to succeed where Hitler failed because Darren was harmed by a nutter.”
“I understand both Michael and Darren will be in service to the Crown,” Harry said.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Well, I’d like to be able to call upon both or either from time to time, if that’s all right with you?”
“I don’t have any objections at all. How about you two?” the king asked.
“No, no, objections at all. It would be a blast to help you with anything, unless it’s babysitting, that is!” Darren said, and everyone laughed.
“You do have a good sense of humor, Darren, and that has always been needed in this family. William, surely we can do better for Darren than Prince Consort?”
The king smiled. “You never know what might happen on a wedding day.”
“True, you sly dog,” Harry replied.
“Well, then, if all of the various security agencies know what’s going on, I think we’re set for the big day. For your information, I and my lady will be arriving in a Rolls Royce. Other members of the royal family will travel by Rolls also, and I’ve directed that one be put at your disposal. So, on the morning of the wedding, Michael will be taken to the cathedral from the palace, and Darren will be picked up in one Rolls Royce from the royal fleet.”
“And Shane, Jack, Mary, and I will travel in a limousine following President Wilson and the Secret Service war wagons. There will, of course, be agents inside St. Paul’s and on the rooftops a couple hours before the first arrivals. All that has been coordinated with MI5 and 6,” David said.
“Then I believe we have nothing more to do but wait. Thank you all for coming,” William said.
David and his party said good-bye and headed back to Winfield House with Michael.
When they were settled in at Winfield House, they relaxed while David returned some phone calls on embassy business, and Darren and Michael talked about the future. Jack was a little jealous of all of the attention given to Darren but realized there was nothing he could do about it. His time would come; he knew it.
“Well, let’s all hope the next couple of weeks fly fast, and December first will be here before we know it. Can you think of anything that hasn’t been planned for Darren and Michael?” David asked as he finished his last call.
“No, we believe we’re all set to go. We were just talking about the king’s cryptic reply to Harry’s remark that, ‘we can do better than that for Darren,’ or words to that effect.”
“Yes, I caught that too. I haven’t a clue what it could mean. Shane?” David asked.
“No, I’m in the dark this time. On a side note, Darren’s dual citizenship was officially announced today in the press releases from the palace and the embassy. So, the people know about that,” Shane answered.
“So we wait,” Michael said.
Chapter 19
DAVID, SHANE, Darren, Michael, and Jack watched the beautiful blue-and-white Air Force One jet land at Heathrow Airport and taxi to a heavily restricted area of the tarmac, where they waited. Prince Harry had joined them as King William’s proxy to greet the president officially.
The steps were rolled up, and the door opened. Out stepped a radiant president of the United States and mother of one of the grooms, followed by the First Husband, Brandon, and the other guests, including some gay members of Congress.
A receiving line formed with Prince Harry at the head.
Everyone was in an incredibly joyous mood, including the congressional delegation. After all the hugs and kisses were given out, the giant motorcade sped off, causing a truly nightmarish traffic jam in central London. It was some distance from the airport to Winfield House, and the entire route was secured. After what seemed like hours, the motorcade entered the grounds of Winfield, and the gates were closed and guarded. The VIPs were moved quickly through the front door and into the inner sanctum of the ambassador’s residence.
When the increased household staff, who were on loan from the palace, had taken everyone’s coats, Victoria inspected the Marine security station. After she greeted the Marines on duty, she joined the family in the living room.
Blaine was already there serving refreshments and trying to make order out of chaos.
“Now, I’m glad you had the improved windows put in,” David whispered to Shane.
“Yeah, the Secret Service boys were happy about that when I told them.”
Victoria sat between Darren and Brandon. Harry and the rest of the men were sitting on a sofa across from them.
“Look at that ring, Darren!” Victoria exclaimed. “It’s just as magnificent as you said it was.”
“Yes, it sure is. Isn’t it gorgeous?”
“Breathtaking, and I so love emeralds. What about Michael’s ring? Let me see it please!”
Michael came over to the president and presented his hand. Light touched the gems, and the ring came alive.
“My God! That is the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen… aside from yours, Darren! Tell me the whole story.”
“Uncle David took me shopping for it, but I picked out the stones and had them set in a platinum ring,” Darren responded proudly.
“Well done, David. Thank you for taking my son on one of his most important shopping trips of his life. I can’t wait for tomorrow. Michael, I have a good son, in fact a couple of good sons. Darren will make you happy as long as you make him happy, and I think you were made for each other.”
“By the way, Brandon, I have a surprise for you tomorrow afternoon,” Michael said.
“Oh? What kind of surprise?”
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise any longer, would it?”
“Cool. It’ll have to be big to top what’s already going to happen.”
“You’ll see,” Michael said.
“Don’t look at me,” Darren said. “I have no idea what my fiancé has in mind.”
The day was full of pictures, laughter, and a great dinner, and then everyone but the president left for St. Paul’s for the wedding rehearsal. A heavy security presence was observable everywhere one looked around the cathedral.
The dean went through the logistics of how they would come out and where everyone should stand, as well as the grand exit. Neither groom would see the other until they came in from the naves and met at the altar, where the groomsmen would be waiting.
ON THE morning of the wedding, everyone was up early at Winfield House. Darren was a bundle of nerves and kept running into his mother’s bedroom.
“Mom! I’m getting married! Not only that, but to a prince! Am I dreaming, or is this all real?” Darren babbled.
“Honey, calm down. You’re worse than I was when Harry and I wed. Do you need to talk to him?”
> “Nah, I’d talk to Uncle David if I needed that kind of talk. I’m just scared! St. Paul’s Cathedral, in front of a king and you and God knows who else!”
“Okay, I understand, darling. Tell you what. I’m the president of the most powerful country in the world. We have a military second to none. I’m going to call a press conference, and tell the world and that haughty family that the wedding is off! Would that help?”
“What! Oh… very funny… very funny,” Darren replied.
Brandon heard all the yelling and came into the room.
“What’s the matter, big boy? Got the wedding jitters?” Brandon laughed.
“Stop it, Brandon. Your brother’s just falling apart, that’s all,” the president said.
“I am not! I’m just getting used to the idea of what’s going to happen in three hours, that’s all!”
“What’s all the yelling about?” David asked as he popped his head into the room.
Before Victoria could go to her funny speech, Darren said, “Nothing. Nothing at all. Just get yourself, your husband, and your son ready and looking good!”
“Well, yes, sir!” David said and laughed all the way down the hall.
“Are you okay now, honey?” Victoria asked.
“Yeah, whatever the hell that was, it’s out of my system now. Need to go finish dressing.”
With that said, he walked out and closed the door as Harry, the First Husband was coming out of the bathroom shower.
“Did I miss something?” Harry asked.
Victoria just laughed.
At Buckingham Palace, things were a bit calmer as everyone dressed in their official regalia. William was not wearing the crown, but he was dressed in his finest robes of state. Michael had stayed the night there so the footmen could help him dress in the morning. The Rolls Royces were being lined up according to rank, and one sat off by itself, ready to go to Winfield House.
The London constabulary put up traffic barricades and lined the streets the royal procession would travel on. The route the president was taking was likewise secured with barricades and troops, and any receptacle that could be moved, had been moved.
At exactly nine fifteen, the presidential motorcade with the Wilson and American Windsor family left Winfield House for St. Paul’s Cathedral. Ten minutes later, the royal motorcade left Buckingham Palace on its way to the same destination. At nine thirty, a royal Rolls Royce arrived at Winfield House for Darren.
“Your car is here, sir,” Blaine announced.
“Thank you, Blaine. Are you coming?”
“Yes, sir, right behind you, but in a plain car.”
“Oh good. I really want you there!”
“And so I shall be.”
Darren put on the gray top hat that was part of his morning suit and got into the Rolls with the signature crest on the back door. A police car led the Rolls, and a Secret Service war wagon followed. It took them only minutes to reach the church, and Darren was stunned at the number of news cameras from television and print media present.
He sat in the car and waited until his door was cleared for opening by security. He put his hat on as he got out, and a verger led him in to the wild applause of the crowds pressing against the barricades. Once inside, they took a left and went up the left side of the cathedral where all of Darren’s guests and family were sitting. On the right, he saw the king and his family and guests.
“Sir, you remain here until I escort you to the altar where you will join Prince Michael.”
“Yes, thank you, verger.”
Organ music was playing as Blaine and two more guests arrived, and then the great doors were closed. Darren guessed that meant everyone who had been invited was inside.
Darren glanced at his watch and saw it was nine minutes to ten. David came over to him just in case he needed moral support.
“Are you all right, Darren?”
“Yeah, but I sure wish this was over. I’m a wreck. Does it show?”
“Actually, not a bit. Here, take this and wipe off your forehead and upper lip,” David said, handing him a white handkerchief.
“Have you seen Michael?” Darren asked.
“No, they’ve kept him hidden. In fact, where you’re standing, no one can see you either. Just remember the rehearsal, and all will go well. I’m going back to my place with the groomsmen. If you need anything, nod at me.”
Darren watched his security blanket leave and decided to stand on his own two feet. He was being married this day, and it was time to act like a man. At three minutes to ten, the verger returned.
“It will be just a couple of more minutes, sir. I will escort you and then turn to face you, marking the spot where you will stand. Turn and face the altar, and the prince will be right beside you. Remember to take off your ring and give it to the dean, and the prince will do the same. The dean will bless the rings and give them back to you at the appropriate time.”
At ten o’clock, the vergers stepped off from both sides, and Darren and Michael followed them as everyone stood. A joyful tune was played on the organ, and as rehearsed, the men came to the places where they would stand during the ceremony. They stood side by side and gave their rings to the dean.
When the music ended, the dean gave the initial greeting and blessing, and everyone sat down. People chosen for the role came up to read from the Gospels assigned to them. When they were finished, the dean read another Gospel and then spoke for a few minutes about the meaning of marriage and how it now applied to all of God’s children. Finally, he said, “Amen.”
That was the signal for Michael and Darren to take their vows. They both squared their shoulders and looked up at the dean. He blessed the rings and had the men recite their promises to each other. The rings were then given back, and Darren and Michael slipped them on each other’s fingers.
“By the power vested in me by Almighty God and the Church of England, I now pronounce you married for life. You may kiss each other.”
It was done. A prince of the House of Windsor had married the first son of the president of the United States. The church bells rang out to let the people know the wedding was over.
When Darren and Michael turned to face the pews, the dean made the official announcement.
“Your Majesty, your Royal Highness, Madam President, Lords, Ladies, and all, may I present to you, His Royal Highness Prince Michael and Darren, the Prince Consort.”
Flashes went off by the dozens as the newlyweds hugged and kissed each other a second time. As they stepped down from the altar, the crowd gathered to congratulate them. Both bowed to King William and to Prince Harry. They were the first down the aisle, and when the doors were opened, everyone could hear the crowds cheering.
“Who would have thought that there would be crowds, let alone cheering crowds for a wedding such as this?” Prince Harry whispered to the king.
“Times have changed, thank God.”
“But are you going to give Darren a proper title?”
“Yes, when we get back to the palace. I’m going to make him a duke.”
“Outstanding, brother, you make me proud!”
Michael and Darren exited to wild cheers and more photographs. They waved and climbed into the back of the Rolls set aside for them. The doors were closed, and they waited as the king and then the presidential party got into their cars. They left the cathedral in one long VIP motorcade and drove back down the avenue to Buckingham Palace.
Helicopters flew overhead, and heavily armed police were everywhere as the motorcade flowed through the gates of the palace and into the motor courtyard, passing great crowds. When the entire motorcade was stuffed into the area for cars, everyone got out.
The waiting footmen directed everyone into the throne room. Once they were gathered there, the ladies were allowed a bathroom break before the king appeared. The guests passed the time shaking the hands of the newlyweds and welcoming Darren into the family.
The president was brought a glass of water, and then the k
ing entered the room. As he took his seat on the throne, people quieted down, and the remaining ladies hurried back. After a few minutes, over one hundred VIPs listened quietly as the king spoke.
“This is a monumental day for the United Kingdom and for the world. We witnessed the Church of England, in the person of the Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, unite in holy matrimony, two members of the same sex. The grooms happen to be distinguished gentlemen in their own right. Prince Michael and the first son of the sitting president of the United States, Britain’s greatest ally.
“Times have thankfully changed, and civilized nations recognize that gay people must have the same access as heterosexuals to the rights that make life happy and full. As I have watched these two men, I came to believe that they are soul mates and that marriage was the inevitable outcome of their connection. Since this is the very first time we have had a nonroyal, much less a male, marry a Prince of the House of Windsor, there are no precedents to be looked to. The title of Prince Consort was bestowed upon Darren because it seemed simplest at the time.” William paused and gestured to Darren. “Darren, would you come before me and kneel?”
An aide brought out a sword on a red-and-gold pillow. Guessing what was about to happen, the men on the British side all came to attention.
William took the sword and stood over the kneeling Darren. He touched Darren’s shoulders three times with the flat of the blade before he handed it back to the aide. “Rise, Your Grace, Darren, Duke of Sussex,” he said.
Darren stood, and everyone applauded. William shook Darren’s hand and then Michael’s.
“There, Michael, a wedding present for you and your husband. You’re now married to a duke!”
A royal servant came in and announced that everyone should proceed to the reception.
Chapter 20
IN THE large banquet room, fountains of champagne flowed, and an array of foods covered the tables. His Royal Highness, Harry, Prince of Wales, flushed with red with his excitement for Darren, came up to the brand-new duke.