November 20, 1899 // London, United Kingdom
At the invitation of my great-grandmother, my family and I made a visit to the capital of the British Empire.
During our welcome procession, we passed through London in the midst of cheering crowds. I decide to enjoy the atmosphere while observing 19th century London. I lament at the fact that this might be one of the last times I visit this country with such a welcome atmosphere.
Arriving at Buckingham Palace I get to meet another giant of history.
Queen Victoria, she's now 79 years old, despite that she still seems full of energy.
'The British monarch reigns, but does not rule.'
Despite this Queen Victoria wielded immense power during her reign. Two years ago she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee celebrating the 60th year since her ascension to the throne, she's currently the longest reigning monarch in British history.
Her reign started with Britain as a great power, and then to today as the largest empire in history. In the original timeline, the British Empire would reach its territorial peak in 1920 when it owned 26.35% of the world. And through Britain's hegemonic strength they achieved the Pax Britannica, an era of relative peace between great powers, by acting as the 'global police.'
If someone were to ask me who the protagonist of the 19th century was, my answer would be the person I'm looking at right now. A giant who ushered an era of immense progress known as the Victorian Era.
We exchanged brief greetings with my great-grandmother, but that was it. It's unfortunate as I wanted to have a conversation with another legend of history. But knowing that my father blames his crippled arm on Queen Victoria it was inevitable, this animosity by extension fueled my father's anti-English sentiment.
My family and I then met with British dignitaries and top officials, together with my relatives in the British royal family we had a lavish dinner to end the first day of our visit.
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Since we're staying in London for a few days, I decided to walk around the city in plain clothes with my little sister Vicky. Strolling around Piccadilly, my sister and I decided to shop nearby, I bought books for myself, some toys for my sister, and souvenirs for the both of us. After a few hours of shopping we stopped by a nearby café.
I got ice cream for my sister, and ordered coffee for myself. I also bought snacks for our bodyguards to thank them for their hard work.
While snacking and playing Uno with my sister, a stranger suddenly approaches our table. The guards try to prevent him from approaching, but I stop them and ask him who he is in English.
"Excuse me, but who may you be?"
"Apologies your highness, my name is Arthur Griffith, editor of the newspaper United Irishman."
"This is Joachim von Preußen. Go deas bualadh leat."
After saying my greeting, Mr. Griffith revealed a bewildered expression. While standing there in a daze, I ask the man to take a seat, this time in English.
"Take a seat, Mr. Griffith."
"Apologies your highness, I was just surprised that such an esteemed person spoke Gaelic."
I shrug my shoulders and laugh awkwardly.
"Hahaha... it's nothing special, I've always been interested in history and books. Through that I came across Mr. Yeats' book 'the Celtic Twilight' which made pursue Gaelic."
After being scolded by my mother for my football shenanigans, she had me go through a public relations crash course. Thanks to that, lies like this naturally flow out of my mouth. Mr. Griffith not seeing through my lie seemed impressed. He speaks to me with twinkles in his eyes, this time in Gaelic.
"Your highness I never expected someone of such stature to take an interest in our people's culture."
"Again, its nothing special that I happened to read something made by Ireland's foremost writer. If I may say I think Mr. Yeats will one day be remembered as a pillar of Irish literary revival."
"Oooohhh... I completely agree your highness!"
"Indeed I ended up reading Douglas Hyde's 'Literary History of Ireland' just recently as well."
After more lies Mr. Griffith seemed to have formed a crush on me and we naturally continued our conversation on Irish culture and literature. When my lies could no longer catch up with his knowledge I divert the conversation elsewhere.
"This reminds me, why did you wish to meet me Mr. Griffith?"
"Oh! I once again apologize for the rudeness your highness, but I originally wanted to ask if you had any opinion on the ongoing Boer war. But nevermind that, I've had a much more meaningful conversation with his highness instead."
"You've been taking notes, will you by chance be publishing this?"
"If its alright with your highness, I would love to be able to publish a manuscript on our conversations."
"Oh. Then feel free."
Yes, please write an article with a headline 'German prince loves Ireland!'
With a hesitant expression Mr. Griffith asks me.
"Your highness do you have any thoughts on the Irish Nationalist movement?"
"Hmmm... I do, but may I ask you to keep this off-the-record?"
"I swear by name and god."
"I support the movement for a free Irish state. I think that a people with a history and culture as profound as the Irish should be given a chance at independence by the right of self-determination."
At my statement, Mr. Griffith ends up shedding tears of joy. I comfort him and hand him my handkerchief.
"Khuuu... tha.. thank you for your words your highness. I, no all of Ireland would express their gratitude if they found out we had a friend such as his highness."
"Its nothing, I'd be proud to be a friend of the Irish."
After Mr. Griffith calmed down, we spoke briefly this time about our personal lives and interests. 10 minutes later we part our separate ways with warm a handshake.