Star Jubilee Stories

STAR JUBILEE STORIES

Dedicated to

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

03

Jacob King/PAWire/PA Images

FOREWORD During her seventy years as our nation’s monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been respected and adored for her unfailing duty, sincerity and optimism.

In recognition of her selfless and inspirational service, hundreds of pupils from Star Academies have taken up the challenge of writing stories based on The Queen’s life – real or imagined – as she approaches her Platinum Jubilee. This book is an anthology of the entries that were judged to show the highest levels of flair and creativity. It includes the work of writers aged 7 to 16 from our schools across the country.

Star authors have reflected on the difficulty of seven decades spent in the public gaze (after all, ‘queening is not easy!’) and given Her Majesty the opportunity to experience everyday life with relative anonymity, but always with a twist. They have cast her as a conquering hero, a detective, a rapper, and an unexpected companion.

The royal corgis have been invested with special powers and distinctive voices in some astonishingly anthropomorphic stories, in which their unconditional love and loyalty to The Queen are never in doubt. The stories in this collection are set in places ranging from classrooms to dreamscapes, Blackpool to Jamaica. They feature time travel, mistaken identity, transportation into fairy tale worlds and dastardly plots to steal the crown jewels. A consistent feature of the stories, however otherworldly, is their portrayal of The Queen as a positive force for good, a national treasure genuinely loved and admired by our young people.

I hope that you enjoy reading this anthology and agree that the creative prowess of Star’s young writers is a fitting tribute to our wonderful sovereign.

SIR MUFTI HAMID PATEL CBE Chief Executive, Star Academies

05

THE TIP

by Aisha Sheikh, Year 10

Pulling her hat further down her head, trying to shield her eyes, she continued down the cobblestone pathway, her heels clicking on the pavement in a way that would have drawn unwanted attention if she was anywhere else.

“Ma’am, this is – I mean – the dress costs £35...this is too much,” the woman spluttered, her eyes wide as she stared at the amount of money being offered to her with the casual temperament that Elizabeth was known to handle currency.

But the bustling sounds of Bond Street drowned out all other noise.

Children ran up and down the road, their harried parents chasing after them; couples strolled along beside the shops, peering into the windows and making effortless small talk; salespeople stood tall at the doors of different stores, holding out products to entice the oblivious shoppers. In short, it was a typical London day that most people who occupied the city would take for granted: the type of day Elizabeth had always dreamed of experiencing.

Her eyes ran along the shop names, hungrily drinking up any information she could glean about them. Although the sky was a gorgeous shade of vivid red, the sun glaring down upon the street with ferocity, the air around her was cold, and there was a damp scent that overpowered her senses, one that seemed to be ever present in all areas of London.

Making her mind up, she stepped into Monsoon, the regal displays in the shop window having caught her eye. She took a turn about the room before choosing a red dress with stunning, gold embroidery on the front. It would look beautiful on Charlotte, she decided, and took it to the counter.

“Ah, I wasn’t sure what the customary tip amount was,” Elizabeth remarked, waving an elegant, unbothered hand.

The woman’s eyes bulged slightly as she stepped backwards, trying to survey Elizabeth’s entire frame.

Finally, a light seemed to flicker on in her eyes, as she held out a shaking finger.

“You – are you – you look like...” her voice trailed off and Elizabeth raised one eyebrow slightly.

“Yes, dear? I’m not getting any younger.”

“Your Majesty,” she whispered, her voice half reverent and half disbelieving.

Elizabeth tapped her nose with her index finger, and was about to expand, when her phone rang. She glanced down at it with a hint of guilt.

“Please excuse me, dear, it seems my presence is being sorely missed back at the castle.”

“The castle,” the woman breathed.

The woman at the till gave her a strained smile, one that clearly came from someone who had already tired of her day and longed for home. She didn’t give Elizabeth a second glance as she scanned the tag and announced the price.

Elizabeth pulled out several £50 pound notes from her purse and placed them on the table, eliciting a strangled gasp from the saleswoman.

“I’d appreciate it if you kept this to yourself, love.”

Elizabeth smiled sweetly, pirouetted gracefully and exited the store, Monsoon bag swinging proudly on her arm, leaving the saleswoman to wonder how much of the bizarre interaction had been her own imagination.

06

THE MYSTICAL WARDROBE

By Aaminah Zahra Pandor, Year 3

All the way in London, in the Palace, the Queen was doing her speech. However, she wasn’t feeling her normal motivated self as her outfit wasn’t feeling right. It was dull and plain. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. “Come in”, said the Queen.

Just then, a royal blue dress piped up saying “Wear me!

I will make sure you keep your head held high and look confident in front of everyone. If I am worn, I will show leadership and you will lead your country with great power”.

The caller was Lucy, the Queen’s maid. “You have received a letter”, said Lucy kindly.

A red dress blurted out saying “Pick me! I will give you the power to do anything. Wear me and you will learn to work powerfully with other countries. You will love your people with all your heart”.

As the Queen took the letter from Lucy she said nicely, “You may leave”. The Queen opened the letter.

The green dress shouted out “I will make you a lover of nature, and I will make your gardens bloom with roses and wildflowers”.

The letter read: Dear Queen Elizabeth, You have been invited to a really important event. Your Majesty can wear your very best clothes to impress the guests. All the very important guests are looking forward to seeing you and you may give your speech. We are meeting up at the Houses of Parliament in London.

The Queen rushed over to her cupboard. She opened it and got sucked in like a vacuum…

The Queen was trapped in her cupboard! All of a sudden, a luminous, bright yellow dress exclaimed “Choose me!

Choose me! Wear me! I will put a smile on your face. I will keep you happy and put joy in your day”.

The Queen was spoilt for choice. She didn’t know which dress to wear. In the end she called the best of tailors to sew a beautiful ball gown using all the coloured dresses in her wardrobe.

On the day of the event, the Queen wore her beautiful colourful dress and stood with her head held high and was full of confidence and had love for her country. She had a lovely smile on her face; she had power in her and had a huge love for nature. Everyone fell in love with the Queen.

The Queen stood out boldly and got plenty of compliments.

07

Aasiyah Patel, Year 11

08

A HOLIDAY FIT FOR A QUEEN

By Izzy Donno Franklin, Year 7

It was a hot, dry summer and the Queen was extremely bored. Outside her window she could see children happily eating ice creams and playing tag, which reminded her of her childhood holidays to the beach. She longed for a holiday somewhere by herself – since her Coronation she had never had one!

“A waitress dress and brown wig – perfect!” she cried and exited her hotel. This time no-one bothered to follow her – phew!

First stop – The Pleasure Beach!

“I’m going on the Big One!” she squealed and joined the queue.

“That’s it!” Elizabeth cried. “The BEACH!”

Big. Mistake.

Running into the hallway she bumped into her adorable dogs. “I’m going on holiday! Come help me pack!” The dogs jumped up and raced into the royal kitchens.

Her wig fell off on the sharp drop and suddenly everyone screamed – but not for the ride!

“Why, hello Your Majesty!” the Royal Chef exclaimed with glee, “What brings you here?”

“IT’S THE QUEEEEEEEEEEN!”

“I need you to make me a packed lunch – I’m going on holiday!” The Royal Chef nodded and instantly got to work, preparing a feast fit for a Queen. “Thank you very much” Elizabeth cried as she ran back to her bedroom to pack her summer clothes.

When she was ready, she called for a taxi to pick her up. The driver couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw her! “Oh my goodness – the Queen? In my cab? Today must be my lucky day!” he gasped and was more than happy to drive her to the train station.

“No, no, no!” Elizabeth grumbled, gutted her wig fell off.

“Time for a change – yes – a black wig and sparkly dress!”

This time Elizabeth and her new disguise took a trip to Madame Tussaud’s and found a model of herself.

“Do I really look like that?! My hair isn’t that long!” Even so, she wanted a selfie. However, this involved removing her wig. Instantly a crowd swarmed around. The Queen kept as still as a statue, hoping everyone would think that she was a model too and move on. Nope! She blinked – accidentally – and everyone cheered.

“The Queen in Blackpool?!”

When they arrived, the Queen asked the man serving in the ticket office for a train going to the beach. “Of course, Madam! Follow me.”

“You didn’t tell us you were coming!”

“Can I have an autograph??”

Elizabeth excitedly clambered onto the train...

A few hours later the train arrived – in BLACKPOOL! People pointed as Elizabeth got off of the train, and soon enough crowds were following her every move. She ran to her hotel as fast as she could – which certainly wasn’t fast in high heels! As soon as she got into her room, she tore her suitcase open and searched for a disguise.

“I’m sorry I hid from you all – I just wanted some peace.”

Elizabeth smiled softly. “Enough of the disguises! Come on – Ice creams are on me!”

09

THE ORBING CROWN

By Fatima Tuz Zuhra Mohsin, Year 5

She rode on her majestic horse; the fire in her eyes lighting up the path. The Queen galloped on, cloaked in all her grandeur. “Halt!” she ordered and dismounted her mighty steed. The time had come…

A crumpled rabbit hole welcomed her as she found herself in front of a barrage of soldiers wearing an armour of cards.

She entered the grand hall which was filled with members of the Royal Family. The throne, where many of her royal ancestors had once sat, stood overlooking the room. From the corner of her eye, she could see the crown – bejewelled in rubies, sapphires and pearls.

She took her rightful place on the throne and studied the sea of familiar faces in the crowd. Finally, the crown was placed on her young, naïve head. She felt her entire soul orb into an alternate time zone. It was clear that she was no longer at the ceremony. She was indeed in another realm!

Snow drifted down from the tall, elegant trees creating a soft layer of white glitter on the ground. Carelessly, she grabbed a handful of snow and threw it into the air, creating her own snowstorm. Pirouetting ballerina-like snowflakes fell onto her pointy nose.

A loud, disturbing sound broke the serenity. A woman with skin as white as snow – and evil encasing her entire existence – stood in front of her. “What is your name, oh daughter of Eve?” Her words pierced Lilibet’s ears and filled her with dread. The woman exited her carriage and walked slowly towards her.

She instantly clutched the crown, which surprisingly, was still on her head. A wild wind grabbed her from under her own feet, and before she knew it, she had orbed once again.

“Off with her head!” screeched a woman wearing blood-red lipstick. The Queen of Hearts was sporting her signature scarlet gown, which perfectly complemented her crown and title.

Fearing they were heading in her direction, she ran for dear life, hanging onto her crown. “Grab it! Grab her crown!” she could hear the faint voice of the Queen of Hearts screeching at the top of her lungs, as she found herself in a small cottage with seven beds.

On a wooden table were seven bowls of porridge and seven cups of apple juice. Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door. She heard some footsteps advancing towards it as she hid behind a sofa. “Here dear, it is my pleasure to gift you some of these apples,” an old lady croaked. A little girl happily took them and bit into one. Almost instantly, she dropped to the ground.

Elizabeth went to get a closer look and firmly clasped onto her crown. As she closed her eyes, she felt a small gust of wind pick her up and spin her around.

As soon as she opened her eyes, she realised she was back in the grand hall. She looked up and a sneaky grin crept up her face…

What an adventure!

10

Aisha Hoday, Year 6

11

Aatika Patel, Year 8

12

WHEN THE ROYAL CORGIS GO WALKIES

By Aisha Noor, Year 4

Once upon a time, there was a corgi named Monty. Monty was a boy and brought fun and love into the Palace. Monty also has some siblings, Emma, Linnet, Willow, and Holly.

but as the minutes passed the Queen became desperately concerned. The Queen ordered the butlers to split up and carry on searching.

One day, Monty wanted to go out to play in the sunny, green garden. Just then, Emma, Linnet, Willow, and Holly also wanted to go out to play. The corgis dashed out of the Palace doors, excitedly, although they knew that were not allowed in the gardens without supervision.

Suddenly, one of the butlers found some footprints and called the others to have a look. They followed them and came to an overgrown area in the gardens of the Palace.

In the blink of an eye, they saw all the corgis scrunched up into a huge net. They gently set them free and carried them home. When they arrived back at the Palace, the Queen was overwhelmed with joy and relief. From that day onwards, her Majesty’s beloved corgis were never left alone.

Suddenly, the Queen heard a lot of barking outside and wondered what was going on. As she walked through the shiny iron gates, she realised that the barking had stopped but as she arrived in the beautiful garden, all her corgis were missing! Her Majesty called out for them again and again. There was no answer. The Queen felt nervous and began to panic because her corgis might be in danger. As soon as possible, she sent all her butlers to find the corgis,

Who had taken them? What were they going to do with them? We will never know.

13

MY QUEEN

By Nasrin Hassan Ali, Year 10

I sit alone in the park. What did I expect? I should have known the invite wasn’t genuine; just another humiliation.

lady; hold your head up high. You are the king – or rather the queen – of the jungle.”

Before long, tiny, needle-like droplets slash across my face and arms. I slump into the slippery park bench, the rain mixing in with my tears. I’m pathetic. Here I am crying in public; this is what I’ve been reduced to – Gran would be so disappointed.

I sniff. “Thank you. I really needed that. I haven’t really had someone to talk to since my gran passed; you remind me of her.”

“She would, would she?” a voice surprisingly close to me enquires. I jump, there’s a woman next to me wearing a long trench coat, a matching hat and a scarf pulled up so high it almost covers her eyes. “My greatest apologies. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Her eyes crinkle and a mischievous glint flashes in them. “Or did I?”

She abruptly stands. With surprising agility, she straightens herself to her maximum height, which is a good three inches shorter than me.

“Young lady, it has been an absolute pleasure to meet you but I have somewhere to be. Farewell.”

“Wait! I didn’t catch your name,” I call as she walks quickly away.

“No, it’s fine. I’m just... it’s just... Well...I...” I stammer.

“I understand: girl trouble, is it?” The woman pats my back; she reminds me of Gran.

“Alexandra Mary Windsor.” The wind carries her words back to me.

“Yes. How did you know?” The woman laughs: a hearty laugh that comes straight from her soul; she definitely reminds me of Gran.

“I’m home, Dad,” I call as I enter the house later.

“Quick, come. The Queen is about to make her Platinum Jubilee speech.”

“Well, young lady, even though I may be well near one hundred years of life, I was once your age” she replies.

A woman appears on the screen wearing a snow-white blazer, dress and matching hat all adorned with flowers.

“Sorry.”

“It is perfectly fine young lady,” she replies, her scarf slipping off her face. “Perfectly ok.” I can see her warm smile emphasised by her soft pink lipstick.

“I’ll tell you what my mother told me: ‘Don’t listen to those who attempt to stop you from being the best person you can be, it’s like a lion becoming infuriated at the pesky monkeys in the trees. Don’t listen to the monkeys young

“That’s an honour. Thank you. You have made my day”

“Dear nation,” she starts. “I welcome you into my home to celebrate not only my Platinum Jubilee but to also celebrate each and every one of you as individuals.”

Her clothes look very different, but there’s no mistaking those twinkling eyes or that soft smile. Although she’s addressing the whole nation, I feel as if she’s speaking directly to me. My Queen.

14

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE CROWN

By Austin Lee, Year 3

The crown had disappeared. It was there and then it was gone. The Queen told the guards to find the crown.

After two hours the guards came back and told the Queen that they could not find the crown anywhere.

“Take the dogs with you to help you find the crown at once”, said the Queen. The dogs and the guards set off to find the missing crown. They checked under the sofa, foot buffet, next to the bed, under the bed, in the wardrobe, on the windowsill, behind the curtains, behind the sofa. They checked everywhere.

“Tell Prince Charles to find it with you and the dogs.” So, the guards, dogs and Prince Charles all went into the garden to find the lost crown.

The guards, dogs and Prince Charles went to tell Queen Elizabeth it was still missing.

“Get the children to help you find the crown”, said Queen Elizabeth.

The children came to the garden. The children knew how to climb trees so they climbed one. They saw some magpies and the crown. The Queen was so impressed.

Then they went to Queen Elizabeth.

15

Aliza Zeeshan, Year 10

16

THE YOUNG ELIZABETH WINDSOR

By Natalie Penswick, Year 10

The young Elizabeth Windsor stood, statuesque, every single strand of hair on her head meticulously pulled, placed, and coiled into roses of chestnut hair. She looked like a queen. She stood as if she had all the tremendous pressure of the world on her shoulders, but she resisted, she persisted, everything had to be perfect she was about to get everything she ever wanted.

Longingly, her eyes glazed over the ornate orb and the baroque sceptre. Each jewel and gem was embossed into a gold sphere, seemingly untouched, unblemished. Nine emeralds, eighteen rubies, nine sapphires, three hundred and sixty-five diamonds, three hundred seventy-five pearls, one amethyst and one glass stone. All these treasures glimmered and gleamed in the dark of her eyes.

Elizabeth stood proudly prepared to take her place as the Queen of England.

“Jane, my dear?” Elizabeth asked cautiously, trying not to seem too demanding of her attention.

“Yes, my lady?” Jane eagerly answered perking up as soon as she heard her name come from the future queen’s mouth.

“Is it almost time? I am getting terribly nervous just waiting here. What if there is a problem with the costume? Or God forbid if I drop the sceptre. I’ll be the laughing stock of the English monarchy!” The Queen said this with decreasing certainty and increasing panic. Jane had been Elizabeth’s attendant since she was small and had never seen her quite as anxious as she was now. Seeing her like this made her uncomfortable, Elizabeth to her had always been poised and elegant but now she was in tears and earnestly asking for help. Jane sat her down and told her, “You are the best you or anyone else can be and I am sure that you will go down in history as one of the greats.” She said this firmly with unwavering eye contact that comforted Elizabeth.

Jane left her with that notion she was left to ponder: just because she was born into power did not mean she deserved it, but she was going to do the most she could with it. Can I do this? Yes! Am I good enough? Absolutely! Am I ready for this responsibility? Definitely!

All of Elizabeth’s attendants who were stationed in the room were halted from their duties of laying the five meters of violet silk and white fur straight due to the sheer bewilderment of their future queen’s small outburst. She was finally ready, she gathered her train, straightened her pearls and walked out of the door to make history.

17

THE QUEEN’S MAGIC POCKETS

By Xander Sieradzki, Year 9

The Queen woke up. It was approaching midnight. The cold, chilly night breeze blew in through her open windows, fluttering her beige curtains in the air like a fish flopping on land. She glanced at her clock, hanging on her wall. It read 11:45. The date was 20th April, only 15 minutes until the day was replaced by its neighbour.

The Queen slipped her feet into her slippers and picked something up from under her bed, slipping it into her pocket before leaving her room. Silently, she sneaked about the Palace, with only the occasional creak of floorboards attempting to reveal her displacement. She crept down the stairs and tiptoed through the corridors. Then she came to a stop, in front of what was obviously a door, poorly painted to be the same colour as the walls and hidden behind a potted plant that only covered half of it. With a slight effort, pushing against the friction of the carpet, she slid the plant to the side, leaving a dip in the carpet where the pot had sat. She opened the door. She peered into the dark room, unable to see a thing.

She put her hands together, pushing them into her right pocket, and then…

She opened her eyes. She was in a new world. A world full of loose paper clips and pocket lint.

“Now where is it?” asked the Queen, as she started to walk off in a random direction.

A while later the Queen came across a transparent ball. She assumed it was magical and decided to take the opportunity to speed up her quest.

“Can you show me where I need to go?” she asked, also assuming it knew what she was looking for.

The ball gave no response, so she gave up and moved on. All of a sudden, the ball started to shake.

“Oh, so you are magic” said the Queen with an annoyed tone.

“No, but I have a good sense of smell,” replied the ball.

“To find what you seek, you must go over there about ten metres and take a left until you see it.”

“Alexa, turn on the lights!” commanded the Queen.

The lights lit up the room, revealing a bean bag in front of a cheap egg cup.

“I just need to do this, and then I can enjoy my birthday,” the Queen muttered to herself while sinking herself into the bean bag.

She reached her hands into her pocket, searching around in it before pausing, thinking for a moment, and then doing the same in the other pocket.

“Ok thank you,” the Queen responded, while walking away.

Eventually the Queen came across what she was looking for. A hard-boiled egg. She grabbed it and jumped out of her pocket pocket-dimension.

Finally, she placed the egg in its cup and prepared to eat it.

“I just love hard boiled eggs.”

“I knew it was a bad idea wearing this one.”

18

OPERATION SUPER-QUEEN

By Aaminah Rizwan Desai, Year 6

Another day, another escapade…

To the Queen, this singularly meant more biscuits – more generously enrobed, chocolate coated biscuits… and splendid, enticing cups of Earl Grey tea…and MORE biscuits…

No, truth be told, Her Majesty retains other matters, held secret, and concealed to the public eye. And, clearly, far more valuable to her than tea and biscuits. Allow me to foreworn you now, you should possibly choose to brace yourself for what I will be conveying to you could largely be considered as shocking. What I am about to inform you now alters the way we view our world.

Our Queen is a spy.

Tick Tock.

The Queen turned onto her side.

Her Majesty had submerged herself, deep-rooted beneath the many crisp-white sheets of her warm, exquisite four-poster bed. Later that night she’d only realised how unpleasantly cold it could get despite it being the middle of spring. She had been roused from her soothing reverie to the soft chirping of birds and the brilliant, gold sunbeams pouring in from the windows before the alarm that sat upon her bedside table had beeped.

“Beat that!” Her Highness addressed the alarm. A sudden blast of pride swelled within her as she clinched the rewarding sensation.

Her door was rattled abruptly, jolting Her Highness upright.

“Your Majesty,” announced her maid-in-waiting, “there is someone who would like to meet you”.

Fifteen minutes later, the Queen was clad in an elegant, charming lilac frock. The outfit was finished with a fitting hat and purse that complemented her taste in fashion. A refining touch was added as the Queen stroked an eyebrow with her gracefully wrinkled thumb. She ambled towards the mahogany, elaborate double-doors that waved open in response to her presence.

Her Majesty strolled into the magnificent hall: lined with a gleaming wood flooring alongside the somewhat extravagant chandeliers that hovered so slightly in the air and sparkled like monumental icicles – it was instantly noticeable and represented passionate indulgence and style. Ashen, round tables formed a circle while identically coloured seats enclosed them. The Queen acknowledged a place near a window with a red velvet curtain drawn back to its posts. There, she hitched her reading glasses up her nose and blissfully extracted from her bag a copy of Hamlet – Boom!

The doors opened, and a figure walked in, strutting down towards Her Majesty. Whoever it was, they evidently had a preference for black.

“Yo. Queenie, how’s it going, gal pal?”

Her Majesty examined the woman who stood there.

Then as if reality had struck her, her eyes widened in astonishment.

“Lavender! Oh, it’s lovely to see you again, old friend.

Lovely!”.

To be continued…

19

THE PALACE GATE

By Muhammed Ameen Ibrahim, Year 8

The Palace gate was left open by mistake. A free tour? Why not? The rational part of me told me to stop and imagine how much trouble I would be in with dad. What if the guards arrested me for trespassing? The risk was too high.

But still…

‘No, stop acting like a child,’ I told myself sternly.

As I prepared to walk away from the opportunity of a lifetime, something caught my eye. Towards the left behind the bushes, I saw a distinct figure lurking around the leaves, and its eyes locked into mine. Within a split second, I told myself all the harms that could possibly happen to me if I stayed there and continued staring at the mysterious figure.

And then I realised the safest place to go was to return back to the Palace. I turned my gaze and then saw an elaborate carriage, with a tall man, smartly dressed, beckoning me to jump in. My mum had always told me never to trust strangers, and with that being said, I made a quick decision that could’ve ruined my life.

I slid under the carriage and out the other side, my ear just skimming the carriage wheels and my head a centimetre away from the stairs of the carriage. As I jumped up from under the carriage, I began to praise myself for doing such a heroic action as I ran towards safety behind the Palace doors, wishing I had never come here in the first place.

I rushed in, slamming the door behind me, and sprinted towards the first room I saw, which was the parlour. I began peering through the large windows as discreetly as I could, wishing to see the carriage and the man gone. They were out of sight, or so I thought.

I scanned the perimeter anxiously, as though a detective, when suddenly, as I looked towards the rose trees, I saw a bearskin hat, nailing someone on the floor. I went as furthest to the right of the window, trying to get a full spectrum of the scene, and realised the same man was being captured by the life-saving guard. As I was admiring the beauty of the room, the door slammed. My heart stopped as I saw the consequences of being here flicker I my brain like a flashback. I did not know what to do, so I leaped behind the leather couch, admiring the alluring shade of dark blue, also hoping that I wouldn’t make a sound to alert the guard. The guard entered the room, and headed straight towards the telephone, turning the little wheel that made an annoying creaking sound.

The guard was phoning the police, explaining the incident that had happened earlier. I sneezed. I thought it was all over. My life replayed through my eyes. I revealed myself, wishing things wouldn’t escalate further. Surprisingly, he asked me for a cup of tea.

I responded, ‘Yes please’ and that is how my adventures began…

20

Aisha Hoday, Year 6

21

THE QUEEN’S GALLOPING ADVENTURES

By Isa Faruki, Year 6

One bright, majestic morning Her Majesty (Queen Elizabeth) decided to take a stroll to the stables to check on her beloved horses (Jack and Jill). As the Queen was grooming Jill’s hair, she whispered in her ear, “Let’s go on an adventure.”

As they took off, Jill began to gain speed. She could feel butterflies in her stomach. Suddenly a swirling vortex appeared out of nowhere and Jill was heading straight into it! Where had Her Majesty disappeared to?

The Queen was speechless by what she had just witnessed.

It was mind-blowing. In front of her was the most fascinating waterfall she had ever seen. Weirdly, it was flowing in the opposite direction to normal. Close by, she saw blossoming flowers with transparent, fluorescent petals emerging from them. Fascinated, she explored further. Just then, she heard a neighing sound from above.

She looked back at Jill and noticed she was staring upwards as well.

Surprisingly, she saw a magnificent unicorn flying around on dragon-like wings.

Smiling to herself, Her Majesty continued her adventure.

It was then she slowly noticed that her legs were sinking into the ground. Petrified and paralysed, she cried out for help. Upon hearing her owner in distress, Jill tried to save her, but she found herself in the same awful situation. They were both almost completely submerged in the quicksand when out of the blue, the magnificent unicorn came towards them and spoke: “Let me help you.”

“How can you talk and why are you helping us?” Her Majesty asked.

“A wise girl once told me, the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention,” the mysterious unicorn replied.

The unicorn rescued them both but while they were flying high and having fun, the Queen remembered the words over and over as if in a distant memory or a dream. Before they said their goodbyes the Queen asked the unicorn where he had heard the quote. The unicorn replied, “A little girl once told me to spread kindness one act at a time. She fed me an apple when I was hungry, and I longed to meet her again to thank her.” Abruptly, the Queen realised she was the girl who the unicorn was talking about and her “dream” was a memory from the past. It was the gasp of the Queen that made the unicorn realise she was the little girl.

The unicorn was happy he could pay off his debt and flew away into the sky.

The Queen and her beloved horse Jill made their way home through the vortex once again. When they arrived, they found the staff running around crazily. When the Queen saw this, she asked, “Where’s my tea and crumpets!” The staff were shocked but pleased to see Her Majesty and instantly went to get what she ordered.

22

TEA TIME TALE

By HaleemahValli, Year 10

Elizabeth sat comfortably on her cushioned armchair as she placed a spoonful of clotted cream on her buttered scone lying in one of her favourite china plates intricately decorated with tiny, blue flowers. Daintily, she ate her afternoon refreshment careful not to get any crumbs on her. After a few minutes, her watchful maid poured Elizabeth a strong cup of Earl Grey again in a fine bone china cup. As she lifted the cup to her lips in a gentle motion, she sipped her tea and felt a strong, crisp breeze hit her face through a nearby window. A frame which sat on an elegant corner table teetered unsteadily in the gust.

Slowly, she walked over to it, lifted the antique frame and placed it on her lap. With affection, she gazed at it and tears began to burn in her eyes.

The frame held a picture of Elizabeth and Philip taken on a bright summer’s day in Jamaica on their Commonwealth tour. She stood next to her husband with a beaming smile, beautifully dressed in a white embellished gown with palm trees in the background providing a lace of shade from that sunburned day. *** It was a scorching summer’s day in 1953. Spangles of sun erupted midglide that afternoon, where Philip and Elizabeth were enjoying an afternoon stroll. While relaxing and taking in the beautiful views of Jamaica, their privacy was invaded by the clicking and flashing of camera lights with paparazzi shouting.

They both escaped the unwanted attention and disappeared into the Jamaican wilderness.

From the rich brown hues to the soft blue sky the forest was a magical place. Like the most outrageously large confetti, the leaves glided through the warm, humid air. Prince Philip gathered the leaves together and threw them over Elizabeth in a playful manner. She chuckled and threw some back at him.

Brilliant shafts of sunlight enveloped the carpet of reds and golds beneath them.

They continued to walk onwards, as the glittering sun’s beams illuminated a path between the towering coconut palm and mango trees. Dotted over the forest floor were huge, ripe mangoes, their skin blushing from the intense sun. Away from the intrusive public gaze, they enjoyed and cherished the surreal private moments.

The sound of water rippling gently impregnated the air and curiosity led them further. Hidden behind a line of majestic coconut palm trees lay a winding rivulet which shined blue amid the leafy green. The water flowed calmly until it met the sharp rocks. Elizabeth lowered her hands into the cool water and splashed Philip who didn’t hesitate in returning the favour. They both chuckled.

Thick palm leaves covered the floor on which they stretched out, arms folded behind their heads. Elizabeth looked above into the sky and wished this day would never end. *** “Ma’am, are you okay?” asked the maid.

The Queen smiled a little and quietly returned to her cup of tea.

23

Stephan Beswick, Year 7

24

THE QUEEN DETECTIVE

By Saarah Alum, Year 4

“Now isn’t he a beauty?” were the first words the Queen uttered when her new corgi arrived. Orange and golden fur covered the corgi’s head as a beautiful and most gorgeous silky white took over his front like a napkin. The Queen carried on smiling adoring this cute creature. “I shall call you Lord Darlington or perhaps LD for short!” Her Majesty squealed. ‘ “Ruby!” she shouted as one of her most loyal guards stood up.

“Yes madam?”

“I would like you to escort LD to his playroom as a corgi needs his play!” And with that Ruby picked up LD and started to march off.

“Hello... anyone here?”

“Yes!” came the reply of an eerie and echoey voice.

“Well, whoever is there come out. It is I, the Queen.”

“Very well then!”

Out of nowhere a purple mist emerged and behind it was a figure. “Excuse me for being so rude. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Visage. I know why you’re here. I can read minds. Don’t bother wasting your precious breath on pleading for me to fix your corgi. I am simply going to do only one thing. Persuade you!” Visage said with a grin.

“Please. Persuade me to do what?” the Queen laughed sarcastically.

That night, the Queen heard a thudding noise. With a huge amount of curiosity, she leapt out of bed to explore. As she sprinted towards LD’s room (for she was very certain the noise was coming from there) and opened the doors she almost fainted! There in front of her was LD floating in the air, hitting his head on the ceiling. “Well, that explains that sound then!”

“How on earth did my honey pie start to float?” the Queen snapped totally bewildered by this sight. Just then she answered her own question. On the floor lay a tag (which according to Her Majesty must have been LD’s) with a symbol on the front of a top hat and a wand. The back contained an address, and yes, the Queen decided to follow.

“I must inform everyone of this,” the Queen said as suddenly a thought hit her. “What if everybody thinks I’m bonkers? It leaves me no choice but to go undercover as a detective.”

Suiting up was easy for the Queen. An old brown coat, flat hat and black sunglasses (same disguise, for LD although he also had a moustache!)

“Persuade you to keep your corgi for he is perfect the way he is. My bunny here as you may have noticed is the only reason I am here today. Let me explain in a summary.

As a boy I always wanted a pet. My parents were bunny addicted. I got a bunny as a pet, He strangely kept on doing magic tricks. I pleaded with my parents for another one.

They said no, for this one had a gift. After months of trying to find this gift, I realised that it was bunny trying to tell me to get into a magic career. I applied for a job as a magician and after a while they agreed. And that’s when I knew that my bunny was perfect and no matter how strange anyone thought he was, he was always there for me and got me a job I enjoyed, and to be honest if it weren’t for him, I’d be washing cars by now.”

After the Queen had left, she said: “Wow! That man had a powerful message, and he was right. I love you just the way you are.”

Two weeks later, the Queen found herself standing on a stage giving a speech about her corgi and how everyone is perfect the way they are...

Once at the address, the Queen took off her sunglasses and gazed up. “This is the place and once inside I will ask the person behind all of this if he can make you... well normal.”

25

A ROYAL CHALLENGE

By Safiyyah Adam, Year 4

Princess Elizabeth’s corgis barked and yapped loudly.

“Shhh!” she giggled, understanding them instantly. She had been blessed with the power to comprehend animals. This was extremely rare, extraordinary.

The young princess stared at herself in the mirror, the day she had been so nervous about had finally arrived – her Coronation. Her life was about to change forever.

Just as she drifted off into a train of thought, her father burst into the room in a panic. “The crown jewels have been stolen!” he shouted.

What would they do? What would they tell the public?

Then, the corgis said something. Elizabeth relayed the message. She would have to go to Bazeragal. That’s where the corgis thought the crown would be. After muttering frazzlegash (the portal word) golden light surrounded her.

Poof! She disappeared and reappeared in Bazeragal.

It was almost identical to England. The only difference was the weather. It was rather cold, not sunny like England.

After hours of exploring Bazeragal she felt tired and needed a refreshment. The corgis immediately read her mind and yapped something that sounded like snozzcumber. She was immediately teleported to the place she desired to go. It turned out to be a refreshment bar. There was food and drink galore! Elizabeth decided to take a drink and browsed the menu. She chose a drink for explorers who are stumped and need help. She took one sip and WHOOSH! A vision swept over her, she would have to defeat the evil King Chen and steal back the crown jewels.

As her insight continued, she saw what would slow her down. The Swamp of Hooligans, the Caves of Murder and last of all the Palace of Doom had to be defeated, and then victory would be hers. Using some coins, she paid the barman and left. Then with a new surge of determination, she set off. She trekked for numerous days and nights before reaching the Swamp of Hooligans. She had been dreading this moment but while the corgis encouraged her, she put one foot ahead of the other. “One, two, one, two, …” she murmured nervously.

Thankfully, luck was on her side, (all the Hooligans were sleeping). Unfortunately, while she was tiptoeing across the bridge, which was as creaky as an extremely loose floorboard, the Hooligans woke up. Frantically, Elizabeth ran across the bridge ignoring the calls of the angry Hooligans. Then she came to the murderous caves. She removed her shoes so that her soft footsteps couldn’t be heard on the rough and rocky floor. All that was left was the Palace of Doom.

The corgis suddenly whispered something in Elizabeth’s ear, “It’s only called that to petrify trespassers.” Elizabeth giggled and walked happily into the Palace to… come face to face with King Chen and the crown. Immediately, a fight broke out. You could hear clangs of swords parrying each other. After a while, Elizabeth won. She left Chen, grabbed the crown, and exited. Overjoyed she returned home with the crown. Everyone cheered.

26

THE QUEEN’S SECRET TALENT

By Abdulhassan Sultan, Year 3

The Palace gates were swiftly opened by mistake. The Queen exclaimed, “Why are the gates open!”. Suddenly, the lights went out…

After a while, the lights came on again with an abrupt flash. The Queen’s crown had vanished from the top of her head! As soon as she realised this, the Queen alerted her bodyguards. However, the bodyguards did not respond.

Since the Queen had no assistance from them, she attempted to contact the police. They answered the phone.

The dispatcher on the call said, “In 24 hours, I will sell your crown if you do not give me your royal corgis by tomorrow.

Meet me at Humpton Road.”

The next day, the Queen went to Humpton Road, taking her royal corgis with her. A limousine appeared out of nowhere.

The passenger’s door opened and a man in a tuxedo stepped out, gazing at the Queen. He ordered, “Give me the royal corgis!”. The Queen handed the corgis over but what the man didn’t know was they were actually rottweilers in a different colour. The Queen got into her Land Rover parked nearby and drove away.

Suddenly, she heard a squeak and her Land Rover stopped working. The Queen got out of her car. She glanced at her tyres and they were flat! The limousine the Queen had encountered earlier appeared from behind. Another man in a white suit got out. He shouted, “Give me the corgis!”. He pulled out a sharp sword and tried to run at the Queen but she ran to the limousine.

Instead of stepping into the limousine she did a backflip onto it. It turns out the Queen could do karate! The man was shocked that this was the Queen’s secret talent. The Queen approached the man not frightened at all and powerfully kicked him to the ground. Then the Queen called for her guards and in no time they came and surrounded the man with their spears.

“Give me the crown!” shouted the Queen.

The man replied, “I will never!”

“Fine, you have left me with no choice. Off with his head!” exclaimed the Queen.

Suddenly the man started to scream and said, “Fine, fine the crown is under your Majesty’s bed!”

“So we went through all this to find out that the crown was under my bed all this time!” shouted the Queen.

After arriving at the Palace the Queen went to her bedroom and looked under the bed. The crown was there in all its glory, only it looked weirdly dull. Suddenly, a bang was made and the Queen looked over to her window. A man dressed in a black suit was holding the Queen’s crown with a smile on his face.

27

THE PRINCESS AND THE QUEEN

By Amina Faisal, Year 9

If only there was a crown grand or beautiful enough. To bribe time. To get a few more seconds. To live in the past.

The woman sighs in defeat at the sight of Elizabeth’s behaviour.

“Your mother required your presence at the ball fifteen minutes ago, my lady.”

*** “More tea?” she asks.

She admires her guest with a patient stare, waiting for an answer. She chuckles, “Of course you would, after all, you are a friend with immaculate taste.” She playfully pours the absent tea into a pristine, little cup. With a polite grin, Elizabeth places the cup to the stuffed bear with scruffy, tawny fur. It was times like these where she could enjoy a summer afternoon like this one. There were no people to bother her and no rules to obey.

It was just her… and Freddy, of course. Clear azure skies watch over her whilst the sun dazzles the unchartered fields ahead of her. The soft wind complements the sound of tree leaves in a melodic tune. It was as if this tune would play for her and for her only. *** A loud bark startles me out of my reverie. As a young child with a mind of my own, I found it easy to catch myself in a dream. I kept my eyes closed, not bothering to wake up. And even now, I hope to catch a glimpse of a temporary daydream with my back towards the world. Life doesn’t require a fancy dress or a crown jewel to make a queen happy, just the untold treasure of a child’s soul that drifts away from your very fingertips. *** “Elizabeth!”

The six-year-old curls her lips into a pout as she eyes the maid with sorrowful pleading. Of course, the trick had been used before. It was the kind of trick that meant she didn’t want to do what she was told. The maid eyes her warningly as she dusts off the last of the leaves that Mother Nature left unwanted in the hedge guarding the Palace from the glossy meadow.

Betty’s head tilts up to meet two gorgeous and mischievous eyes. She sighs in disappointment, “Elizabeth dear, you know that this ball is very important to the Royal Family.”

It is Elizabeth’s turn to sigh in defeat as she stands up and crosses her arms in a harsh manner. She was a sweet and stubborn child.

“That’s what you said last time.” Her eyebrows furrow as she stomps towards her. She takes Betty’s small, pale hand that is lent to her, leading her back to the Palace.

After they gradually struggle their way through the open slit of the hedge, music pours into their ears even more with each step.

They pause at the back of the Palace door. The sound of chatter clatters to a halt as the glass doors open wide to introduce a petrified Elizabeth.

“Come along, Princess. Your people await.” *** “Your Majesty, the Prime Minister is on his way.”

A woman’s sharp voice rings out. Elizabeth whips her head around unwittingly with an innocent smile, “Yes, Betty?”

28

Noor Haddad, Year 10

29

Muhammad Umar Hatia, Year 6

30

THE QUEEN’S LITTLE HEROES

By Adam Patel, Year 7

BREAKING NEWS: THE QUEEN’S CROWN HAS BEEN STOLEN. A £100,000 REWARD TO WHOEVER FINDS THE CROWN AND THE VICIOUS BANDITS WHO TOOK IT. “Oh my fluff, how could this happen?!” shouted a corgi, who was playing with his tennis ball in the corner, now running around the room in panic.

Another corgi, who was sitting on the sofa, then replied, “Calm down Brush, I’m sure we can sort this out. I’ll go call mother so she can ….” She was interrupted by a bark, which was then followed by a cough. The two looked across the room and saw a dog, standing tall and proud like a celebrity.

Then the dog said, in a very dedicated voice, “There’s no time Susan, we need to do this ourselves.”

Susan then saw the Queen desperately looking for something important. She couldn’t bear to see her like this.

Susan then looked back at Candy and urged, “Fine Candy, but make it quick.”

Candy, satisfied with the fact that all the attention was on her, then explained, “Ok so, here’s the plan…” she stopped.

Something had caught her eye. “I think I just saw something shine!” She took a pause then gasped. “It’s mother’s crown!”

Without a word, all three dogs as fast as lightning bolted out of the Palace.

One of the men had a fine piece of headwear in their hand and both looked pleased with what evil they had just done.

“Brush, there’s a shiny ball in that man’s hand,” said Susan.

But Brush was already off, running with his little legs at what seemed like the speed of light. He then jumped and bit the man’s hand, forcing a oud “YOUCH!” Brush had caught the crown and was running back to Buckingham Palace, with the criminals scrambling after him. The chase was on.

Susan, who was good at thinking quickly in situations like these, started running too. She pushed herself so hard that her tiny lungs couldn’t handle it any longer. She was then neck and neck with the bandits. She rolled herself towards them, knocking them both to the ground. Susan was exasperated. Candy started barking loudly, trying to grab everyone’s attention (she was very good at this). In a matter of seconds, all attention was drawn to them.

Police came rushing to the scene and arrested these vicious criminals. Due to nobody knowing who had stopped the bandits, the reward money was given to charity. The crown was then returned to Her Majesty, who looked relieved to see her prized possession back again.

Although Candy, Susan and Brush didn’t get any credit for stopping the bandits, they were still full of joy to see their mother (Queen Elizabeth II) full of delight and happy again.

These weren’t just any pets, these were heroes.

They were alarmed to see two men. They had masks and thick clothes, trying to hide their identity.

“That’s them! The criminals who took mother’s crown!” exclaimed Candy.

31

THE FIRST ACT

By Ayesha Anfaz, Year 9

The illustrious carriage rolled along the smoothly paved road, golden wheels glinting in the sunlight in an alluring manner. The clipping sound of the olive black hooves of the dozen horses echoed pleasantly, their elegant coats polished to perfection. Inside this picturesque carriage sat Her Majesty the Queen, cheeks rosy, their tinge replicating the plush comfy cushions next to her. After fanning herself with a jewelled fan she repositioned herself, tilting her crown smartly, pulling her silky white gloves more tightly, and placing both of them in her lap delicately.

Suddenly, a high-pitched cry sounded from a girl next to her.

“What is wrong dear child?” she enquired kindly and reached for the child’s hand.

“I can’t find my mother!”, she spluttered, her pigtails bouncing up and down as she tried to hold in her tears. “I’m lost!”

“Where is the parent of this poor child?” the Queen asked, her voice clear and concise.

Looking out of the vehicle she realised it was only a matter of moments before she was back in her Palace. Any normal person’s dream home. Yet her normal routine was the same every day; anything different would only be a new letter the government wanted signing, or some breaking political news. Getting up, signing agreements, writing letters, eating, wondering, pondering..... it was just frustrating.

The carriage stopped. Butlers arrived to open the gold encrusted doors and allow her to walk to her room.

“Shakiena!”, a distressed mother ran over, her hair concealed in a beautiful chiffon red scarf. “Darling, don’t run off like that – are you okay?” She took hold of the Queen’s hand in her very own and squeezed it.

Same old room.

Of course, with all the media and Instagram posts that were uploaded, and pictures going viral, it was no time before burly security guards escorted the Queen back to her Palace, back to her room, back to her life.

Once she heard silence, the Queen rose. Rapidly she began changing into casual clothes. Clasping on a black cloak that would conceal her magnanimous identity, she opened the door, praying, hoping, wishing no one was there and quickly made her way to a Palace car.

Her Majesty pulled into a marketplace, immediately noticing the enticing smells of fresh bread, mouth-watering cake, not to mention a fish and chip shop. Strolling around this place was blissful. Rows of shops above which lanterns hung, while others were lively with people bustling in and out. Normality!

“Thank you!” She spoke in a sincere mellow tone that made the Queen feel a melting feeling. She now knew exactly what it felt to help a citizen in her country. She didn’t realise her hood had slipped.

She lay down in her bed, her eyes shining with excitement.

She had done it once, she could always do it again. Queen Elizabeth wanted to meet and help her people. One will never again be a lonely number she thought happily as she turned over, hugged her corgi and closed her eyes.

32

Hawwa Master, Year 5

33

HMS BRITANNIA Maariya Sheikh, Year 11

Her Majesty. Standing on the wooden decks of the ship, gazing out onto the horizon. She could see a distant lighthouse. She let out a brief chuckle, remembering when she and her sister would pretend they were sailing out to a lighthouse in the courtyard, eagerly waiting for their lessons to be over so they could be with their parents and interrogate them, as children do, about their day.

She viewed a small island far away just on the cusp of the horizon and remembered how her father would tell her and her sister about his travels and his visits through jungles and temples, museums and palaces, each story just as thrilling as the other. He would promise her and Margaret that he would take them with him one day and show them all his favourite places.

Normally the thought of her father would sadden her for his passing meant she could no longer question him about his experiences with her sister. She could no longer listen to his stories. His promise would not be able to come true.

She gazed longingly out into the cerulean ocean, her mind clear, the ripples and gentle crashes of the sea relaxing her into a state of serenity. And for the first time in a while,

she let out a laugh. A hearty laugh. The kind that only happens when you are with someone dear. Yet, she was by herself on the deck. And maybe that’s why she was able to laugh so joyously. She was away from all of the Palace staff, who despite only having the best intentions to serve their Majesty, could still become overwhelming at times.

She was away from the constant cameras, her eyes finally able to open and see the world in front of her rather than the obnoxious flashes she was so used to seeing. Even her clothes felt relaxed, her dress showed her bare arms, when normally it would be scandalous for a royal, let alone a sovereign, to show so much skin. Yet here she could do whatever she pleased.

She felt free. Free in her mind, her heart. And she knew that when she returned home to England, she would not get another quiet moment like this, so she savoured it.

Everything. The beaming sun on her face, the cool breeze on her skin and the enchanted sounds of the sea. Peace.

That’s what she felt.

Complete and utter peace.

34

A ROYAL NIGHT

By SennaYousef, Year 11

It was a nightly ritual for young Andrea Clarke to fall asleep as she admired the picture of Buckingham Palace that hung on her wall.

She had started this tradition at the ripe age of five and never gave it up, her mind always being able to create clever and tantalising stories about her living in the beautiful Palace: alas that life was very much out of her reach.

This led to her developing an unhealthy obsession with all things royal and after careful meticulous research, well, as careful and meticulous as a seven-year-old’s Kidrex search could be, she concluded that her favourite Royal was none other than, Her Royal Highness, the Queen.

Her eyelids began to drop, and she allowed herself to slip into her favourite world, the dream world, excited to see what adventure her mind will choose to take her this time.

A familiar bell rang, and Andrea resisted the urge to groan in an exasperated and unhappy tone that often was perceived as ill manners and had earned her a one-way ticket to detention more times than she could count.

Upon entering her classroom, she saw yet another substitute teacher whose name she did not bother to get.

She also noticed an unfamiliar figure in the seat beside her. No one normally sat next to her. She hated people sitting beside her. Turning to tell the person to move in more colourful terms, she paused noticing their frail hands.

Confused, she scanned the stranger’s appearance quickly to find that said person had grey hair and was dressed in

clean, clothing, which was clearly not her school’s uniform.

Regardless, she was not rendered stunned by any of that but rather the face which she saw when the person beside her finally turned to her.

“Y-you?” Andrea could not even push out a full coherent sentence, opting for the more confusing option, safer for her sanity.

The face she had familiarised herself with at a young age and grew up idolising gave her a curt, polite smile, greeting her with the most professional and formal tone. The figure then turned back and began listening to what the new substitute had to say and eventually Andrea, once her shock died down, did so too.

Questions plagued Andrea’s mind. She did not know how to ask them or why no one seemed to notice that the Queen of England, was sitting down beside her on one of her school’s slightly broken, uncomfortable plastic chairs, facing the old smartboard looking very interested in the contents of today’s maths lesson. She decided to finally turn to face her and ask her the questions that seven-year-old Andrea had been so eager to have answered.

Sadly, just as she did so, she found the world around her going dark and a loud irritating beeping sound filling her head until she opened her eyes finding herself in her bedroom, facing the wall with the picture of Buckingham Palace, reaching to switch off her morning alarm.

35

Daisy Naylor, Year 2

36

QUEEN’S DAY OUT

By Musa Mohammed, Year 3

50 years ago...

“Let’s switch places for a day!” exclaimed the Queen, her eyes shining with excitement.

A panicked Sylvia called the Queen after lunch. There was to be an emergency council meeting. Altering her plans, the Queen tried to make her way back to the Palace, which was no easy feat, as she was in someone else’s attire.

She was in the Palace, with her new hairstylist, Sylvia, who bore a startling resemblance to her.

She finally managed to sneak in close to the council chamber.

So began one of the greatest adventures of the Queen’s life...

Sylvia, meantime, was not faring well at the council. She was anxious for the Queen to get back and was relieved to finally catch sight of her, silently beckoning from the hallway.

She gleefully slipped out of the Palace grounds, got into Sylvia’s car, dressed in her clothes.

She was scheduled to meet Sylvia’s friends at a cafe nearby.

Once seated in the cafe, the Queen waited for someone to pull her chair out for her, before belatedly recollecting she was there as Sylvia. She seated herself with a dignified air. When her companions started chatting, she spoke in a refined manner.

They exclaimed, “Your speech and behaviour is so posh. You okay?” The Queen laughed, responding that maybe this was because she just came from the Palace. They accepted this explanation until she started eating. Her dining etiquette baffled them.

Meanwhile, at the Palace.... Sylvia plonked herself down at the dining table, gushing over the delicious food, chattering animatedly with the staff, who were flummoxed with the “Queen’s” unusual behaviour. She joked and chomped away with great gusto and relish. Perhaps the Queen is not well today, they concluded at her atypical conduct. Upon getting up, she felt a pebble in her shoe, accordingly, yanked it off, hopping on one foot, banged the shoe down to rid it of the annoying object, shoved it back on, and clumsily stumbled out, leaving her compatriots bewildered at this bizarre transformation in her demeanour.

“I need to go to the loo”, Sylvia blurted out; much to everyone’s chagrin. “I will be back shortly”, she added, before galloping out, leaving the members stunned.

They both dashed to the Queen’s suite to switch back to their original selves. In their haste, they forgot one important detail... swapping both shoes, hence both ended up wearing a yellow and a black coloured shoe on each foot.

Back in the council chamber, the Queen regally took her seat, apologising for the hasty exit earlier.

A hush fell within the council. Then a journalist pointed out the shoe error. The Queen, although momentarily taken aback, suavely responded, “Are you not aware this is the new trend, my good man?”

Delighted applause broke out. The media outlets ran this as breaking news, and the following day, many people were spotted, sporting a yellow and a black shoe on each foot.

The Queen well and truly had the last laugh.

37

THE FAILED PLOT

By Hiba Arshad, Year 6

It all started on 1891 Maxville Road, a deserted house in a deserted street. Inside of this mysterious house, which had windows covered in ivy, were two people discussing a horrible plan: they were going to steal the Crown Jewels!

Amy and John, the inhabitants of the unusual house, were always a poor couple and disliked the Queen ever since her Coronation in 1953. They just did not understand the Royal Family’s history and rich past. The cunning couple thought stealing the crown jewels would help to make them rich and, in the process, cause utter chaos in the Palace!

They had had enough. It was their turn for fame! Under the cover of darkness, the next night, Amy and John went to the Royal Palace, but they had forgotten about one tiny detail – the cameras! As they scurried down the corridor, desperately looking for the jewels, Amy whispered, “Are you sure about this? How about we just forget about this plan and continue to work diligently – we will still get paid!”

“So, this is the plan,” John announced as he looked at Amy with dead seriousness and unrolled a blueprint of the Royal Family.

“Are you serious right now? questioned John, “After coming this far? Come on let’s just take it.”

They entered the room where the Jewels were kept, they carefully shut the door behind them.

“Y-yes,” Amy uttered a response.

As they took the crown and put it in John’s bag, the Queen was watching on a camera, shaking her head. What they did not know was that there was a small security screen, and the Royal Family were viewing the theft in action. As they tiptoed quietly as mice, the door opened. Three people were waiting for them outside – two police officers and the Queen. As the two were being handcuffed, the Queen proudly spoke, “Nice try but the crown and its history will always stay with the Royal Palace! Take them away officers!”

“Then be quiet and listen!” demanded John.

“I told you!” Amy shouted at John as she began to cry.

“But won’t we get caught? I mean these are the crown jewels – known all over the world and if we sell the crown, won’t people know we stole it? We will be arrested and put in prison for the rest of our lives!” Amy replied with nervousness in her voice as her lip began to quiver.

“Calm down!” John said. “You trust me. Don’t you?”

“This isn’t over!” John bellowed.

38

AN UPLIFTING TREAT

By Humaira Ougradar, Year 9

Seconds plodded by, each separated from the next by an eternity. Staring at the clock, in its magnificent, exquisite beauty, the voices surrounding her droned on in a weary monotone. She let out a loud yawn, eyes watering, and back stretching. The voice of her tutor was barely audible, continuing to ramble and write, her raucous voice dominating the study.

Through the cream-coloured walls, ivy twisting itself up the bricks, through the wrought iron gates where she dodged the guards’ glances and in through the polished patio doors.

The gleaming light from the open glass windows flooded the room, gilding the wall opposite and reflecting itself in the shining shimmer of her eyes. Senses magnified, she slipped through the hallway, taking care to keep to one side.

Elizabeth sunk in her chair, surveying the study: walls exquisitely furnished in marble and streaks of gold. Like the rest of the home, the room was elaborately decorated, smells of oils and fresh flowers, rich in scent, roaming the expansive building. Canvases of colour and shelves of novels crowded the room, as veil-like lights hung as curtains above.

Enticing wafts of scrumptious bakes pervaded the corridor, tickling her nose and causing a low grumble in her stomach.

Step by step, she was drawn forwards, entranced, making her way to a well-lit room.

The finery she was so used to served her nothing but boredom in these early hours of the morning. To save herself from the monotony which would at any moment consume her, she sat, trying to forge a plan; a plan to escape. After a few minutes, mischief was distinct in the lift of her lips as an idea had arisen, eliciting a cheeky grin; once again, she was up to no good.

Straightening the ruffles of her primrose dress, she rose to her feet and crept silently towards the window only few feet away, making sure to keep quiet, rhythmic breaths to stay unnoticed. The scribbling of the chalkboard continued, as she cautiously opened the window and, one foot after another, she made her way through.

Giggling, she ran, as far as her little legs would take her.

The kitchen.

She grinned, eyes glistening. From the corner of her eye, she saw it, and whispered, “How wonderful!”

The cake itself was quite plain, but still a beauty; the surface dusted in a carpet of icing sugar, two layers of airy Victoria sponge and thick fluffy cream sandwiched between the cake and vivid shades of red jam. Licking her lips, she grabbed the cut slice in front of her and took a large bite.

Delicious.

Mouth wide for another, her heart suddenly felt light and her head dizzy. She panicked as a sensation of weightlessness suddenly swam across her body. Her limbs flailed as she began to float, up and up, and the cake fell from her weak palm, thudding softly onto the floor and erupting into a small pile of sponge and sugar. A surge of fear shot through her. What was going on?

“Lilibet?”

39

CORGI SECRET SERVICE

By Zainab Imran, Year 8

Talking dogs are extraordinary. Don’t know what I mean?

Don’t worry, you’ll find out soon enough…

One morning the Queen awoke as the sun softly started to shine. Her eyes opened seconds before the dreadful beeping alarm broke the morning peace. After letting out a yawn and shuffling out of bed, it was time for another day. New morning, new start, and by “new start” I mean a fresh pile of paperwork. Oh dear. Queening is difficult, you know!

Soon after eating breakfast, the Queen was ready to work.

BEEP. BEEP BEEEEEEEP! The noise was nauseatingly loud and harsh.

“What’s going on?” the Queen cried out as the alarm continued. Just then, she heard a flurry of soft little footsteps and yipping. Her corgis! One ran quickly up to her from the hallway and took her dress determinedly in its mouth, pulling her towards the hall.

“What are you doing?” the Queen yelped. Now normally when people talk to their pets their questions are rhetorical; no answer expected. Of course, as it’s common knowledge that dogs can’t spe…

The Queen took a moment to process the information and the fact that she was now having a conversation with a corgi.

“What’s a red alarm?” she asked worriedly.

“Arf, arf. An intruder! It means there’s an intruder!” the bigger corgi barked in a deep voice.

No more had to be said. The Queen understood the urgency of the matter. Swiftly, the corgis ran to the window and the Queen followed. A thought flashed across her mind: she wouldn’t have to jump out of the window, would she? Almost as if they had read her mind, the corgis yipped in unison, “Don’t worry! We’re magic, remember.”

Before she could even reply, the corgis swooped her up and flew her to bottom of the castle’s tower. The Queen patted her hair and smoothed her dress down, ready for whatever else might happen next.

Suddenly three men in black suits surrounded the Queen.

“Don’t worry, Ma’am, they’re with us. Woof!” reassured the lead corgi. They all went quickly to the castle’s safe room.

The men – and their hands – were useful with opening doors. After all the checks it was clear that this had been a false alarm.

“Arf, arf, we need to evacuate! …Woof.” The little corgi urged. The Queen’s jaw dropped. So, it seems we were wrong: dogs do in fact talk – at least these do.

“Please, your Majesty! We are specially trained corgis.

Ever since we were infused with magic, we were recruited by a secret organisation of spies who vowed to protect you, our Queen. It is our duty to escort you to the exit if ever the red alarm is pulled. That’s RIGHT NOW. Yip!”

That night, as the Queen settled down to sleep, her corgis stood guard at the door. As she drifted into her dreams she felt that bit safer knowing about her canine security guards. She smiled as she murmured, “Talking dogs are extraordinary”.

40

Natalia Polakovs, Year 7

41

THE CROWN

By Arwa Anwar, Year 11

Lustily, the most precious belonging in the room had been taken from its place and positioned with great delicacy on her majesty’s head. It commanded the attention of all her subjects. The fuchsia, velvet cap and ermine band modestly carried the weight of almost 3,000 jewels and a hand full of life-changing memories. The imperial state crown she once wore in 1953, on the momentous occasion of her Coronation took stage once again, ecstatic at all the recognition and curiosity. 269 cautiously placed pearls lined the border like soldiers readying the front line, prepared to fight for their Queen and country. Sapphires the size of bottlecaps complemented the emeralds exquisitely arranged to capture her regal beauty. Glistening diamonds, all 2,868 of them, shimmered across the crown; however, something much smaller caught their attention. In the top left corner of her clothes, a ruby-red scarab brooch was pinned standing out against the magenta essence of Her Majesty’s clothes. The golden frame of it held the weight of all her times with her beloved husband. The intricate detailing stood out among her clothing and only complemented her appearance.

The long cloak lay gently across the floor and gleamed brightly in the dark room. The majestic violet glittered violently, perfectly contrasting the silver in his hair.

Detailed emblems danced on the clothing as the woman stood still. Very still. A single light shone on her face and

emphasised the grey, silver, and white gradient of her wispy eyebrows and delicate lashes. Carelessly, the hair grew long and stuck out like a dove on a battlefield. Unpretentiously, untamed, uncared for, the worry and wisdom behind her eyes cloaked and hid her face beyond recognition.

Freckles faintly dotted across her profile mingled gallantly with the discreet, salmon-like, tint of her skin. Her once hollow cheekbones were now filled with plump rounds of skin. Her elongated nose structured her face and created a harmonious symmetry upon the chaos she reflected from her people to her visage. Elf-like ears stood tall and proud in the background as muffled ‘God save the…’ filled the air and brushed against her hay-like hair.

Among all these characteristics, her most noticeable feature was her eyes. The depth of her iris carried a troubled, icy blue pupil surrounded by vibrant sparks of molten iron. The deep pools of glacial blue fought amongst her warm stare, which involuntarily replayed the long, successful, and hard life she had lived so far. This year we commemorate 70 glorious years of the Queen; 70 years of struggles and hardship; 70 years of laughter and thriving as a nation. This year we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

42

Aleena Patel, Year 5

43

A CUNNING PLAN

By Saarah Ensaff, Year 3

One sunny afternoon, Eliza was out horse riding. She became interested in horses through her good friend Queen Elizabeth. Eliza’s sister Rebecca was at home. Just then, the doorbell rang. Rebecca rushed to the door, careful not to trip over her skirt. It was the postman, as she had expected.

“One letter for Miss Eliza Jones, please!” he boomed.

Rebecca took the letter scornfully. Since Eliza was not at home, she decided to read the letter. It was an invitation to have dinner at the Palace with the Queen and spend the night there.

Dear Eliza

“Please sit down”, said the Queen as she ushered Rebecca to the chair. While the Queen was ordering their meal, Rebecca carefully slipped the vial containing the sleeping potion out of her pocket and hurriedly tipped the contents into the Queen’s glass. Over the roast chicken and potatoes Rebecca thought to herself about the outline of her plan.

After dessert, which was strawberries and cream and lemon cheesecake, Rebecca was led to her room by the Queen.

That night, draped in luxurious silk blankets, Rebecca cackled to herself, “What awaits me tonight shall be mine in the morning!”. As she threw back the silk covers she carefully deposited her dressing gown beneath the soft folds of the blankets. She tiptoed across the hall carpet hoping she would not get caught…

I would be delighted if you would join me for dinner and a night at the Palace on Saturday.

Yours sincerely, The Queen

She crept along the corridor and into the Queen’s room.

The Queen was so deeply asleep that only her corgi Muick’s bark could wake her. Rebecca finally got a glimpse of the diamond necklace twinkling in a glass case. Fumbling for the latch, Rebecca accidently stepped on Muick’s toy which gave a loud SSSQQQUUUEEEAAAKKK!

Rebecca had always been jealous of Eliza’s friendship with the Queen, and all of the exciting things they did together, so she thought of a cunning plan – she would pretend Eliza was busy and go to the Palace instead, where she would steal a beautiful diamond necklace from the Queen’s bedroom.

The day of the special dinner arrived and Rebecca got ready. She packed her bag and nearly forgot to include the vial containing her secret weapon! Eliza was sitting in the garden having supper. When the horse and carriage arrived to collect her, Rebecca left without saying goodbye.

After what had seemed like hours to Rebecca, the carriage finally arrived at the Palace. Rebecca was gobsmacked at the sight of the palace. The Queen was waiting at the door to welcome her. She was surprised to see Rebecca, but

Rebecca explained that Eliza was busy. She was led to the dining room by the butler.

Rebecca froze and quickly checked to see if the Queen was still asleep. She was, but as Rebecca was doing this she stepped on Muick’s tail. GRRRRRRRR! growled the corgi.

“Muick what’s wrong? Rebecca, what are you doing in my room!?” exclaimed the Queen. Rebecca looked guilty.

“Guards, seize her!” the Queen shouted. “Take her to the dungeons!” She looked at her corgi. “Well done, Muick! You always look after me!”

44

THE MYSTERIOUS ADVENTURE

By Aliyyah Khatun, Year 6

This mysterious adventure started when the Queen arrived at the Tower of London only to realise that her crown had gone missing. Where could it have gone? Who, or what, could have taken it? Her Majesty could not be more furious.

Our beloved empress sent out guard after guard to scour the streets of London, hoping that one of them would come back holding her delicately jewelled crown. But each one of them returned empty-handed; the Queen could not contain her disappointment any longer, but what she really couldn’t restrain were the tears that slowly trickled down her fragile cheeks.

“I’ve had enough of this nonsense already! Who has stolen my precious crown?” the Queen shouted, as she took off to her room.

When morning came, the investigation began. After hours

Each day, something strange happened and the Queen’s friend became very distant from her. It was almost as if she was hiding something.

One evening, whilst her Royal Highness was resting, her friend stormed in with her beloved crown, clutching it tightly, “I deserve to have this crown, not you, because I am greater than all, better than everyone and this is my proper reward,” she sneered.

Suddenly, there was a deafening knock on the door.

Hesitantly, she opened it. The police charged in.

Suddenly, an idea sprung to her mind. “What if I were to put on a facade to become one of the citizens! Yes! Then I would be seen as an ordinary civilian amongst the public.

This may be the only way I can find out who took my crown.”

The idea consumed her completely, playing out vividly in her dreams.

She woke up exceedingly early the following morning, to pack her luggage and set off. Suddenly, she realised that she needed somewhere to stay whilst she solved this mystery. After some careful thought, she remembered an old, dear friend whom she could ask. The monarch rang her immediately and without hesitation she was offered what she thought to be a safe haven. Her Majesty made her way there in the dead of the night, ensuring she arrived discretely. It was imperative for her not to be recognised.

of searching, they could not find anyone dubious enough to interrogate.

“I can’t believe you would stoop so low, my dear friend,” the Queen replied with dejection.

“What did you expect me to do?” I’ve learnt to keep my friends close, but my enemies closer,” she replied bitterly.

“You can explain yourself to the police because I don’t want to hear it!”

And so, Her Majesty looked on with some sadness, some relief as her so called friend was escorted away.

Upon her return to her castle, as she sat in front of a roaring fire with her beloved corgis, Fergus and Muick, her crown adorning her fragile frame, she wondered what could possibly make someone so bitter and resentful. Quietly, she recited a prayer to spread peace and harmony throughout the world.

45

Jennifer Goring, Year 9

46

A HIDDEN HERO Natasha Paramban, Year 6

The crown has disappeared. It was there, and then it was gone. Chaos rampaged through the country and all of a sudden the once proud figure of King George VI had deflated, leaving the press staring at a shuddering wreck.

No one knew what to do. That is except the adventurous princess – HRH Elizabeth. She was determined to unveil the culprit and bring the crown back the beautiful, joyful country she admired.

Tables, cabinets, laundry, light bulbs, candles... wait … candles! Of course! Thrilled, she dashed towards the candle room. She glanced around. Candles, candles, candles… nothing fishy. She sighed - maybe she was just wasting her time playing along with this wild goose chase. Just as the princess was about to leave, a flash of light caught her eye.

Turning around, her heart skipped a beat. The crown! Her hands reached out towards it. Nearly… nearly… got it!

She set off at once. Searching every nook and cranny of the Palace, the young detective came across and ancientlooking piece of parchment paper. Could it be? A clue! It said: I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old. Huh. This wasn’t easy as she thought. She started guessing randomly. Sofa, chairs, velvet, cake…

A familiar voice chuckled behind her, “So my little adventurer, you found it, huh?”

Meanwhile, a few rooms away, a figure rushed past. For a moment, the glint of a jewel was visible, before it was swept away, leaving only piercing darkness in its wake…

Startled, Elizabeth gasped. It was … her dad?! Apparently, this whole pandemonium had just been a test! She grinned and peered at the rising sun. There and then, she promised to be loyal to her future subjects, to be fair and follow the country’s desires. The adventure may have been a FAKE, but she knew that more was to come, and she was ready… as long as there was cake on the way!

47

THE TWILIGHT QUEEN

By Asiyah Ahsan, Year 9

The Queen spun around, coming face to face with her attackers. The alley was narrow, and she could sense the walls almost closing in on her, as the darkness enveloped her. There was nowhere for her to hide. She was cornered.

No, they were cornered. The Queen began to growl. Her attackers looked at each other in utter shock, as her eyes began to glow bright green.

The Queen turned her head once more to the window and looked up wonderingly at the night sky, before eventually retiring to bed.

Minutes later, nobody noticed as an old, somewhat wizened woman, hobbled out of the alley, covering her face with her large tartan shawl, and slipping into a nearby small cottage.

Back in the castle, the Queen stood at her window before bed, looking out at the moon. It was a beautiful sight, white and round, standing out against the velvety sky. Below the moon were the lights of London, glistening like jewels.

A small sigh escaped the Queen’s lips, before the door opened. Without turning around, she gave a small smile.

“Charles.”

As the Queen slowly made her way down the dingy part of town, she noticed a small commotion. As she drew close, she caught sight of something in the corner. A man in a tattered balaclava was brandishing a knife at a homeless woman, while some onlookers sneered at him. He grabbed all the money that was in a scrunched plastic cup by her feet and began to back away.

Prince Charles stood at the door, his shadow falling across the room. “Mother, did you go out again today?” clear concern in his voice.

The Queen stiffened. Her eyes flashed a startling green and then back to their usual blue.

Charles sighed, “Mother, you know how dangerous it is.

What if you were to get caught? What would the nation say when they find out their beloved queen….?”

“Enough!”

Charles lowered his head submissively and backed out of the room.

As dawn broke, the Queen slipped out of her bed and attired herself in an old faded green shawl over a long skirt and moved towards the window. Drawing back the curtains, she flung open the window and drew in a deep breath, sucking in the crisp morning air. She jumped from her window, landing on the dewy grass below. It was time for an early morning walk to guard the territory and ward of the enemy.

The Queen began to twitch, the sight was too much to behold. She stood rigid in the dawn light, as the onlookers stared at her curiously. Her eyes began to change from their normal blue to bright green and then an insane yellow glow.

She screamed in agony as her knees reversed direction and her bones shifted inside of her. Her face contorted as a long wolf’s muzzle extended out in front of her, and she fell forward onto her hands. Her screams metamorphosed into a long howl as dark fur sprouted from her body, and her clothing lay in shreds on the floor: the sinews and muscles were like strong ropes. It was truly an image to behold.

In a flash of an eye, the hapless attacker saw a massive wolf loping towards him.

48

Zayneb El Khaltabi, Year 8

49

OUT OF THIS WORLD

By Myrah Arif, Year 11

Her Majesty sipped her tea slowly, carefully placing it back onto the saucer. Her corgis lay beside her on the thick carpet, ears drooping sleepily, their paws neatly tucked under their soft bodies and breathing heavily. The Queen noiselessly tiptoed to the large window, peering into the dark night sky illuminated by the brilliant sparks of the dazzling stars. The Queen ought to be sleeping soundly in her large bed under the layers of snug quilts but she was not tired. She wanted a little adventure.

The Queen made her way to her large chest of drawers and pulled the top left drawer open. She pulled out a pair of black gloves laced with intricate patterns: her favourite pair. She crept out of her bedroom barefoot down the long Palace hallway. The night was still and calm, inviting her to the Palace gardens.

Stepping into the garden, the Queen felt a sudden shift in atmosphere. The grass felt cool on her feet and the air was refreshing and clear on her excited face. The garden felt somewhat magical: the starlit green grass contrasted with the inky sky. The large fountain stood imposingly in the middle of the garden.

Enjoying the feel of the dew on her feet, the Queen walked rapidly to the edge of her garden. Her destination was a small door which was almost concealed except for a lever extending out of the ivy. She pressed the lever and the door opened smoothly and silently to reveal a walk-in closet. The Queen hurriedly entered, took the pair of black trainers, black wig and black tracksuit from their shelves and swapped them for her night clothes and pearl earrings.

The Queen closed the door firmly behind her and slipped away into the darkness – a shadow, barely distinguishable from the black night. She moved stealthily and steadily away from the Palace.

She sighed with pleasure when she reached her destination.

The bell rang heralding her arrival at the corner shop. She stood for a moment, feasting her eyes on the shelves of chocolate bars before picking out a Mars bar.

“Just this, please,” she told the shopkeeper with a small secret smile.

50

BEYOND THE PORTAL Lyba Hussain, Year 6

She walked forward, her legs no longer in control, marvelling at the breath-taking beauty of it all. Then, when she started to regain control, she saw a luxurious, grand castle in front of her. She stared at it in admiration. She ambled towards it, absorbed. She had not even taken a few steps, when the gigantic, glorious front doors of the castle flew open.

Elizabeth was startled, as she heard a sound she had never heard before. Instantly, her gorgeous wardrobe trembled uncontrollably. She threw her fine silk duvet away from herself and stood up. She cautiously crept towards the wardrobe, sweating profusely as she drew near it. As she got closer, her urge to open the door amplified. She finally got to it, her eagerness overwhelming her. As she heaved at the door, an amazing array of light erupted out of the cupboard, temporarily blinding her. There in front of her was a portal that could not be defined by words, but only imagination. Curiosity threatening to engulf her, she touched the portal, her only thought on what it would expose.

A striking young woman walked out. She wore a long, stunning robe that sparkled and glowed, and diamondencrusted sandals that increased her already tall height.

She also had a beautiful, glowing crown set upon her head.

Suddenly, her room gave an almighty lurch. Then she was falling through nothingness, it was icy cold and black; it was like going through a dark whirlpool – and then it all stopped.

The Queen looked up, gasping for breath, her thoughts clouded with fear and anxiety. She gazed around curiously, wanting to know where the portal had transported her.

A remarkable, magnificent sight met her eyes. It seemed like she was standing in an expansive nature-filled terrain.

All that could be heard was the golden birds’ soft melody.

Everything was covered with magnificent flowers, some with astonishing colours. There were tall, towering trees occupied with juicy fruits of all varieties, and the sky was an enchanted blue. There were lakes of honey and bushes of candy floss. The Queen stared in awe, wondering if she was dreaming.

“Oh, hello!” she cried, on seeing Queen Elizabeth. She glided towards the Queen, an elegant smile on her face.

“Oh, um, hello,” the Queen replied nervously.

“My name is Queen Eliza,” she said happily, “you must be a queen too, come, come, I have something to talk to you about.”

The Queen followed her, slightly perplexed at what had just happened. Queen Eliza directed Elizabeth to the living room. It had enormous rose-gold chairs, and a long, luxurious table holding the finest fruits you ever saw, the most amazing desserts and sweet delicacies even a Queen would be excited to taste. It looked simply delightful!

They sat down, and Queen Eliza elegantly said, “So what I wanted to tell you is the great beasts are entering from here into your world.”

The Queen gaped in horror, and astonishment.

51

REMIX QUEEN Aleemah Mahmood, Year 7

“Let’s change places for the day,” suggested the Queen, her eyes shining with excitement...

“I’m the queen and I don’t follow the rules because I am human just like you.”

Four hours before the fun.

“You’ve got a point Liz,” said Lily. “What should we do?”

Lily woke up in the morning full of excitement... She was meeting the Queen today. She wanted to make a good first impression, so she chose very wisely what she was going to wear. She decided to wear a knee-length pink flowery dress with black polished shoes. She was feeling a posh vibe, so she ate avocado with some toast. Before she left, she took a bouquet of red roses.

That’s when the Queen grabbed Lily’s hand once again and took her to a place where there were lots of lights and people dancing hysterically.

Two hours later, Lily arrived at the Palace. The taxi driver dropped her off by the main gate when she met the Queen.

The Queen took Lily to the piano room and sent away all of the guards. When the room was empty, the Queen grabbed Lily’s hand and jumped into the piano. In the blink of an eye, Lily found herself a very strange room (that’s when she realised that this was the Queen’s secret place). The room was covered in posters of singers and rappers and the walls were painted black. Lily saw her reflection in the mirror when she turned around; she was wearing a shirt with jeans and a nose ring. Lily started to panic. She found the door and opened it. Outside was the Queen wearing jeans and a hoodie.

“What are you wearing your Majesty?” asked Lily, still in shock.

“You don’t need to call me your Majesty. Call me Liz,” the Queen said in informal language.

That’s when the Queen started dancing and Lily looked in shock.

“What ya looking at? Let’s dance!” shouted the Queen in pure happiness.

“I’ve got to say, Liz, you’ve got better moves than me,” said Lily.

Lily and the Queen danced their shoes off all night and the Queen started singing a remixed poem.

I am the queen Not a normal queen Imma gangster queen No rules apply for me You just got to be who you want to be I am the queen With two identities One where I get to scream And one where I’m the queen I’m human just like you!

Everyone has a different mind And different dreams.

“Liz, the rules say you’re not allowed to wear normal clothes.”

52

THE RESCUE PUP Zahra Israr, Year 6

Zooming along, the shiny, blue car quickly made its way to the Palace, where the Queen was. Socks was still in a state of shock at the thought of him – a rescue puppy – being adopted by the Queen of England. He was also the Queen’s biggest fan. He had dreamed of meeting her, and now it was about to happen.

carpet. He felt something sharp cut him; he grabbed it and pulled it out. It was a picture of Queen Mary (the Queen’s grandmother). He studied it carefully before putting it back. Socks made his way back to his bed. He laid there still feeling wide awake; he stayed like this for hours – far past the time the other dogs fell asleep.

The grand hallways were adorned with beautiful paintings of past monarchs, such as King George VI (the Queen’s late father). Socks saw something in the corner of his eye, standing gracefully in an extravagant, jewel-encrusted gown: the Queen herself!

After hours of twisting and turning, Socks tiptoed out of the dark, tranquil room into an unfamiliar hallway.

Socks ran towards her as fast as his stubby legs could go.

“Why hello Socks! Welcome to your new home,” the Queen chuckled, she proceeded to call a maid. A girl with long, hazel-brown hair and a kind-looking face arrived.

He found himself falling and yelped for help when he landed on a dirty old mattress.

He leaned groggily against the wall when he heard a loud click.

“Is this Socks? He’s so cute!” She scooped him up and took him into another room.

He was in some sort of basement. Piles of old clothes and toys were strewn everywhere. Something shiny caught his eye, an amulet of sorts. Strangely, it called to him. He reached out to touch it.

When Socks awoke, he found himself in a strange place.

In the next room, there were three other dogs. He came to learn that the grumpy old one was Charles. The fastest dog he had ever seen was a petite, pretty dog named Lola and lastly there was Splat. Socks thoroughly disliked Splat.

You see, Splat received a lot of attention, due to his leg being crooked from some dire injury. Socks had tried to be friendly, but Splat would groan or even pounce on him!

Nevertheless, Socks loved his new life; the Queen and the maid were ever so kind to him.

“Hello stranger,” boomed a strange voice. “We have seen many thieves, but none like you. It is clear that your heart is pure, and your IQ is dangerously low. Answer my question in order to escape. Which board game is the Queen not allowed to play?” Socks had no idea.

Suddenly, he was back in bed.

Later, Socks was busy exploring the Palace. As he plodded along the hallways, he felt a bump in the usually soft carpet.

He buried his soft, round snout under the scarlet-red

“Wake up Socks!” said the maid. “Are you alright?”

Socks barked happily. It was all a dream.

53

THE QUEEN SWITCH

By Maariyah Adam, Year 4

Long ago, there was a young girl called Elizabeth. Her mother and father had sadly passed away and ascended into heaven making her the new Queen. Her Coronation was in a few days’ time and she was a nervous wreck.

There were butlers and maids running through the Palace’s corridors getting ready. Elizabeth sighed and sat on her bed.

Life was definitely going to get difficult.

She hastily rushed out of the back door of the Palace and called out to her. The identical stranger immediately responded and sneaked into the place grounds. She was about to curtsey when the Queen stopped her, hastily and whispering into her ear, “I don’t have much time but how would you like to swap roles for a weekend? Seeing as we look alike no one will ever notice.”

At last, the day came. She was dressed in the fanciest robes she had ever seen. Shoes were placed on her feet and gloves slipped on to her hands. She was ready. She paced to the front door and walked outside. Suddenly a trumpet was blown and a crown was placed upon her head with a jewelled sceptre in her dainty hands. The Archbishop of Canterbury exclaimed “God save the Queen!” and everyone chorused back. The sceptre was taken into a velvet cushion and the crown on another. Elizabeth was then led inside by an army of butlers and was ordered to sit on her new throne.

Little did she know the Queen was talking to one of the most skilled criminals of all time. The criminal agreed. This would be an ideal opportunity for the Black Cat to strike.

They agreed to meet at dark to swap places for two days.

Night finally arrived and the two accomplices swapped their clothes and set off towards their destinations.

Elizabeth had written down the location the twin had given.

When she reached the place she still had not suspected a thing.

Day by day, she was told what to do again and again. She got so tired of this procedure that she said, “I am Queen and I hereby announce that anyone who orders me around from now will be in deep trouble.”

The problem was solved but the Queen still was not happy.

She wanted to lead and experience a normal life. The next day she locked herself in her bedroom and lay down on her bed. Something caught her eye. She looked up and saw a woman who looked exactly like her, almost like an identical twin.

Meanwhile, the Black Cat was dressed like Elizabeth and was already working out the PIN for the safe. There was a sudden chime as the safe opened and the crown jewels were there glistening in the moonlight. The weekend went by with speed and Elizabeth was Queen again. One night her father went to check the safe and found everything gone. The thief was found: There was no crown…

54

Muhammed Khan, Year 9

55

Zaina Hussain, Year 8

56

THE FIGHT FOR THE WORLD

By Fatima Omar, Year 6

Queen Elizabeth awoke, not in her bed, but sprawled on a congested street with people that looked like they were characters out of a book.

“Ow!” she screeched, yanking something from behind her, but what she held was… a tail? She dropped it in realisation; she was a mouse. Bewildered, she sat up confused. Just then, a towering figure loomed over her. Her majesty recognised him immediately.

“B-BF…” she squeaked, unable to say the rest.

Ms. Trunchbull expertly hurled metal balls and one hit the Grand High Witch’s eye. Then she grabbed the nearest witch by her wig and it slumped away. Enraged, the Trunchbull lashed out and swung the pesky witch off the battlefield.

“What? I’m not a mouse, I’m Queen Elizabeth!”

“Here drink this,” the BFG handed the Queen foul-smelling liquid.

“I’ll lock you all up in the chokey!” she screamed.

“George’s Marvellous Medicine – the transformation bottle,” he announced watching the mouse-queen gulp the horrible liquid. Instantly, she was back to normal.

“Who did this to me?” questioned the Queen; her anxiety growing.

“The Grand High Witch – she’s turning all the world leaders into mice to take over the world!” replied the BFG. “Let’s go to George’s shop, our team awaits us!”

“Hallo Elizabeth, welcome to the WWRC: Witches-World Rebel Community.” George spoke at such speed, the Queen could not reply. “We must find the rest: Ms Trunchbull, Charlie Bucket and the Twits. We’ll find them over at Crunchem Hall, Peach House and Twit Tower.”

Ms Trunchbull placed her shot put balls on the ground; Charlie gripped his explosive kaboomers. The BFG held his golden trumpet filled with bad dreams as Mr Twit filled his

The gnarled witches stood before them with their bald heads reflecting the sun, burning Charlie’s eyes. Their bubbling blue spit hissed as it dribbled to the ground. Their pointed fingers jabbed the air, challenging the rebellious crew.

“ATTACK!” the Queen commanded.

“Yes, I am the Big Friendly Giant,” he grinned, his large ears flapping with glee.

The WWRC formed a plan; they were ready…

mouth with rotten cheese, inhaling, ready to emit filth. Mrs Twit swung her cane madly, her eyes manic. George swirled mouse potion to give the witches a taste of their own medicine. The Queen stood with a rifle, ready to strike.

Charlie flung kaboomers: one exploded in the Grand High Witch’s eye. The BFG blew his trumpet and half the enemy collapsed, unconscious. Whimpering like a puppy, the Grand High Witch sealed her eyes clearly affected by the horn – she couldn’t land a single blow! Aggressively, Mr and Mrs Twit exhaled causing the foul women to wretch and bleed.

George released his concoction; the fleet of baddies shrunk to a tenth of their size. Queen Elizabeth took the winning shot. “Fare thee not, ugly witch…”

BANG! SPLAT! Once high, now as dead as a doornail!

They had done it! The heroes of the day trudged along the battlefield bowing in congregation before Her Majesty.

Pleased yet poised, the Queen declared, “I must get home for tea!”

57

THE ROYAL SWITCH UP Zainab Salman, Year 6

“Oooh! I know! Let’s have a royal switch-up!” ten-yearold Elizabeth exclaimed, her bright blue eyes shining with excitement. She hopped around the room, eagerly awaiting the response from her personal maid, Charlotte.

Then, the time came. The moment of truth was upon them.

The ‘birthday girl’ stood before the entire Royal Family, a gold-encrusted knife placed into her shaking hands. A fanfare began to play once more.

“With all due respect Ma’am, I don’t think that’s a very good idea, especially on your birthday.”

Princess Elizabeth pouted. “Pleeaase can we do it?! It’ll be so much fun! Imagine what we could do! It’s not like we’d get caught – we both have brown hair and blue eyes. In fact, I’d say the resemblance is quite striking. Can we at least try it? I’m certain this is my best idea yet!”

Charlotte bit her lip before replying hesitantly: “Well, it’s not such a bad idea – but you’ll have to teach me how to behave. I’ll have to teach you too.”

“Perfect!”

So, the preparations began. Curtseying, dressing, speaking – everything was covered. All too soon, it was time for the grand reveal of Princess Elizabeth’s tenth birthday cake.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1…

“Ruff, ruff! Yapp yapp!” barked Willow, Holly and Dookie, the pet corgis. It looked like they were running towards the princess…the REAL princess!

They pulled off her maid’s cap, before turning to Charlotte.

The three of them licked off the pilfered powder that had been so painstakingly applied to the young girl’s face, revealing the tiny beauty mark just above her lip. All the corgis then proceeded to race across the table…right into the CAKE, sending it everywhere. Princess Elizabeth wiped a splodge of cake off her eye, before bursting into peals of laughter.

“What a royal switch-up this has been!”

The two brunettes gulped, took a deep breath and walked into the hall, ‘Charlotte’ carrying the long train behind the puffy, pink ballgown. ‘Elizabeth’ daintily made her way down the crimson red carpet. She stumbled once or twice, hoping no one would notice.

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THE SECRET PASSAGE

By Maira Hussain, Year 10

Keep crawling. Keep moving. No time to think. No time to doubt. Elizabeth crawled hastily through the castle walls. It had been months since she had discovered the tunnel but hadn’t found the perfect opportunity to find where it led.

She crawled swiftly, until...finally.

‘Dead, she died a long time ago – in 1603’ ‘1603! She’s dead?... how I don’t understand?’

‘It’s 1937.’

‘1937?’ They both blurted out

Elizabeth faced a small trap door with a small rusty handle.

With all the strength she could muster, she forced the small door open, to be met with a dimly lit room... with two silhouettes in the corner.

‘How are you still alive?’ Elizabeth asked. The two siblings Jack and Jill exchanged looks.

‘Who’s there!’ a ferocious voice shouted bellowed. As Elizabeth’s eyes adjusted she saw an old man with a bandage across his head, beside him sat an old woman, they sat shackled to the wall.

‘WHO’S THERE?’ the voice came out again this time with a more vicious tone. ‘..Elizabeth’ Elizabeth’s voice hardly came out a squeak, her eyes were glued to the two emaciated figures in the corner of the room, but as she spoke, she saw their expressions lighten up and eyes sparkle.

‘Elizabeth, you’re here! Come. Come into the light!’ This time it was the woman who spoke, ‘I told Jack you would save us from that evil sister of yours...’

Elizabeth tentatively stepped into the room, as she drew closer, their faces darkened. ‘You’re not Elizabeth.’ the woman said, clearly dismayed. ‘Where is Elizabeth the Tudor!’ she snapped, on the verge of tears.

‘The Tudor? Do you mean Elizabeth the First? I-I am Elizabeth the Second!’ Once again, her voice came out meekly. ‘...who are you?’

‘Prisoners of that bloody Mary’ Jack snarled, ‘Where is the real Elizabeth?’

After a long silence, Jill spoke. ‘We were from the secret force of Elizabeth’s, we protected and guarded her, ever since she was a child. Until one day...’ She trailed off, as her voice wavered.

Jack continued her sentence, ‘We were on our way to the well to fetch some water, when one of Mary’s men attempted to assassinate us. I survived,’ he said pointing to the bandage on his head, ‘but barely. I almost fell to my death down that hill.’ ‘...and I came tumbling after. We were incredibly lucky that day...but not lucky enough.’

‘What do you mean?’ Elizabeth asked with piqued interest.

‘Her men seized us and locked us up, and here we are,’ Jack said dismally.

An awkward silence hit the room.

Suddenly aware of the time, Elizabeth glanced at her watch before scrambling up, ‘Oh no! Mother will be expecting her little darling back for dinner, must dash!’ She turned to leave before realizing they didn’t answer her initial question.

‘Wait, how are you still alive?’ she started, but stopped in her tracks, gob smacked at the now empty, dim-lit room.

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ELYSION’S LAKE

By Zainab Ali, Year 10

Light shone from the centre; a great chandelier made up of thousands of small cut crystals illuminated each corner of the bustling ballroom. Chatter and laughter filled the air as people danced and spun on the marble floor, the delicate embroidery of fluttering dresses embraced the pure light raining on them.

closer and closer to the otherworldly pond. The distance between her and the lake vanished and she found herself in the water in the crystal-clear water.

Splash.

Coughing, she struggled for air.

“Congratulations, your Majesty.”

“Your Majesty’s gown is lovely!”

“Greetings Your Majesty, I am...”

Praise flooded Elizabeth’s ears without end from all around; she stood like a bright butterfly swarmed by duller moths around her. Her cheeks were beginning to ache as she smiled brightly at every unfamiliar face that approached her. She was enjoying the ball to celebrate her Coronation, but she had a feeling that something, someone was calling to her. Her eyes darted to and from the grand glass door situated at the far end of room. The door started to captivate her attention. A sudden shadow fell on the ballroom, fogging the eyes of many; gasps and squeals escaped from each direction. A perfect opportunity, Elizabeth thought. She didn’t know why the world urged her to escape under the blindfold of darkness, but she gladly slipped out of the door.

A full moon flooded the garden, as Elizabeth felt a sense of relief descend over her shoulders. The quiet garden harmonised with the deep night sky above it; her eyes lit up at its beauty, reflecting the moon itself. She began moving, hypnotised by the sudden appearance of a great lake that lay before her. She shivered with excitement as she grew

She jumped and her body jolted as she adjusted to what she saw. Her eyes widened. The moon that a moment ago watched over her had been replaced with a golden sun in a vibrant blue sky. Swinging herself around she let out a gasp as she saw a grand flight of stairs to an unfamiliar palace stood before her. They towered higher than her eyes could see and they were decorated in gold.

“W-what... Who are you? Wh-Where is this?” the alert Queen said, shooting her gaze around.

A clear voice called out, “We in our realm wish to congratulate you on your Coronation. Long live the Queen.”

A tall, imposing figure with shining skin descended the stairs. “We watch over you and wish you all the very best.

We want you to have this as a symbol of the friendship between our worlds, our royal families.”

The Queen found a jewelled ring in her hand, feeling its cool touch.

Suddenly it felt like the enchanted lake’s grasp on her weakened; daylight disappeared. She was back in the midnight adorned garden.

“W-was I dreaming...?” But when she looked down at her hand, she was wearing the magical jewelled ring.

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Qasim Ali, Year 9

61

LIZZIE AND THE KARATE CORGIS Muhammad Mohsin, Year 3

“It’s karate time!!!!!” The Queen yelled to her corgis as the sirens blared in the east wing of Buckingham Palace. In an instance Christopher, Philip and Charlie transformed into Kris, Crackle and Pop. “It is time to make Britain safe again!”

vehicles and dashed rapidly towards Tower Bridge. No sooner had they got to the Great Tower of London, that they saw the lanky armoured spies, fully dressed in black helping themselves to the Royal jewels.

The corgis followed their grand master, who now turned from Queen Elizabeth into Lioness Lizzie. They walked into a room which was labelled “Private – DO NOT ENTER!” A room full of secret agents and spies was behind the great door. A magnificent control room was set up with surveillance cameras, gigantic screens, spyware and all the modern gadgets you could ever think of.

“SHHH! They can’t know we’re here!” hushed Lizzie, as she ushered her apprentices in the corner. “Kris, use your own nunchucks to ruin them. Crack, aim your ninja stars at them and finally Pop use your katana to block them getting anymore jewels and I am going to do a flying front kick using my samurais! I will whip into shape, so they never try something like this again. Now let’s do our thing and make Britain safe again!” chanted Lioness Lizzie.

“What’s today’s mission, Agent 4?” the Queen inquired.

“Russian spies have broken into the great Tower of London and have headed for your crown and emeralds ma’am.”

“What are you waiting for? Let’s show these fools what we are made of!” replied Lizzie. “Prepare the automobiles fully loaded with nunchucks, batons, ninja stars, tonfas and katanas. Come on corgis it’s karate time!”

“LET’S DO THIS GUYS!” chorused the corgis!

As Queen Lizzie led the attack, the corgis followed in sync and the victims didn’t know what hit them. Before they knew it, they were all tied up in Lizzie’s black belt. Britain was safe again! The identities of Lizzie and the Karate Corgis remained a mystery!

Lioness Lizzie and her karate corgis jumped into their

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