Born to Rule

CAMP PRINCESS CHECKLIST
    Each princess camper is required to bring the following:
     
    GOWNS
     
     
     
6 morning gowns suitable for indoor activities
6 morning gowns suitable for outdoor activities, two of which should be all-white for tennis
6 tea gowns
12 evening-wear gowns suitable for banquets and evening light entertainments
12 ball gowns for major balls, dances, and more formal activities
    SMALLCLOTHES
     
     
     
8 under-kirtles
5 over-kirtles
6 under-tunics
18 pairs of hose (6 cotton, 6 silk, 6 wool)
9 chemises or smocks
3 dozen shifts
18 petticoats
24 pantalettes
night rails for sleeping—simple cambric preferred rather than silk
    SPORTS COSTUMES
     
     
     
20 overtunics for outdoor sports. These may be worn over kirtles or sports pantaloons.
Bathing costumes and tiaras shall be provided.
Riding skirts
Riding boots
Falconry gloves shall be provided.
    HEADGEAR
     
     
     
6 short veils—we ask that veils of the modern design be sent. They should be no longer than 12 inches and flow off the back of the head and not cover the face. This is crucial for safety during outdoor sports.
Broad-brimmed hats made from rushes to protect from the sun (available at a steep discount in the Royal Campers’ Equipment Catalogue)
1 coronet bearing the heraldic seal of the princess’s country
2 lightweight sports tiaras (no heraldry required)
3 jeweled hairnets for dress
    SHOES
     
     
     
Ballet slippers
Ballroom dancing slippers (no buckles please, only ribbons for fastening)
High suede, leather, or calfskin fleece-lined boots for outdoor activites in winter
    OUTERWEAR
     
     
     
2 cloaks
3 mantles or pelisses
4 shawls
oiled sheepskin cape for rainwear
10 pairs of gloves (4 lace, 2 pigskin, 3 silk, 1 heavy leather)
    PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
     
     
     
Toilet articles (perfume, bath salts, toothbrushes)
Bed linens
Blankets
Towels
Prayer book
Heraldic stamp and wax for sealing letters
    OPTIONAL PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
     
     
     
Paint sets
Dolls, teddy dragons, family pictures, etc.
Jewelry
Writing materials
Books
Bows and arrows (although we do provide them for archery, some campers prefer their own)
    Please make sure that your camping princess has received a copy of the Camp Princess Handbook and has read it thoroughly before her arrival.
    Parents are encouraged to send a modest amount of gold that shall be deposited in the Camp Princess coffers and can be used for small purchses at the camp store—candy, perfumes, fletching materials for those who prefer to fletch their own arrows, sealing wax, etc.

Prologue
    A ROYAL PROCESSION

    It was Gilly, the lady’s maid, who saw them first. “Here they come!” she called, and nudged Mary, the chambermaid, who stood next to her on the watchtower. Gilly squinted at the bright ribbon of color winding down the high road. Forty of the most royal princesses on earth were coming to Camp Princess, riding on horses and in carriages. Their splendid banners snapped in the wind and their jeweled tiaras flashed in the sun as they rode toward the castle. Servants—from the chambermaids and the footmen to the mistresses of the wardrobe and the gamekeepers—tried to get a glimpse. Gilly sighed happily. The procession seemed to grow richer and more beautiful every year.
    Here were the daughters from some of the most splendid kingdoms of the world, and they had come for summer camp. They had come to learn more—more about being a princess, more about being supremely royal—and, of course, to have fun of the most royal variety.
    A tremor of excitement passed through the servants as they heard the creak and clank of the drawbridge being lowered. Even the fish jumped from the sparkling waters of the moat as if trying to catch a peek at the new royal campers. Gilly stuck her hand in her apron and touched her lucky stone.
    Please! Please! Please, lucky stone, bring nice princesses, lovely princesses, kind princesses to the South Turret. Not snotty ones like last summer .

Chapter 1
    NEW ARRIVALS

    Princess Alicia of All the Belgravias dismounted her pony and stepped into the courtyard. It was her first season at Camp Princess, and her heart was beating as frantically as a hummingbird’s. She was used to being surrounded by her sisters, cousins, and servants. But now, as she stood in this throng of laughing, happy princesses she didn’t know, she felt very much alone. Alicia was glad when a tall woman with a crown took charge.
    “Princesses, Princesses, may I have your attention? Please be quiet