Jocelyn+Cameron





Dear Diary, Today is my very last day in the Kronberg Castle. It seems unfathomable to think of my life anywhere other than here, as I have been here since I was but 18 years old. As first a wet nurse, and then a nursemaid and nanny for young Hamlet, I have spent my every day attending to his needs. Alas, Hamlet no longer needs me and I must depart. I have no idea what is in store for the rest of my life.

I have been reminiscing about the many years I have spent in this castle. I came here so young at the command of Queen Gertrude. As loving as she may be, she felt that her duties as Queen required her to have someone else to assist with her motherly duties. Being here for so long, I have had plenty to observe within the Royal Family. I have been a silent observer, not a participant, and could have wielded great power with my knowledge but I was never one to share.

The most dangerous of secrets, which is embedded in my mind, is Queen Gertrude’s betrayal of the King. As I walked into the guest room to change the sheets, I met Queen Gertrude, with I assumed at first was her King Hamlet. I quickly realized however, much to my distress, that I had discovered her with Claudius, King Hamlet’s Brother! Of course, the devious Gertrude bribed me with many painting supplies (my favourite hobby!) to speak no words of that incident. Even if I had, no one would believe my word, as I am just the nanny, and hold no real significance within this household.

Also as a quiet observer, I have gained a knack at foreseeing how situations and quarrels in the castle will turn out. Sometimes it becomes a game for me, seeing if my assumptions will be correct in the turnout. In recent years, my predictions are usually quite accurate, though I do not think I could have even in my wildest dream imagined the latest scandal that just happened – the death of King Hamlet.

Of course, I knew for months the affair between Gertrude and Claudius. I knew the tension between King Hamlet and Gertrude, and could sense uneasiness in young Hamlet as he revoked slight gestures of love he had always shared with his parents in the past. When the King was found dead, I tried to imagine how the story had unfolded, thinking perhaps it was at the hands of Claudius, due to the affair and his inability to be with his love, the Throne (and the Queen to himself, but mostly the throne). In my mind I could see the King’s death leading to a wedding, young Hamlet becoming distraught and forcing his love that he would normally give to his parents onto a young, naïve girl, and the Royal Family becoming agitated. I knew it was not going to end well.

My days of silent observing are over now. I have always fantasized of a large wedding, with beautiful white roses, so maybe I will find myself a man, make more time for myself to paint, and maybe even take up sewing! It will be ever so difficult to leave dear Hamlet, who has been like a son to me, but I hope to continue to follow the happenings of the castle through my good friends still in service here. I am excited for change, and to live a life like never before!

Until next time dear diary, Christabella

Gertrude allowed me a portrait painted for my 20th birthday, when Hamlet was 2.



Kronberg Castle, where I have lived since I was 18.

A love of mine is painting, especially flowers and gardens



I have always dreamed of a large wedding, with white rose bouquets