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Smiling and not shifting her gaze from the proprietors, Diana's eyes suddenly darted from right to left looking in vain for her two boys, 10-year-old Prince William and 8-year-old Prince Henry, known the world over as Prince Harry. The heir and the spare,' as the British tabloids were wont to call them, were not beside her. They had exited the opposite side of the vehicle. But Diana was satisfied the other three detectives who were not in sight were most likely with the boys.

The Royalty and Diplomatic Protection Department (RDPD) is a branch of the London Metropolitan Police, commonly known the world over as Scotland Yard. The RDPD detectives provide security for the Sovereign of the United Kingdom and members of the British Royal Family in the same way that the Secret Service protects U.S. Presidents and their families.

Replete in freshly cleaned and starched attire, the inn's small staff stood nearby observing the royal arrival and mentally burning personal memories of the historic visit forever into their minds. The Gaskells, in turn, introduced the staff to Diana. As the obligatory task was completed, a young voice interrupted the uncomfortable pause.

"Mummy! Look at this strange old tree!" Prince Harry's surprised voice carried from the other side of the car as he moved into her line of sight. He and Prince William were in awe of the large Benjamin Ficus Weeping Fig that dominated the courtyard and gave its surroundings the appearance of a tropical garden.

At just under 50 feet when fully grown, this particular tree appeared close to that height. Large and imposing, with its twisting maze of visible invasive roots, arching and drooping stems, it had a wide girth that belied its size. Its leathery, glossy dark green leaves and thickly vegetated branches provided a protective umbrella from the sun or rain when guests traveled between the main building's public room lounge, directly behind the tree, and the inn's registration desk and business office off to the left of the main wrought iron gate.

"Oh, my goodness. It's magnificent" the princess said in response, as she walked the few steps around the car to where her sons were. The two princes were quickly joined by the two Gaskell children, who were close in age to the two princes. As she had correctly assumed, the detectives were where William and Harry were. The Gaskells, the Governor General, and others followed.

"It must be a very old tree, don't you think?" Diana queried, nodding at her sons.

Actually, your

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