“Let’s get right to it,” said Caroline. “Your Highness, how would you characterise your relationship with Mr. Ogden?”

“Carter is not only a dear friend, but someone I’ve had the privilege of getting to know. He’s impressed me beyond words, and he delights me. And I’m sure your viewers will feel the same.”

“And Mr. Ogden? Your thoughts?”

“I admire and respect His Highness, especially because he’s been introducing me to the English people, who’ve overwhelmed me with their kindness, generosity and great good humor. And yes, I’ve come to enjoy trifle as well.”

We all laughed; my Jubilee trauma was the elephant in the room, so I’d climbed on its back and waved merrily. I could tell from Edgar’s grin that he liked my approach.

A few days ago, when Edgar had asked me about doing this interview, I’d been skittish, and he’d said it was my call. But I’d thought about how well we’d been getting along and about how much smoother our public life had become, so I decided, Why not? I loved that Edgar wanted to be up front about our romance, and his team had ratified that Caroline’s show would be friendly turf.

Marc and Alison had been raring to prep me, but I didn’t want to worry everything to death. Wouldn’t it be great if Edgar and I could be an everyday gay couple, even in the spotlight? Of course, I’d coached fathers of the bride, Easter brunch cater-waiters dressed as bunnies, and mermaids floating across the indoor pools of Tribeca real estate showings, for years; I was savvy about positioning a brand. Only this morning that brand was An Appealing and Affable Gay Royal Couple.

“But Your Highness,” said Caroline, “can you be more specific? Our viewers are dying to know—how do you forecast your future with Mr. Ogden?”

Caroline had become my great-aunt Miriam, wheedling for intimate details and, on behalf of parents everywhere, grandkids.

“Our future will depend entirely on Carter, but I’m hoping it will be bright. I’m not the easiest companion, I’m afraid.”

“Carter, is this true?”

“Well, Edgar has much better manners than I do, and he’s far more dedicated to helping just about everyone. Yesterday he hosted an event for the Royal Clean Water Initiative, which he founded. Before meeting His Highness, I’d had no idea that over a third of the world’s people don’t have access to something as basic and essential as clean drinking water. Edgar’s traveled to over twenty-two countries, where he’s helped to dig wells, install plumbing and secure funding for pipelines.”