“Good luck, sire,” the equerry said.
“Who needs luck,” Prince George replied confidently before putting on his jousting helmet and taking the reins of the horse.
The equerry helped his master up onto horseback then ran across to a large, wooden rack. He needed two hands to lift the heavy lance from it. Moving back to the side of the horse as quickly as he could, he handed over the long, round-ended weapon then watched as it was readied for action.
A cheer went up as Prince George and his opponent moved into position at either end of the jousting court. The noise died down when Princess Maria rose to her feet and stepped forward to the edge of the raised viewing platform. She plucked a white, lace handkerchief from under her cuff then slowly extended her hand out in front of herself. It
