Fake Press Credentials to the Palace
Story by Terry Check
Barely holding his excitement, Terry Check paced the small hotel room. At fifty years old, he had left his engineering career behind, traded in the spreadsheets and blueprints for the thrill of adventure. He had always dreamed of something bigger, something more daring. So, when the idea hit him—masquerading as a journalist to travel the world—it seemed like the perfect way to finally inject excitement into his life.
His wife, Jessica, however, didn’t share his enthusiasm. “Terry, this is insane,” she said, sitting on the edge of the bed, her brow furrowed as she watched him straighten his bow tie in the mirror. “We’re not journalists. We don’t even know how this world works. Do you really think we can pull this off?”
He turned to her, a grin spreading across his face. “That’s the fun part! We’re breaking out of the mold, doing something no one would expect. C’mon, Jessica, where’s your sense of adventure?”
Jessica sighed, rubbing her temples. She loved Terry, loved his energy and his relentless drive to chase something more than the ordinary, but this time she wasn’t so sure. “My sense of adventure? I’m all for adventure, Terry, but there’s a difference between exploring a new city and trying to con our way into Buckingham Palace. You’re asking us to pose as journalists for an imaginary magazine! This isn’t some small-time bluff—we’re talking about the Queen’s coronation celebration.”
“Exactly!” Terry’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “It’s the Queen’s 60th coronation anniversary. Think about how incredible this will be. We’ll be rubbing shoulders with royalty, sitting among top reporters from around the world. Who else can say they’ve done something like this?”
His wife shook her head, “Or we’ll be caught, humiliated, and arrested for fraud.”
“Jessica, trust me,” Terry said, walking over and hugging her. “Our fake press credentials have already been approved by the Queen’s Court. They fell for it. We’ve got press passes to the biggest event of the year, and no one’s the wiser. We just must play the part. I promise, it’s going to be amazing.”
Seeing the boyish excitement that had drawn her to him all those years ago, she sighed again, softer this time. “I don’t know, Terry. This feels like a bad idea. But… I suppose I’ve come this far.”
He replied, “That’s my girl. Just one night, and we’ll have a story no one can top.”
Jessica rolled her eyes but smiled, resigned. “You better know what you’re doing.”
The Coronation Jubilee
As they approached Buckingham Palace, Terry couldn’t help but beam. The grandeur of the place, the bustling energy of the crowds, the sea of reporters all waiting to cover the Queen’s historic event—it was everything he’d hoped for and more. But Jessica, walking beside him in her elegant black dress, was less thrilled.
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” she muttered as they flashed their fake press passes at the security checkpoint. To her shock—and horror—they were waved through after the security officers checked the guest list.
Terry gave her a triumphant look. “See? We belong here.”
Jessica shot him a sideways glance, her nerves fraying as they entered the press area. Journalists from every major outlet in the world were milling about, preparing for the grand spectacle. Cameras flashed, reporters hurried back and forth, and Jessica felt like she was drowning in the chaos.
“Just stick close to me,” Terry said, his excitement barely held. He started snapping pictures with his phone, pretending to take notes as they made their way through the crowd. Jessica, on the other hand, stayed quiet, doing her best to blend in.
“Terry, this is crazy,” she whispered. “We’re going to get caught.”
“Not if we act like we belong,” he whispered back, his confidence unshakable. “We’re just two journalists covering a major event. Nothing suspicious about that.”
The Queen’s carriage rolled by in the distance, a grand sight that momentarily took Jessica’s breath away. It was surreal to be standing here, witnessing history. But the weight of their deception hung heavy over her. She could barely focus on the ceremony as anxiety gnawed at her.
Terry, meanwhile, was in his element. He grinned from ear to ear, taking in every moment, savoring the thrill. But he hadn’t noticed the subtle glances from some of the other reporters, or the growing interest from a few of the royal staff stationed nearby.
Party in the Royal Gardens
As the coronation celebration gave way to an exclusive afternoon in the Royal Gardens, Terry and Jessica found themselves entering a world that felt like it had been plucked from a royal dream. Behind Buckingham Palace’s imposing stone walls, the gardens had been transformed into an opulent, magical setting, the perfect backdrop for the lavish party to come.
Thousands of guests, including luminaries from the worlds of art, fashion, design, media, and technology, had gathered for the party in the Royal Gardens. The sprawling lawns, manicured to perfection, were dotted with grand pavilions and covered tents decorated in elegant shades of cream, gold, and royal blue. Twinkling fairy lights draped from tree branches, creating a soft glow that added to the enchantment of the evening. Exotic flowers imported from the far corners of the Commonwealth filled the air with fragrant perfumes, mingling with the sounds of live music.
The music was a mix of traditional and modern. A full orchestra played in the center of the garden; its members dressed in regal uniforms. The harmonious strings and soaring brass instruments provided a classical backdrop that transported the guests to an era of old-world elegance. But there were also more contemporary elements woven into the festivities—a jazz quartet stationed under a tent near the rose garden played upbeat, sultry rhythms, while a DJ in another corner of the garden mixed ambient electronic beats that gave the afternoon a futuristic edge. The event seamlessly blended the past and the present, as if symbolizing the continuity of the monarchy with the ever-evolving world around it.
Dancers dressed in elaborate period costumes wove through the crowd, performing stately minuets and elegant waltzes. Their gowns were a dazzling display of intricate embroidery, velvet, and silk, designed by the world’s top fashion houses. Each performer moved with grace and precision, paying homage to the history of royal court dance, while others performed more avant-garde routines, their flowing, delicate costumes rippling like water as they twirled and spun under the sunlight. It was a mesmerizing blend of tradition and modern artistry.
Terry, wide-eyed with excitement, nudged Jessica. “Look at that,” he whispered, pointing toward Queen Elizabeth and Catherine, Princess of Whales, greeting guests in the Royal Gardens. “This is incredible.”
The Royal Reception
After we went to the hotel to change our attire for the evening festivities, the private reception that followed was even more nerve-wracking for Jessica. The Grand Ballroom at Buckingham Palace shimmered with regal elegance as 200 distinguished guests gathered for an exquisite dining experience. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the gilded walls, their intricate details reflecting centuries of royal history.
Queen Elizabeth II, poised with her characteristic grace, sat at the head of the main table, her diamond tiara catching the soft light. Beside her, Prince Charles engaged in warm conversation, his laughter mingling with the gentle hum of chatter from the guests. The royal family was joined by diplomats, world leaders, and prominent figures from various walks of life including selected journalists, all impeccably dressed in evening gowns and tailored tuxedos.
As the evening progressed, the harmonious sounds of a string quartet filled the air, enhancing the sophisticated ambiance. Laughter and toasts resonated throughout the room, celebrating unity and tradition. The Queen, raising her glass of Royal Chardonnay, delivered a heartfelt toast, her words embodying the spirit of the gathering.
We found ourselves seated at a table with well-established journalists from around the world, including an imposing Lord Henry of Kent, a minor royal with a reputation for scrutinizing his guests. Terry, as usual, was all charm, chatting away like he belonged there. “The Global Spectacle is a relatively new publication,” he explained when asked about their magazine. “We’re focusing on global events, big moments that really capture the spirit of our times.”
Jessica winced at how easily he wove the lie. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, nodding politely, praying that no one would press for details.
“So, this is your first royal event?” Lord Henry asked, his sharp gaze fixed on Terry.
Terry didn’t miss a beat. “Yes, first of many, we hope.”
The conversation moved on, but Jessica’s heart raced. This was getting too close for comfort. She excused herself, murmuring about needing fresh air. Outside on the terrace, she let out a shaky breath. But Terry wasn’t far behind. “You, okay?”
“No, Terry, I’m not okay,” Jessica snapped, her nerves finally getting the better of her. “This whole thing is a disaster waiting to happen. Someone’s going to figure it out, and we’ll be thrown out or worse!”
“Jessica, relax. We’ve made it this far, haven’t we?” He tried to calm her down, but his relentless optimism only seemed to heighten her anxiety.
Suddenly, the doors to the terrace opened, and Lord Henry stepped out, his expression unreadable. “Mr. and Mrs. Check,” he said slowly, “may I have a word?”
Jessica felt her stomach drop. This was it. They were in trouble. Terry, ever the bold adventurer, smiled calmly. “Of course, Lord Henry. Is something the matter?”
Lord Henry’s gaze flicked between the two of them. “We’ve had some difficulty verifying your credentials. The Global Spectacle doesn’t appear to exist in any of our databases, nor can we find any past coverage of similar events under your bylines. Perhaps you’d like to explain?”
Jessica’s face paled. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Terry, however, didn’t miss a beat. “Ah, I see. That’s because we’re conducting an investigation.”
Lord Henry raised an eyebrow. “An investigation?”
Terry nodded, and Jessica shot him a bewildered look. “Yes, we’ve been hired by a private firm to test security at high-profile events like this. Our job was to see if we could slip through the press screening unnoticed, and, well, I’d say we succeeded.”
Jessica’s heart pounded as she watched Terry spin the lie, but to her utter shock, Lord Henry didn’t immediately dismiss it. Instead, he crossed his arms, considering their words.
“And who hired you for this… task?” Lord Henry asked, his cautious tone.
Terry smiled confidently. “I’m afraid that’s classified. But we’ll be filing a full report on the vulnerabilities we found, and you’ll be contacted soon.”
There was a long pause as Lord Henry scrutinized them both. Finally, he sighed. “I see. Well, I suggest you quietly leave before this becomes a bigger issue.”
Jessica couldn’t believe it. They had gotten away with it. Terry offered a polite nod, and within minutes, they were escorted out of the palace grounds.
As they walked down the street, away from Buckingham Palace and toward their hotel, Jessica let out a long, relieved sigh. “I thought we were done for.”
Terry grinned, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Never doubt me, Jessica. Adventure is what life is all about.” She shook her head, though she couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re crazy, you know that?”
“And you love me for it.” he replied.
“Maybe,” Jessica said, a smile tugging at her lips. “But no more fake journalism, Terry. Next time, let’s stick to real adventures.”
Terry laughed, “This was an amazing real adventure.” already thinking about their next escapade. “Paris, here we come.”
Masquerade Chronicles features the cover story, “Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation Festival” as a fictional story inspired by real-life events.
