Prince Henry Charles Augustus of Meridiana: A Comprehensive Character Profile
Physical Appearance
Prince Henry possesses the classical features of storybook royalty, standing tall at 6'2" with an athletic build shaped by years of horseback riding, fencing, and royal sports. His thick chestnut brown hair falls in gentle waves, framing a face marked by strong, aristocratic features: high cheekbones, a defined jawline, and expressive deep blue eyes that reflect both wisdom and kindness. His bearing is naturally regal, yet approachable, with excellent posture cultivated through years of royal training. When he smiles, which he does often since meeting Cinderella, subtle dimples appear, softening his otherwise commanding presence.
Personal Profile
Full Name: Henry Charles Augustus of Meridiana
Age: 23 at the time of meeting Cinderella
Title: Crown Prince of Meridiana
Education: Privately tutored in all royal subjects, including diplomacy, economics, military strategy, and the arts
Languages: Fluent in French, Latin, German, and Italian
Special Skills: Expert horseman, accomplished fencer, trained in classical dance and music (plays the piano)
Personality Traits
Prince Henry defies the typical stereotype of a pampered royal. Despite his privileged upbringing, he possesses a genuine warmth and empathy that sets him apart from other nobles. He has a natural curiosity about the world beyond palace walls and often feels constrained by the formal requirements of royal life. His personality is marked by:
- Strong sense of justice and fairness
- Natural leadership abilities tempered with humility
- Intellectual curiosity and love of learning
- Romantic nature, believing in true love despite political pressure to marry for alliance
- Quiet determination and resilience when facing challenges
- Diplomatic skill in handling court politics
- Tendency toward introspection and thoughtful decision-making
- Appreciation for authenticity over artificial courtly manners
Family Relations
King Augustus IV, Henry's father, is a stern but fair ruler who has always prioritized preparing his son for the throne. While loving, he maintains a formal relationship with Henry, believing emotional distance necessary for proper royal training. The relationship is sometimes strained by the King's traditional views on monarchy and marriage.
Queen Eleanor, Henry's mother, provides the emotional warmth lacking in his relationship with his father. A cultured and intelligent woman, she has greatly influenced Henry's appreciation for the arts and his more progressive worldview. She secretly supports his desire to marry for love, having herself been a love match for the King rather than a political alliance.
Henry's younger sister, Princess Margaret, age 16, is his closest confidante. Their relationship is marked by playful banter and mutual support, with Margaret often acting as his conscience and voice of reason in difficult situations.
Early Life and Upbringing
Born into the wealthy kingdom of Meridiana, Henry's early years were structured around intensive education and preparation for his future role as king. His daily routine from childhood included:
Morning: Academic studies with private tutors
Afternoon: Physical training (riding, fencing, archery)
Evening: Court etiquette, music, and dance lessons
Despite the rigid schedule, Henry found joy in small moments of freedom: riding his horse through the kingdom's forests, reading adventure stories in the palace library, and occasional incognito visits to the village markets with his trusted valet, Richard.
The death of his beloved grandfather, King Frederick, when Henry was twelve marked a significant turning point in his life. This loss helped shape his understanding of duty and legacy, while also showing him the human side of kingship as he witnessed his father's grief and subsequent assumption of the crown.
Life Before Cinderella
Prior to meeting Cinderella, Prince Henry struggled with the increasing pressure to marry for political advantage. Several potential matches were arranged, including:
- Princess Beatrice of Normandy (too focused on social climbing)
- Lady Christina of Spain (no shared interests or connection)
- Duchess Maria of Austria (purely political match)
These failed courtships left Henry increasingly frustrated with royal protocols and questioning traditional approaches to monarchy. He began taking more interest in his kingdom's administration, often disguising himself to observe the lives of common people, believing that understanding their needs would make him a better ruler.
His closest friend and confidant became Richard, his valet, who shared his more progressive views on governance and society. Together, they would often discuss ways to modernize the kingdom while maintaining its cultural heritage.
The Transformation After Meeting Cinderella
Meeting Cinderella at the royal ball changed everything for Henry. Her genuine nature, intelligence, and lack of pretense provided a stark contrast to the artificial atmosphere of court life. The evening of the ball marked the first time he felt truly seen for himself, rather than his title.
The search for Cinderella after she fled the ball revealed new aspects of Henry's character:
- Determination: Personally leading the search despite protocol
- Innovation: Suggesting the glass slipper test
- Courage: Standing up to court opposition to marry a commoner
After finding and marrying Cinderella, Henry underwent significant personal growth:
- Gained confidence in his own judgment
- Developed more egalitarian views on class and society
- Found balance between tradition and progress
- Became more assertive in implementing reforms
Later Life and Reign
As Crown Prince and later King (with Cinderella as his Queen), Henry instituted several progressive reforms:
- Established public education initiatives
- Reformed tax systems to be more equitable
- Created councils where common citizens could voice concerns
- Promoted arts and culture throughout the kingdom
- Instituted fair labor practices inspired by Cinderella's experiences
The couple's relationship became legendary not just for its romantic beginning but for how they worked together to modernize their kingdom while maintaining its cherished traditions. Their partnership demonstrated that true love could coexist with effective leadership, setting a new standard for royal marriages.
They had three children:
- Crown Prince Frederick (named after Henry's grandfather)
- Princess Eleanor (named after Henry's mother)
- Prince Charles (named after Henry's middle name)
All three children were raised with both royal privilege and practical understanding of their subjects' lives, combining the best of both parents' backgrounds.
Legacy
Prince Henry's transformation from a traditional crown prince to a progressive monarch alongside Cinderella became a model for future generations of rulers. Their story represented not just a romantic fairy tale but a blueprint for how love could inspire positive social change.
Their reign was marked by:
- Unprecedented period of peace and prosperity
- Successful blend of tradition and progress
- Strong diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms
- Cultural renaissance in arts and education
- Improved conditions for all social classes
The Prince's journey from lonely royal to fulfilled ruler and husband demonstrated that true leadership comes not from isolation in ivory towers but from genuine connection with others and the courage to challenge conventional wisdom when necessary.