Today, my Palace is preparing for a most distinguished visit.

The Norwegian Family has arrived in the Netherlands. Not the Norwegian Royal Family, I hasten to add. They may perhaps visit me at a later date, once they have reviewed their household arrangements and ensured that every member of their party is suitably trained for an audience with a cat of my standing.

No, today’s visitors are our own Norwegian family members from the high north, which is far more exciting.

I am especially curious about the two nieces. I have heard excellent reports about these young ladies, but naturally I shall conduct my own assessment. I shall observe their manners, their ability to admire me without excessive squealing, and whether they understand that the finest seat in the room may already be occupied.

They are arriving this afternoon, which means my humans have been placed on full Palace-preparation duties.

The floors must be vacuumed. The furniture must be dusted. Cushions must be arranged with military precision, although not so precisely that I cannot immediately rearrange them. Every room must appear welcoming, elegant and entirely free of the small white hairs that mysteriously gather throughout my kingdom.

I have appointed myself Chief Inspector of Domestic Readiness.

This is a demanding role. I must supervise the vacuum cleaner from a safe distance, inspect freshly cleaned surfaces by walking across them, and ensure that no blanket is folded without first being tested for comfort.

Later in the evening, the parents of these remarkable young ladies will also arrive to take part in the Royal banquet.

I am told this involves bread, fillings and pleasant conversation. I shall therefore position myself nearby as the official quality controller. It would be irresponsible to allow a banquet to proceed without careful feline oversight, particularly when chicken, cheese or butter may be involved.

Everything must be ready at the highest level of alertness.

The Palace will shine. The table will be prepared. The humans will be presentable. And I shall be waiting in my finest white coat to welcome our northern guests with warmth, dignity and just the right amount of royal curiosity.

After all, family visits are very special.

Especially when everyone remembers whom they have truly come to see.

Med kongelig hilsen, Mrs. Cotton 🐱🇳🇴👑