Page 136 of Prince of the Palisades

I learned to use my voice. To stop standing aside while the world burns around me. To turn my own anger into action. It’s our duty to each other to protect communities, even if they’re not our own.

I learned that, despite my title, this is still my life. I get to decide how much of it I share.

People will always find a reason to hate you for what you are before they know who you are. We cannot let that stop us. Without fear, how can we ever be brave? How can we ever become who we’re supposed to be without first acknowledging who we are now?

I’m here tonight to tell you this: I no longer want to be anyone else’s definition of a perfect prince. A perfect human. I refuse to knead and shape and pour myself into anyone’s mold. You shouldn’t either. Why change who you are to fit someone else’s expectations?

This is who I am—a boy who loves the ocean. Who has an insatiable sweet tooth. Who loves to laugh and be challenged and, sometimes, cares too much about his sneaker collection.I’m also moody. I make mistakes. I’m a boy who is awful at apologies.

I’m a prince, and I’m not perfect.

I’m discovering more and more about who I want to be. I hope you’ll allow me that grace. I hope you’ll give yourself permission to do the same.

Our legacies aren’t decided today. Or tomorrow. We have the power to create our own traditions and rules.

I hope you know you’re worthy, no matter who youare.