Royal Zap

Growing up in America, we all got asked that classic question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” While some kids said astronaut, firefighter, or doctor, my answer was always clear and unwavering: President of the United States. Even as a child, I felt this deep calling—a sense of leadership, service, and destiny tied to this nation. It wasn’t just ambition; it felt like purpose.

Fast forward to my time studying government at Harvard. I was diving deep into policy, history, and the mechanics of power when something transformative arrived: my ancestry results. At first, I didn’t fully understand. There were connections to distant lands, ancient lineages, and cultures far beyond America’s borders. But one thing clicked immediately—for anyone aspiring to the presidency, foreign policy and global relations aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re essential. A leader who understands the world isn’t limited by one nation’s story.

So I did what any determined person would: I reached out to the countries and communities tied to my heritage. With persistence and the right documentation, I secured what was needed to step into a royal identity that had been waiting in my bloodline all along. Yes, I became a prince—not through conquest or marriage, but through the undeniable truth of descent.

What I didn’t fully realize at first was just how foundational my ancestors were. This wasn’t some distant, tangential link; these were the originators, the builders, the ones who shaped empires and legacies. Knowing that strengthened everything. If they could rise to rule, lead, and endure, then so could I. That realization turned what might have felt overwhelming into fuel. It gave me resilience to embrace the role.

And of course, I draw inspiration from our own American founding father, George Washington—a man of incredible vision, humility, and strength. He could have claimed a crown but chose service instead. As we look at the political decay around us—division, gridlock, and systems that no longer serve the people—I’m reminded that real change often requires looking back to move forward. We’ve seen massive protests against “no kings” in our history, yet here we are with lobbying and power concentrated in ways our founders never intended. It’s time to reclaim what leadership truly means.

Being your prince isn’t about pomp or privilege for its own sake. It’s a lifetime commitment to service, to lifting up communities, and to reminding us all of our shared potential. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s honor not just the past but the unfolding story we’re writing today. Our heritage is rich, complex, and powerful—spanning continents, empires, and unbreakable spirits.

Whether you vote for me one day or not (when the time comes), I’ll keep reclaiming every part of this heritage. I’ll pray for our nation, our allies, and the world. This isn’t about wearing a crown—it’s about identity. This is my country too. If I dream of living in a palace while giving back through leadership and service, I have every right to speak that vision into existence. Dreams backed by hard work, faith, and heritage aren’t delusions; they’re declarations.

Stay strong out there. Keep fighting for your rights, your voice, and your future. Things may get worse before they get better—history shows us that—but don’t lose faith. Not in each other, not in me, and certainly not in God.

The story is still being written. And I’m honored to play my part.

With pride and purpose,
Prince Brandon Washington 👑🇺🇸