The Princess Diaries: A Royal Legacy Continues with the Long-Awaited Third Installment
The beloved franchise that first graced our screens over two decades ago, The Princess Diaries, is officially set to return with a thrilling third installment, and fans couldn’t be more excited! Since its debut in 2001, The Princess Diaries has become a cherished part of modern cinematic culture, winning over hearts worldwide with its charm, humor, and the captivating story of an ordinary teenager discovering her royal heritage. The franchise not only launched the career of Anne Hathaway but also gave us unforgettable performances from Julie Andrews and a cast of quirky characters who brought the fictional kingdom of Genovia to life.
Now, in 2024, Disney has confirmed that the Princess Diaries universe will once again enchant audiences, with Anne Hathaway set to reprise her iconic role as Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldi, Queen of Genovia. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this news for years, and it’s finally time to revisit the magical world of castles, tiaras, and unlikely princesses.
As we anticipate this royal reunion, let’s take a closer look at the original two films that captivated audiences, explore what might be in store for the highly anticipated third installment, and why the continuation of The Princess Diaries is so significant in both pop culture and the evolution of female-driven films.
A Royal Beginning: The Success of The Princess Diaries (2001)
The first Princess Diaries film, directed by the legendary Garry Marshall, was an instant hit when it premiered in 2001. Adapted from Meg Cabot’s popular young adult book series, the film tells the story of Mia Thermopolis (played by Anne Hathaway), a clumsy and awkward teenager living a regular life in San Francisco. Her world is turned upside down when she discovers she is the heir to the throne of the small European country of Genovia. With the guidance of her regal grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (portrayed with grace and wit by Julie Andrews), Mia embarks on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and transformation—from awkward high school student to poised princess.
The charm of the first film lay in its relatability. Mia’s struggles with her newfound royal identity mirrored the everyday challenges of growing up, making her a universally appealing character. Audiences watched Mia go through a hilarious yet heartwarming transformation, from unruly hair and clumsy falls to elegant waves and a newfound confidence. Her friendship with the quirky and spunky Lilly (Heather Matarazzo), her crush on the charming yet shallow Josh Bryant (Erik von Detten), and her close relationship with her free-spirited artist mother Helen (Caroline Goodall) grounded the film in the real world, despite its royal premise.
At the core of the film’s success was Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of Mia. As her breakout role, Hathaway captured the awkwardness and vulnerability of a teenager thrown into the spotlight while still maintaining her natural charm and humor. Julie Andrews, as the stern but loving Queen Clarisse, added an element of old Hollywood glamour and gravitas, making their dynamic one of the most memorable aspects of the film.
The film struck a chord with audiences globally, grossing over $165 million worldwide and cementing itself as a modern classic in the teen movie genre. The Princess Diaries wasn’t just a coming-of-age tale—it was a story about embracing who you are, finding your inner strength, and realizing that every girl, no matter how ordinary she may seem, has the potential for greatness.
The Royal Evolution: The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
After the massive success of the first film, a sequel was inevitable, and in 2004, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement was released. This time, the story shifted focus to Mia’s new responsibilities as a princess and the question of whether she was ready to take the throne as queen of Genovia. Faced with the pressure of a royal wedding and navigating the expectations of her people, Mia’s story evolved from self-discovery to learning what it means to be a leader.
In Royal Engagement, we are reintroduced to the beloved characters from the first film, but we also see new faces, including Nicholas Devereaux (played by Chris Pine), who serves as both Mia’s love interest and a potential rival for the throne. The romantic tension and comedic moments between Mia and Nicholas added a fresh twist to the story while maintaining the lighthearted tone that fans had come to love.
Julie Andrews returned to her role as Queen Clarisse, bringing warmth and wisdom to the sequel, while Anne Hathaway once again shined as Mia, now more poised but still as relatable as ever. The Princess Diaries 2 further explored themes of duty, love, and independence as Mia navigated her role as both a royal figure and a young woman learning to make her own choices.
While the sequel didn’t achieve the same financial success as the original, it still performed well at the box office and further cemented The Princess Diaries as a beloved franchise. Fans particularly adored the continued chemistry between Hathaway and Andrews, and the film’s delightful mix of comedy, romance, and royal intrigue kept audiences engaged.
The Long Wait for The Princess Diaries 3
For years after Royal Engagement, fans have eagerly awaited the return of Mia and the kingdom of Genovia. Rumors of a third film began circulating as early as 2015, with various cast members, including Anne Hathaway, expressing interest in reprising their roles. However, the project faced delays and obstacles, particularly after the passing of director Garry Marshall in 2016. Marshall had been a driving force behind the charm and success of the first two films, and his death left fans wondering if a third installment would ever come to fruition.
Despite the setbacks, the enthusiasm for another Princess Diaries film never waned. Both Hathaway and Andrews have spoken fondly of their experiences working on the films, and in interviews over the years, Hathaway has hinted that a third movie could still happen, saying that everyone involved wanted to do it but that it would have to be done right.
Finally, in 2024, Disney confirmed that The Princess Diaries 3 is officially in the works, with Hathaway returning to her iconic role. This announcement has sparked excitement among long-time fans who have been waiting for nearly two decades to see what happens next in Mia’s journey.
What We Know About The Princess Diaries 3 So Far
While details about the plot of The Princess Diaries 3 remain under wraps, fans are buzzing with speculation about what the third installment could entail. Given the time that has passed since the release of Royal Engagement, there are endless possibilities for how Mia’s story could continue.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the new film is how Mia has grown as a character. The last time we saw Mia, she had just been crowned queen, and now, nearly 20 years later, audiences are eager to see what kind of ruler she has become. Has Mia fully embraced her royal responsibilities? What challenges has she faced as the queen of Genovia? And, perhaps most importantly, will she still have that same relatable charm that made her such a beloved character in the first place?
There is also speculation about whether Chris Pine’s character, Nicholas Devereaux, will return. The second film ended with the hint of a blossoming romance between Mia and Nicholas, and fans are curious to see if their relationship has evolved over the years. Will we see a royal wedding in The Princess Diaries 3, or has Mia’s focus shifted entirely to her duties as queen?
Another exciting possibility is the return of Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse. Andrews has not yet officially confirmed her involvement in the third film, but fans are hopeful that she will reprise her role as Mia’s wise and regal grandmother. Andrews has expressed interest in returning, and her presence would undoubtedly add to the emotional weight of the new film. Her mentorship and guidance were central to Mia’s development in the first two films, and it would be fascinating to see how their relationship has evolved now that Mia is a queen in her own right.
What The Princess Diaries 3 Could Mean for Modern Audiences
The return of The Princess Diaries in 2024 holds significant cultural weight, not only for the nostalgia it brings but also for what it represents in terms of female empowerment, identity, and modern storytelling. When the first film was released in 2001, it was celebrated for its portrayal of a young woman discovering her strength, individuality, and self-worth. Mia’s journey was about more than just becoming a princess—it was about learning to embrace who she truly was and finding the confidence to lead.
In today’s cultural landscape, the themes of The Princess Diaries resonate more than ever. With an increased focus on female empowerment and the representation of strong, multifaceted women in media, Mia’s return to the screen as a queen could provide a powerful narrative about leadership, resilience, and authenticity. As audiences look to films that portray women as complex, capable individuals, The Princess Diaries 3 has the potential to speak to a new generation while honoring the legacy of the original films.
The long-awaited third installment also speaks to the power of fan dedication. Over the years, The Princess Diaries has built a loyal following of fans who have kept the spirit of the franchise alive through social media campaigns, fan fiction, and consistent requests for a sequel. Their love for the films has helped ensure that Mia’s story would eventually continue, proving that the connection between fans and their favorite films can lead to something truly magical.
A Royal Return
With the official confirmation of The Princess Diaries 3, audiences are ready to once again immerse themselves in the world of Genovia and see what the future holds for Queen Mia Thermopolis. Anne Hathaway’s return to the role that launched her career is a cause for celebration, and the prospect of seeing beloved characters like Queen Clarisse and Nicholas Devereaux again has fans eagerly awaiting more news about the film’s plot and cast.
As we look forward to the third installment, one thing is certain: The Princess Diaries continues to hold a special place in the hearts of its fans. The franchise has always been more than just a fairy tale—it’s a story about personal growth, courage, and the importance of staying true to oneself. Whether you’re a long-time fan or someone discovering the films for the first time, The Princess Diaries 3 is set to be a royal cinematic event that brings together generations of viewers for a tale of transformation, love, and royal adventures.
