Five years have past since the smash hit The Princess Diaries ended; now the fun begins as Mia (Anne Hathaway) has matured into a stunning young woman and is ready to assume her role as princess of Genovia. But no sooner has she moved into the Royal Palace with her beautiful, wise grandmother Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews) than she learns her days as a princess are numbered–Mia’s got to lose the tiara and immediately take the crown herself.
As if getting ready to rule wasn’t enough, the stakes for Mia have never been higher: With Genovian law stating that princesses must be married before being crowned, Mia is in for a parade of suitors who’d all like to be her king. In the quest for a groom, comedy and complications rule the day as the cast and filmmakers behind the first film, including director Garry Marshall (Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride), return for this hilarious comedy.
"We were very proud of The Princess Diaries, recalls director Garry Marshall. "I felt strongly that there was a place for a G-rated picture with live action that was funny, and it became a success with kids and with parents. We had a kid’s story with a lot of adult humor floating through it, so everybody could enjoy it. Key to the success of the film was the incredible talent of Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, and our wonderful supporting cast, so I’m very excited that they are back on this film."
In The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, the filmmakers have incorporated the heart and humor from its predecessor in following the further adventures of Mia, the bright, slightly awkward San Francisco teenager and reluctant royal who gained poise and self-confidence under the tutelage of her grandmother, Queen Clarisse. In the intervening years, Mia, now a self-assured young woman, has graduated from college and has grown to embrace her Genovian heritage. She is about to take the biggest journey of her life, leaving everything behind to move to Genovia, where her grandmother awaits her at the royal palace.
"Mia is a lot more confident now, a very self-possessed young lady," notes Hathaway. "In this film, Mia discovers she may be expected to compromise her beliefs and values in order to become Queen of Genovia, and she has to learn to define her own boundaries. Within that struggle, she gains a tremendous amount of self-esteem."
Although she is already a college graduate, Mia has a lot of learning left to do, as she begins a crash course in Genovia’s customs, history and laws under the instruction of her loving grandmother and staunchest supporter.
One of Mia’s biggest obstacles is a centuries-old Genovian law that states a princess must be married in order to become queen. With thirty days to find a groom, Mia must endure a seemingly endless parade of would-be suitors from all over the world.
"Mia faces the prospect of an
arranged marriage in order for her to be queen," explains Garry Marshall. "So they have to find some candidates, young men, who might be suitable to marry Princess Mia."
Two young suitors, Andrew (Callum Blue) and Nicholas (Chris Pine) in particular, pique Mia’s interest: "She is fond of one of these boys; one of them could help her become queen and help her run the country; while the other one is an adversary, who is trying to take over her job," says Marshall. "It’s a conflict of story, and a conflict of the heart."
"I think this film is going to be even better than the first one, and I hope everyone loves it as much as I do," says Julie Andrews. "There is so much action, along with the thrill of being in Genovia, this wonderful mythical kingdom, with all of its glamor and sweet traditions. We really feel as if we’ve been somewhere in Europe."
In addition to European flair, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement provided a lot of laughs for the cast and crew during filming, due in great measure to the unique on-set atmosphere created by director Garry Marshall.
"Garry Marshall is a joy," notes Julie Andrews. "I think there is a desire in him to make sure that everybody is feeling happy, and I think that is reflected in his films. If someone on the set is feeling a little blue, he’s the first one to put his arm around them. If a crew member has a relative visiting, Garry’s the first to welcome them. He doesn’t miss a thing."
"We’ve had a wonderful time on this movie," adds Hathaway. "Garry’s sets are so much fun, and I’m just grateful to be around him."
"Making a movie is very hard work, and no matter how glamorous it is, it’s not so glamorous," says Marshall. "I figure while you’re working hard, you might as well have some fun, too."
Marshall hopes that audiences have as much fun in Genovia as the filmmakers, cast and crew of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement did during production, but that they also feel moved by the story.
"We take you to a brand new world in this picture, with a great cast and a lot of laughs," says Marshall. "And I think Princess Mia is a good example of how self-confidence, education, commitment, athletic ability, and not giving in to fear are all important for anyone. Being attractive or having good hair doesn’t necessarily translate into being a good human being or a successful human being, but believing in yourself is invaluable."