The Third Chapter of The Princess Diaries Excludes a Key Character
In the upcoming film, The Princess Diaries 3, Anne Hathaway reprises her role as Mia Thermopolis, now the reigning queen of the fictional Genovia. However, she will be missing her cherished onscreen grandmother, played by Julie Andrews, who has confirmed her absence from the sequel.
Andrews originally starred as Queen Clarisse Renaldi alongside Hathaway in the 2001 hit The Princess Diaries and returned for the sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. The sequel concluded with Queen Clarisse abdicating the throne to Mia. Years later, as Hathaway gears up for the third film, Andrews will not be joining her, marking a significant change in the cast dynamics.
In a discussion with Today.com, Andrews explained her decision not to participate in the third installment, pointing out the narrative’s shift and her character’s reduced relevance. “I think the story is slightly different, and I’m not quite sure how they’re dealing with that. But it’s too late for me to do it. I think the story has to continue in Princess Mia. It’s her story. It’s not really mine,” said Andrews.
Andrews had previously hinted at the unlikelihood of her return for another sequel, noting the long gap since the last film and suggesting that “sometimes it’s best to leave a good thing alone.” However, she had remained open to the possibility of a new installment. Now, her latest remarks definitively close the chapter on Queen Clarisse’s involvement in the narrative.
Andrews’ decision aligns with the narrative closure her character received in The Princess Diaries 2, where she gracefully stepped down, allowing Mia to assume her role as queen. This set the stage for the upcoming film to explore Mia’s journey as the leader of Genovia, focusing solely on her story without trying to replicate the dynamics of the earlier films.
The sequel, inspired by Meg Cabot’s Princess Diaries book series, is still in the development phase. Hathaway has shared that the creative team has achieved a “story breakthrough” by starting afresh with a new direction, although details about the release date or filming schedule are yet to be announced. Adele Lim, known for her work on Joy Ride and as a co-writer of Crazy Rich Asians, is set to direct.
The return of other original cast members from The Princess Diaries films remains uncertain. While actors like Chris Pine and Robert Schwartzman have shown interest in returning, their involvement has not been officially confirmed.
Although Andrews’ absence will undoubtedly lend a different flavor to The Princess Diaries 3, it also presents an opportunity for the film to fully center on Queen Mia’s reign and the new challenges she faces as the leader of Genovia, more than two decades after the story first began.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
