After nearly two decades of anticipation, The Princess Diaries 3 (2025) makes a regal comeback, bringing with it a perfect blend of nostalgia, maturity, and the ever-relevant theme of self-discovery. Directed by returning icon Garry Marshall's spiritual successor and featuring Anne Hathaway reprising her role as Queen Mia Thermopolis of Genovia, the third installment gracefully picks up the royal thread left hanging since The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004).
In this chapter, Mia is no longer the unsure princess we once knew. Now a poised yet occasionally overwhelmed queen, she faces Genovia's evolving political landscape, public pressure to modernize the monarchy, and perhaps most intimately, the question of whether it's time to choose a successor—or a partner. The film balances humor with heartfelt moments, especially in scenes involving Clarisse Renaldi (played once more by the elegant Julie Andrews), who now acts as Mia's trusted advisor rather than matriarchal guide.
The narrative leans heavily into themes of legacy, motherhood, and identity. Without over-relying on teen charm, it still captures the warmth that made the original films iconic. Hathaway delivers a performance that is both vulnerable and commanding, proving Mia has grown into her role, though not without scars or doubt. New cast additions, including a spirited young activist from Genovia (rumored to be Mia’s adopted daughter or niece), bring fresh energy, hinting at the future of the franchise.
Yet, The Princess Diaries 3 isn’t flawless. Some longtime fans might find the pacing slower than previous entries, and the romantic subplot—while charming—feels secondary to the central question: what does it mean to rule with both heart and modernity?
But perhaps the most exciting aspect of this long-awaited sequel is its subtle setup for a possible continuation.
If Disney greenlights a follow-up, The Princess Diaries 4 could center on Mia's young protégé stepping into the global spotlight as a Genovian representative in the U.N. or tackling climate issues—mirroring today’s youth activism. With Clarisse fully retired and Mia now a mother figure, the story could explore how Genovia adapts to a new generation’s values while preserving its traditions.
There’s also room to further explore Mia’s personal life—will she marry for love or stay committed to single sovereignty? Could we see more political intrigue, perhaps involving rival European monarchies or internal dissent? With the franchise's signature heart, humor, and tiaras, the possibilities remain vast.
Whether it ends here or continues, The Princess Diaries 3 proves that fairytales can grow up—and still shine. It’s not just a sequel; it’s a graceful evolution of a beloved story, fit for both old fans and a new generation of royals.
