Her life is turned upside down when her estranged grandmother, Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews), arrives in a limousine. Clarisse drops a bombshell: Mia’s deceased father was the crown prince of a small European nation called Genovia. Since his death, Mia is the sole heir to the throne.
The iconic “take off her glasses, let down her hair” montage is handled with a twist: Mia still retains her personality and awkwardness post-makeover. It critiques the trope even while using it.
Securing Julie Andrews to play Queen Clarisse Renaldi was a masterclass in meta-casting. As Disney’s original Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music ’s Maria, Andrews brought an immediate, undisputed aura of cinematic royalty to the screen. the princess diaries 2001
The sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), is beloved by fans, but it never captured the relatable "fish out of water" magic of the first film. In the sequel, Mia is already comfortable in her skin. The 2001 film is special because it captures that fleeting moment of transition—the terrifying, wonderful summer between childhood and adulthood.
There is a valid critique of the film’s message: Why does Mia need straight hair, clear skin, and designer clothes to be accepted? Her life is turned upside down when her
Mia must navigate "princess lessons" from her estranged grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (played by Julie Andrews ), while balancing the social minefield of high school.
No article on The Princess Diaries would be complete without celebrating its pitch-perfect, era-defining soundtrack. As noted by Billboard, the soundtrack was a "product of its time," capturing the golden age of bubblegum pop, boy bands, and early post-punk revival. Released by Walt Disney Records, the album featured anthems like the Backstreet Boys' "What Makes You Different (Makes You Beautiful)," BBMak’s "Miss You More," and Aaron Carter's peppy cover of "Little Bitty Pretty One". The iconic “take off her glasses, let down
Hathaway’s performance in this film is the definition of a star-making turn. As noted in this Instagram reflection , Hathaway brought a natural charm and wit to the role, perfectly capturing the relatable awkwardness of a teenager thrust into the spotlight. Her ability to transition from a shy, frizzy-haired girl to a confident princess was both comedic and heartfelt.
It also paved the way for Anne Hathaway’s massive career. The film acted as a launchpad, proving she could carry a movie and setting the stage for her future roles in The Devil Wears Prada and her Academy Award-winning performance in Les Misérables . A Legacy of "Genovian" Magic
Horrified by the sudden spotlight and the terrifying prospect of ruling a country, Mia initially wanted to run away. But a deal was struck: she would take "princess lessons" until the Genovian Independence Day Ball, where she would make her final decision.
What keeps audiences returning to The Princess Diaries more than twenty years later? The answer lies in Garry Marshall’s distinct directorial touch. Known for Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride , Marshall understood how to craft films that felt inherently safe, warm, and deeply human.