π¬ The Princess Diaries 3 (2025)
Director: Garry Marshall Jr.
Main Cast: Anne Hathaway (Mia Thermopolis), Julie Andrews (Queen Clarisse Renaldi), Mandy Moore (Lana Thomas), Nicholas Hoult (Prince Edward of Liechtenstein), Awkwafina (Lila, Miaβs royal advisor), and Chris Pine (Lord Nicholas Devereaux β cameo).
β¨ Introduction
Twenty years after The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), Disney finally returns to the beloved kingdom of Genovia with The Princess Diaries 3 (2025). Directed by Garry Marshall Jr. in honor of his late father, the film brings back the elegance, humor, and charm that made the franchise a classic while exploring Miaβs journey as both a monarch and a woman balancing duty, family, and identity.
π Storyline
Now in her 40s, Queen Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) has ruled Genovia for over a decade. She has transformed the kingdom into a modern, forward-thinking nation, but the pressures of politics and tradition continue to weigh heavily. When a neighboring royal family challenges Miaβs authority by questioning her legitimacy, international tensions rise, and Mia must once again prove she has both the heart and the strength to lead.
Complicating matters further, Mia discovers a secret heir connected to her fatherβs side of the familyβa distant cousin, Prince Edward (Nicholas Hoult)βwhose sudden appearance sparks questions of succession and loyalty. Alongside her trusted grandmother Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews), her witty advisor Lila (Awkwafina), and the return of Lord Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine, cameo), Mia must navigate diplomacy, family revelations, and her own quest for happiness.
π Performances
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Anne Hathaway once again proves why she was born for the role. Her performance is regal yet deeply relatable, blending Miaβs classic clumsy humor with the maturity of a seasoned queen.
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Julie Andrews is luminous, her presence as Clarisse bringing wisdom and gravitas. Even in a smaller role, every scene she appears in is pure magic.
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Nicholas Hoult delivers charm and complexity as Prince Edward, walking the line between potential rival and reluctant ally.
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Awkwafina injects sharp comedic timing, updating the franchise with modern humor while never overshadowing the leads.
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Chris Pineβs cameo is a delightful nod to Royal Engagement, providing fans with closure and nostalgia.
π₯ Visuals & Style
The film embraces the fairytale aesthetic of the first two installments while adding a modern polish. Genovia shines brighter than ever, with lavish palaces, vibrant parades, and picturesque landscapes. Costuming is particularly strongβMiaβs gowns blend royal elegance with contemporary chic, symbolizing her dual identity as monarch and modern woman.
πΆ Music & Soundtrack
The soundtrack mixes orchestral royal themes with contemporary pop. The inclusion of a new original ballad (performed by a surprise Disney star) is clearly positioned as the emotional centerpiece, echoing the franchiseβs tradition of heartfelt musical moments.
π Themes & Tone
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Legacy & Leadership: Mia learns that being a queen is not just about ruling but about building bridges across generations.
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Family Secrets: The discovery of Prince Edward adds dramatic tension while exploring heritage.
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Female Empowerment: As always, the story celebrates women navigating power, vulnerability, and identity on their own terms.
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Romantic & Comedic Charm: True to the series, the film never strays too far from its rom-com roots, balancing political intrigue with lighthearted mishaps.
The tone is heartwarming, nostalgic, and uplifting, sprinkled with humor that appeals to both long-time fans and new audiences.
β Strengths
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Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrewsβ magical on-screen chemistry.
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A perfect balance of nostalgia and fresh storytelling.
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Beautiful set designs and modernized fairy-tale visuals.
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Strong thematic resonance about identity, leadership, and growth.
β Weaknesses
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Some subplots (particularly around succession politics) feel rushed.
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The absence of key characters from earlier films may disappoint fans.
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Predictable rom-com elements limit surprises.
π¬ Verdict
The Princess Diaries 3 (2025) is a delightful return to Genovia that honors its legacy while giving Mia Thermopolis a new chapter filled with grace, humor, and heart. While not flawless, the film succeeds in delivering a satisfying blend of political drama, romantic charm, and fairytale nostalgia. For fans who grew up with Mia, itβs both a homecoming and a heartfelt farewell.
π Final Rating: 8.3/10 β A charming, nostalgic sequel that crowns Anne Hathaway once more as the queen of our hearts.