Julie Andrews confirms she will not return for ‘The Princess Diaries 3’
For over two decades, citizens of Genovia held onto the hope of seeing Queen Clarisse Renaldi grace the screen one last time. However, legendary actress Julie Andrews has officially closed the book on her royal role, confirming she will not participate in the long-awaited The Princess Diaries 3.
Reflecting on the decision, the 90-year-old icon shared that too much time has passed for her character to naturally fit into the continuing narrative. More importantly, Andrews feels the franchise now belongs entirely to Anne Hathaway’s Mia Thermopolis. “It’s her story. It’s not really mine,” Andrews explained, expressing complete peace with passing the torch.
A Legacy of Royal Mentorship
Andrews’ portrayal of Queen Clarisse in the original 2001 film was central to the movie’s enduring magic. Entering the chaotic teenage life of Mia Thermopolis—an awkward San Francisco high school student who unexpectedly discovers she is heir to a European throne—Clarisse provided far more than etiquette lessons and royal makeovers. She became Mia’s mentor, protector, and devoted grandmother, guiding her through the terrifying transition into royalty.
By 2004’s The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, that bond deepened as Clarisse prepared to abdicate. After Mia successfully challenged Genovia’s archaic marriage laws and stepped up as monarch, Clarisse’s primary mission was complete: she had raised a capable, compassionate leader who no longer required a regent standing beside her.
A Creative Reset for the Third Chapter
While Andrews will not physically appear, The Princess Diaries 3 is actively moving forward at Disney. Anne Hathaway is set to reprise her role as Queen Mia and will also step into a producing role. Crazy Rich Asians and Raya and the Last Dragon writer Adele Lim is attached to direct.
The project recently underwent a major creative overhaul after an earlier draft of the screenplay was scrapped, but Hathaway confirmed the team has settled on a promising new direction. Meg Cabot, author of the original book series that inspired the films, has also voiced enthusiasm for the new script.
Honoring Garry Marshall’s Legacy
Andrews’ reluctance to return is also tied to the loss of director Garry Marshall, who passed away in 2016. Andrews has previously noted that returning without Marshall felt difficult, but she remains fully supportive of Hathaway leading this next era.
There is an undeniable poetic fittingness to her departure. After two films dedicated to preparing Mia for the crown, Queen Clarisse stepping back allows Mia to rule Genovia entirely on her own terms. Genovia may belong to Mia now, but fans around the world know there will only ever be one Queen Clarisse Renaldi.
