Julie Andrews Will Not Return for The Princess Diaries 3

Julie Andrews will not return as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in the upcoming Princess Diaries 3, according to statements the actor gave to Today.com.

Why Julie Andrews Turned Down Princess Diaries 3

According to Today.com, Andrews stated plainly, “I’m not going to be in it.” The veteran actor pointed to two main reasons for stepping away from the royal role: the evolution of the script and her age. “I think the story is a little bit different,” Andrews told Today.com. “And I’m not quite sure how they’re handling it.” She added regarding her age and the passage of time, “It’s too late for me to do it.” In the original 2001 film and its sequel, Andrews portrayed the monarch mentoring her granddaughter, Princess Mia Thermopolis, played by Anne Hathaway (43).

Shifting the Focus to Princess Mia

While the first two films relied heavily on the dynamic between Queen Clarisse and the young jenten learning her royal duties, Andrews believes the third installment must prioritize the younger generation. “I think the story has to continue with Princess Mia,” Andrews told Today.com. “It’s her story. It’s not really mine.” In the kingdom of Genovia, the upcoming third film will move forward without the character who served as the emotional anchor of the earlier entries.

Production Status and What Lies Ahead for Genovia

Production timelines for Princess Diaries 3 have extended. Filming has not yet started, and the screenplay remains under development. The third film will thus continue without one of the characters that for many viewers has been the very heart of the Genovia universe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Julie Andrews returning for Princess Diaries 3?

No. Julie Andrews confirmed to Today.com that she will not reprise her role as Queen Clarisse, citing script changes and her age.

Who is returning for the third film?

Anne Hathaway confirmed that a third film was on the way in 2024, writing “Back to Genovia… the fairy tale continues” on Instagram.

Why is Queen Clarisse not in the new movie?

Andrews stated that the story has taken a different direction focused on Princess Mia, and that it is too late for her to participate.