The Princess Diaries

Mia Thermopolis, a shy and introverted 15-year-old high school student, navigates the complexities of adolescence, often struggling to fit in with her peer group at Lincoln High School in San Francisco. With a quirky and lovable personality, Mia is best friends with Lily Moscovitz, a wise and witty girl who provides a platform for Mia to express herself. Her life, however, is turned upside down when she receives a shocking revelation from her long-absent father, Philippe Renaldi, that she is the princess of the small European principality of Genovia. Philippe, the crown prince of Genovia, had an affair with Mia's mother, Helen, a former Olympic gymnast and single parent. Following Philippe's untimely death, he leaves behind a will that makes Mia the rightful heir to the throne, much to the surprise and dismay of her. The news causes a mixture of emotions as Mia grapples with her new identity and its hefty responsibilities. Helen, Mia's mother, is also thrust into an unfamiliar situation, having never told Mia about her father's royal lineage and their royal heritage. As Mia is now required to take her rightful place as the princess, she must undergo a transformation to conform to the royal standards and etiquette. Her first steps towards becoming the princess begin with an introduction to her royal advisor, Josephson, and the Genovian ambassador to the United States, who plays a vital role in helping Mia comprehend her new role. Mia and Josephson form a close bond as he mentors her, providing guidance on all aspects of royal duty. However, this newfound responsibility causes Mia a significant amount of stress, and she struggles to balance her life in both San Francisco and the palace. Her relationships with her friends and family begin to suffer, and she feels pressured into adopting the royal style, setting aside her individuality and individual aspirations. Mia begins to question her new identity, weighing the pros and cons of continuing her normal life versus embracing the royal title. Meanwhile, Mia starts to meet the people she is destined to interact with as the princess, including Grandmere, the royal grandmother and a formidable force in Genovian politics. Grandmere takes it upon herself to mold Mia into a fitting candidate for the throne, chiding her for her lack of poise, etiquette, and polish. Together, Mia and Grandmere work on developing skills that are essential for a royal princess, acknowledging the monumental change Mia is undergoing. Through intense fashion makeover sessions, Mia gains confidence in her new image as she discovers the world of royalty is far more intricate and demanding than she had imagined. Despite some hesitation, a romantic interest blossoms as she meets Michael Moscovitz, the older brother of her best friend Lily. Their unlikely romance develops amidst Mia's complex journey as she sets aside her initial reluctance to commit to royal life. Ultimately, Mia has a difficult decision to make: give up her life in San Francisco and move to Genovia to claim the throne, or stay behind and return to her carefree days as a high school student. As she navigates through her newfound obligations and romantic blossoming, Mia's transformation is accelerated. Will she remain humble and follow her parents' footsteps, embracing the noble call and earning her right as Genovian princess, or will she decide to break free, settle for a more ordinary existence, and live on her own terms?