The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Mia Thermopolis has just finished college and finds herself called back to Genovia to take on royal duties sooner than she anticipated. She is thrust into a world of palace etiquette, public appearances, and the pressure to be a poised ruler. With Lilly beside her, Mia hones lessons in horse riding, archery and the chain of formalities that govern royal life, all while trying to stay true to herself. The looming coronation brings a wave of court gossip, calculated smiles, and a few surprises that test her readiness. A charming court suitor adds romance to the equation, complicating responsibilities with a pull between heart and duty. Her friends and advisers weigh in as the countdown begins, testing confidence and humor.

Directed by Garry Marshall, this 2004 sequel adapts Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries universe for the screen with Shonda Rhimes and Gina Wendkos writing the screenplay, and features the return of Anne Hathaway as Mia and Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse.

The film earned about 134.7 million worldwide, against a reported 40 million dollar budget, signaling solid commercial performance for a family sequel. It performed best with younger audiences and families, reinforcing the series as a reliable popcorn option.

The film helped solidify Anne Hathaway's status as a leading lady in family cinema and kept the Princess Diaries world in the cultural conversation through lighthearted romance and royal antics, making Genovia feel like a vivid, ready made fantasy. Its light humor and wholesome messages about responsibility and friendship continued to resonate with a broad audience.

Critics greeted the sequel with a mostly warm reception, praising Hathaway's charm and Marshall's light touch with a family friendly setup. Some reviews noted predictability, yet the film still treats duty, identity and relationships with a breezy, hopeful tone. It remains a dependable arc in a beloved franchise.