In a recent revelation, Julie Andrews, the iconic actress who played Queen Clarisse Renaldi in the beloved *The Princess Diaries* films, confirmed that she will not be participating in the eagerly anticipated *Princess Diaries 3*. The announcement comes as a disappointment for fans who have followed the franchise since its inception over two decades ago.
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In an interview with TODAY.com on August 10, the 90-year-old actress candidly shared her thoughts on the upcoming film. “I’m not going to be in it,” Andrews stated, noting that the storyline would diverge from the previous films. “I think the story is slightly different, and I’m not quite sure how they’re dealing with that. But it’s too late for me to do it,” she explained. Andrews indicated that the focus should remain on the character Mia Thermopolis, played by Anne Hathaway, as it is her narrative that drives the plot forward.
The first two films, released in 2001 and 2004, showcased Hathaway as Mia, a teenager from San Francisco who discovers her royal lineage as the rightful heir to the throne of Genovia. Andrews’ character, Queen Clarisse, serves as both a mentor and guiding figure, helping Mia navigate her transformation into a princess. The films, directed by Garry Marshall, became cult classics with their blend of comedy, romance, and heartfelt moments.
The latest installment has garnered significant buzz, particularly following comments from Hathaway, who provided fans with updates this past July. “I can say I think we had a story breakthrough,” she announced during an appearance on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy, indicating that the writing team had made considerable progress on the script. However, Hathaway, who is currently pregnant with her third child, mentioned that her growing family is impacting the timeline for the film’s production.
In addition to Andrews, the fate of other cherished characters remains uncertain. Chris Pine, who portrayed Mia’s love interest Nicholas Devereaux, as well as Heather Matarazzo, who played Mia’s best friend Lilly Moscovitz, are among the figures whose returns have not yet been confirmed. Robert Schwartzman, who played Lilly’s brother Michael, has revealed he has had early discussions about possibly reprising his role, despite focusing more on directing and producing in recent years.
Meanwhile, author Meg Cabot, who penned the original *Princess Diaries* book series, has shared her enthusiasm for the project, suggesting an early version of the script is “amazing.” As fans speculate on the future of the franchise, the absence of Julie Andrews will surely be felt by many, especially given her pivotal role in the original films.
Despite stepping away from the silver screen for this particular project, Andrews’ legacy continues to flourish. She is set to be the subject of an upcoming documentary from Disney, expected to debut next year. The actress expressed her initial nerves about the film but acknowledged that it was perhaps time to reflect on her illustrious career.
Julie Andrews, who first gained fame through her stage performances, has enjoyed a remarkable journey in entertainment. From her role as Eliza Doolittle in *My Fair Lady* to earning an Academy Award for her performance in Disney’s *Mary Poppins*, Andrews has repeatedly captured the hearts of audiences. Additionally, her recent projects have included voice roles in *Bridgerton* and the animated *Despicable Me* series, highlighting her versatility and enduring appeal.
Notably, Andrews is also an accomplished author. Her latest book, *Shy*, co-written with her daughter Emma Walton, is due for release on August 11. The story follows a timid puppy finding its voice through music, a concept inspired by Andrews’ own unique experiences with a talented poodle named Shy.
Reflecting on her enduring career, Andrews shared with PEOPLE her appreciation for still being welcomed in the industry. “It’s very pleasant at my age to be needed and embraced because I love doing it,” she noted, emphasising the importance of passion in one’s work.
As speculation continues around *Princess Diaries 3* and its evolving storylines, Julie Andrews’ contributions to cinema and her legacy as a cherished actress and author remain in the hearts of many. Although the royal allure of Genovia will not include her regal presence this time, her impact on the franchise and beyond is undeniable.