Anne Hathaway, the beloved star of The Princess Diaries franchise, recently took to Instagram to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, a film that remains a cherished part of her career and a favorite among fans. The milestone not only allowed Hathaway to reminisce about the film but also to pay tribute to Kelly Clarkson, whose iconic song “Breakaway” is deeply associated with the movie’s soundtrack.
On August 7, Hathaway, now 41, shared a series of nostalgic images from the 2004 film on Instagram, including behind-the-scenes snapshots with her co-stars Chris Pine, Callum Blue, the legendary Julie Andrews, and director Garry Marshall. These photos captured the magic and camaraderie that defined the film, bringing back fond memories for fans who have loved the story of Mia Thermopolis, the ordinary girl who discovers she’s heir to a European throne.
In her post, Hathaway also included a clip from Kelly Clarkson’s music video for “Breakaway,” which became an anthem for many young viewers at the time. The video features Clarkson attending the film’s premiere, symbolizing the close connection between the song and the movie. Hathaway expressed her gratitude in the caption, writing, “Happy 20th anniversary to #PrincessDiaries2 and @kellyclarkson’s Breakaway!” This heartfelt message highlighted the enduring impact both the film and the song have had over the past two decades.
The Princess Diaries series played a significant role in Hathaway’s rise to stardom. In the films, she portrays Mia Thermopolis, a relatable and endearing character who unexpectedly finds herself at the center of a royal legacy. The sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, follows Mia’s journey as she navigates the pressures of royal life, including the challenge of finding a suitable husband to secure her claim to the throne.
Chris Pine, who made his debut as Nicholas Devereaux in the sequel, recently reflected on the impact the role had on his career. According to People magazine, Pine revealed that his salary of $65,000 for the film was a significant milestone for him, even though the amount was less than he had initially anticipated. He described receiving the offer as a “life-changing event,” a testament to the film’s importance in shaping his career.
As for the possibility of a third installment in the Princess Diaries series, Hathaway has previously hinted at discussions, though nothing has been officially confirmed. “We’re in a good place. That’s all I can say. There’s nothing to announce yet. But we’re in a good place,” she shared in an earlier interview. This statement fueled fans’ hopes for a continuation of Mia’s story, though it remains uncertain whether the project will come to fruition.
Julie Andrews, who portrayed Queen Clarisse Renaldi, has expressed both interest and skepticism regarding a potential third film. In a previous interview, Andrews mentioned that while there had been discussions, she believed the idea might have been shelved. “I’d be very happy if we did do another one. But I don’t expect to,” she said, tempering expectations while acknowledging the fondness fans have for the series.
The 20th anniversary of The Princess Diaries 2 serves as a reminder of the film’s lasting legacy and its role in the lives of those who grew up with it. Hathaway’s tribute to Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway” underscores the powerful connection between music and film, highlighting how certain songs can become intertwined with our memories of beloved movies. As fans continue to celebrate this milestone, the magic of Mia Thermopolis’s royal journey lives on, bringing joy to new generations of viewers.