The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004) is a American romantic comedy film and the sequel to 2001’s The Princess Diaries. Unlike its predecessor, this film is not based on any of the books. It follows Mia Thermopolis as she returns to Genovia after graduating from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of International Affairs. On her 21st birthday, Mia attends a party where all eligible bachelors are invited to dance with her in hopes of finding a husband. There, she meets Nicholas, with whom she shares a mutual attraction. However, their budding romance is threatened when Mia’s tiara falls off and is caught by Viscount Mabrey, who has ulterior motives for attending the event. The next morning, during a Parliamentary session, Mabrey reveals his plan for his nephew Lord Devereaux to become the next male heir to the throne. According to the law, Mia can only be crowned Queen if she is married within the month.

Upon Clarisse’s invitation, Lord Devereaux takes up residence at the palace. Mia is stunned to discover his true identity as Nicholas. In a pleasant surprise, her dear friend Lilly Moscovitz pays her a visit. The two spend time together browsing through potential suitors. As expected, Mia ultimately selects Duke Andrew Jacoby of Kenilworth as her future betrothed. Much to Mabrey’s dismay, he hatches a plan for Nicholas to woo and ultimately sabotage Mia’s engagement. Meanwhile, Joe urges Clarisse to openly embrace their romantic feelings for each other before she steps down as queen. As part of royal tradition, Mia must ride sidesaddle for a formal ceremony. Lacking experience in this area, Queen Clarisse provides her with an ancestral wooden leg decoy to make it appear that she is riding properly.