With Lindsay Lohan returning to romcoms, Charlie body spray back on the shelves and Carrie Bradshaw running around New York City once more, you’d be forgiven for thinking that we’ve time-warped right back to 2001.

But no, 2024 is simply a year that we’re firmly leaning into nostalgia, from our TV picks to our hobbies. So the news that Disney had confirmed The Princess Diaries 3 after years of speculation is music to our ears. Yes, you read that right. We’re returning to Genovia for a third Princess Diaries movie, following on from the two previous films directed by the late Garry Marshall and based on the novel by Meg Cabot.

Since Disney confirmed the news in 2022, fans have been eagerly waiting on any new details that could indicate that a sequel is getting closer to our television screens. And now, we finally have some new details in the form of a confirmed director boarding the project.

Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming Princess Diaries 3.

What is the plot of Princess Diaries 3?

Being such early days, details have yet to be confirmed. But according to Variety, the threequel is expected to continue the story from The Princess Diaries and sequel Royal Engagement rather than rebooting the series.

This means that there is certainly scope for the return of plenty of fan favourites, from feisty best friend Lilly Moscovitz (played by Heather Matarazzo) to Héctor Elizondo’s bodyguard Joe.

And naturally, plenty of us will be wondering whether Chris Pine will make an appearance as scheming yet dreamy Lord Nicholas Devereaux.

Who will star in Princess Diaries 3?

Of course, the question on everyone’s lips is whether Anne Hathaway will be reprising her role as Princess Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi. And the answer is, yes she absolutely is.

Hathaway posted a video of herself lounging outside and holding up one finger while saying, “one”. It was then followed by a clip of her from the first film saying, “shut up” in response to the news that her character Mia Thermopolis is the Princess of Genovia. The video continued until the actor reached the number three and cut to Myra’s Miracles Happen (When You Believe), a song used in the original film.

It has also been confirmed that Joy Ride’s Adele Lim will be directing the sequel and said of the news:

“As a diehard fan of the original Princess Diaries, I’m beyond excited to be a part of bringing the third iteration of this beloved franchise to life. We look forward to celebrating its core tenants of female power, joy and mentorship with audiences worldwide.”

Earlier this year, Julie Andrews also spoke fondly of The Princess Diaries and especially how it resonates with her younger fan base in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

But when asked if it was a story she’d want to revisit, the acclaimed actor responded: “I think it would be too late to do it now. There was talk of a sequel many, many years ago. But I don’t think it ever came to pass. And Garry [Marshall, who died in 2016] then did leave us.”  

We’re holding out hope regardless as, frankly, it wouldn’t be the same without our queen.

When will Princess Diaries 3 be released?

Unsurprisingly, with the announcement so fresh and little detail to go on, it’s not yet clear when we can expect The Princess Diaries 3 to land on our screens. What we do know, however, is that it will absolutely be worth the wait. Stay tuned for more exciting updates.

Images: Getty/Buena Vista Pictures