Why Julie Andrews Won't Return for 'The Princess Diaries 3': A Look at the Future of the Beloved Franchise

Julie Andrews has officially stated she will not return as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in 'The Princess Diaries 3', citing retirement. While fans are disappointed, Anne Hathaway remains optimistic about the film's progress. The original series, which launched Hathaway's career, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many. With Adele Lim set to direct the new installment, the future of this beloved franchise is still bright. Discover more about the developments surrounding this iconic series and what lies ahead for its characters.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 11:22 IST

Julie Andrews Bows Out of 'The Princess Diaries 3'

In a recent interview with InStyle, Julie Andrews, the legendary actress, confirmed that she will not be reprising her beloved role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in the eagerly awaited 'The Princess Diaries 3'. At 90 years old, Andrews expressed her feelings about retirement, stating, "I think I probably passed… I think I'm retired, really, would be about the best description for that." Fans of the franchise, which includes the cherished films 'The Princess Diaries' (2001) and 'The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement' (2004), are left wondering about the future of the series.

Andrews shared that she was approached several times last year regarding a return for the sequel but ultimately decided it was time to step aside. "It was very very hard to say ‘no,’ but I did because I thought I had a wonderful ride, and this one I felt would flourish very well and wouldn’t need Granny going in there at my age," she explained. Although she hasn't appeared in a major live-action film lately, Andrews continues to contribute her voice to various projects, including Netflix’s popular series 'Bridgerton', where she narrates as Lady Whistledown.

Despite Andrews' exit from the project, Anne Hathaway, who portrays Mia Thermopolis, is still excited about 'The Princess Diaries 3'. Hathaway confirmed that the film is actively in development, stating that she and her team are "constantly working on it." She acknowledged the difficulties of juggling this project with her recent work on 'The Devil Wears Prada 2', which has pushed back the timeline for the new film.

The original 'The Princess Diaries', directed by Garry Marshall and based on Meg Cabot's novel, marked Hathaway's film debut. The plot follows Mia Thermopolis, a timid American teenager who learns about her royal heritage as the crown princess of Genovia, guided by her estranged grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi. The film was a surprising hit, earning over USD 165 million globally and establishing Hathaway as a leading figure in Hollywood.

Following the success of the first installment, a sequel was released in 2004, featuring both Hathaway and Andrews, along with Chris Pine in his feature-film debut. As excitement builds for 'The Princess Diaries 3', it has been reported that Adele Lim, known for her work on 'Crazy Rich Asians', will direct the new installment for Disney, promising to inject fresh energy into the beloved franchise.