Julie Andrews confirms she will not return for Princess Diaries 3

Julie Andrews has confirmed that she will not appear in Princess Diaries 3, ending speculation about a possible return as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in the upcoming sequel.

Andrews discussed the decision in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter while promoting her new children’s book Shy, which she created with her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton. The actress said she is not completely retired but has shifted her focus towards writing, podcasts, voiceovers and other work away from the camera.

Andrews portrayed Queen Clarisse alongside Anne Hathaway in the original The Princess Diaries and its 2004 sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. The original film recently marked its 25th anniversary.

The third film was officially announced in 2024, with Hathaway set to reprise her role as Mia Thermopolis, who becomes Queen of Genovia. Adele Lim, known for Crazy Rich Asians and Joy Ride, is attached to direct, while Debra Martin Chase, a producer on the original films, will return as a producer.

Author Meg Cabot, whose books inspired the franchise, has also expressed support for the new movie. She previously said she had read a version of the script and was enthusiastic about its story.

Production plans for Princess Diaries 3 have faced changes, however. Hathaway recently said the project had paused while she focuses on her third pregnancy. She also revealed that the creative team had experienced a breakthrough but had to restart work on the script following a change in direction.

Despite Andrews’ absence, Hathaway remains attached to the sequel. The film’s story details and release date have not yet been announced.

Andrews said she is interested in seeing what Hathaway, Cabot and the rest of the creative team develop for the next chapter of the Princess Diaries franchise.