7 Fun Facts About ‘The Princess Diaries’ in Honor of Its 23rd Anniversary

As we celebrate the 23rd anniversary of The Princess Diaries, let’s take a look at some fascinating behind-the-scenes tidbits that made this beloved film a true gem.

1. Anne Hathaway’s Authentic Fall:
   During the iconic scene where Mia Thermopolis is overthinking her transformation into a princess, Anne Hathaway’s slip on the bleachers was completely unplanned. The fall was so spontaneous and genuine that director Garry Marshall decided to keep it in the final cut of the film.
2. A Memorable Audition:
   Hathaway’s charm shone through even during her audition, where she accidentally fell off a chair in front of the casting directors. This endearing moment played a significant role in her being cast as Mia. The incident was later humorously referenced in the movie when Julie Andrews’ character, Queen Clarisse, trains Mia in the art of elegance.
3. Tough Competition for Mia:
   The role of Mia Thermopolis attracted many talented actresses, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Rose McGowan, and Alyssa Milano. Amanda Bynes came closest to securing the role but went on to star in another royal-themed film, What a Girl Wants.
4. Whitney Houston’s Influence:
   The film owes its existence to the legendary Whitney Houston, who produced the movie. Houston’s involvement was instrumental in bringing this enchanting story to life.
5. An Improvised Fiery Moment:
   In the scene where Mia accidentally burns the sleeve of a minister, the fire was supposed to be extinguished when she placed his hand on ice. However, the fire didn’t go out as planned. Hathaway’s quick thinking led her to splash water on the minister, a moment of improvisation that made it into the final film.
6. A Familiar Waiter:
   Fans of Garry Marshall’s films might recognize a familiar face during the dinner scene. The actor playing one of the waiters also appeared as a waiter in Pretty Woman. He even delivers the same line he says to Vivian (Julia Roberts) after she accidentally flings a snail across the room, creating a delightful connection between the two Marshall-directed films.
7. Madonna’s Musical Magic:
   The elegant ball scene was set to the tune of Madonna’s hit song “Like a Prayer,” adding a touch of pop royalty to the film’s regal atmosphere.

These fun facts highlight the charm and spontaneity that went into creating The Princess Diaries. Here’s to 23 years of Mia’s transformation from an awkward teenager to a confident princess!