The world loves royal brides and right now, all eyes are on England! In just a few short months, one of the world’s most dashing bachelor princes will walk down the aisle with a gorgeous American actress. It’s a fairy tale romance, straight from a film or novel. It’s Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier for the 21st Century. It’s….swoon-worthy romance at its finest!
If you haven’t seen the interview Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave just after the announcement of their engagement, head over to YouTube now. It’s perhaps one of the most romantic interviews…ever! Spoiler: They met on a blind date!
Here at Silver Petticoat, it’s no secret we are fans of old-fashioned and classic romantic stories. In celebration of the next royal wedding, we decided to put together a list of romantic royal brides and their Prince (or King!) Charmings. Whether true stories of love, or a fairy tale where the impossible becomes possible, stories of royal brides lift the spirit and delight fans across the world. A mix of real life and fictional couples, there is something on our list for everyone. So, grab a cup of tea, or a glass of champagne, and take a look at just a few of our favorite royal brides.
Royal Brides – 10 Romantic Happily Ever Afters
(In Alphabetical Order by Film/Television Title)
#1 Cinderella (2015)
This live retelling of a classic romance is truly a feast for the eyes…and heart! As far as royal brides go, Cinderella ranks high on any list!
Where to Watch: Stream on Amazon or purchase on DVD/Blu-Ray.
#2 Coming to America (1988)
Come on…you know you loved this romantic comedy as much as I did!
Where to Watch: Available to stream free with Amazon Prime Starz Add-On. Or, to rent/purchase, too.
Content Note: This one is Rated R for nudity and language.
#3 The Crown (TV Series 2016 – Current)
Perhaps it isn’t fair to include real-life royal brides from the same family but, here it is! I’m a sucker for true stories of romance, especially stories that are as real as you can get when it comes to royalty. While not everything always came up roses for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, they are still living their happily ever after.
Where to Watch: Seasons 1 and 2 are available on Netflix.
Content Note: Rated TV-MA. While mostly TV-14, there is one episode in season two that has an explicit sex scene with nudity.
#4 Crown for Christmas (TV Movie 2015)
I can’t thank fellow contributing writer, Rissi JC, enough for her recommendations on Hallmark’s romantic royal brides. After researching her recommendations, Crown for Christmas was a must-add to this list. Imagine my delight when I discovered it was re-airing on the Hallmark Channel. It was everything Rissi promised and more. A hotel maid becomes the governess for the daughter of a King and ends up finding true love. This one hit me right in the feels! Yes, that is me sighing in delight over this happily-ever-after! Psst…Rupert Penry-Jones plays Max (the King). You know, Captain Wentworth of Persuasion? *Swoon*
Related Post | Crown For Christmas – Festive Fairy Tale Hallmark Film with British Star Rupert Penry-Jone
Where to Watch: Available to purchase on Amazon.
#5 Ella Enchanted (2004)
I love this fun movie of a girl “cursed” with the gift of obedience. It has humor, song and dance numbers, and, of course, romance! Even better, in a twist on the typical fairy tale, girl saves boy thus, ensuring her own happily ever after!
Where to Watch: Available to stream free with Amazon Prime, Hulu, or to rent or purchase, too.
#6 Once Upon a Time (TV Series 2011 – Current) – “The Song In Your Heart”
A list of royal brides has to include Emma Swan. She is, after all, technically a Princess (she is the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming). Emma’s happily ever after with Hook was a long time coming. It’s no wonder their wedding was the epitome of romance!
Where to Watch: Season 1-6 are available to stream on Netflix. Season 7 currently airs on ABC. The last five episodes are available on Hulu.
#7 The Princess Bride (1987)
A commoner becomes a Princess to marry a prince but instead runs away with a pirate! Now, that’s a happily ever after!
Where to Watch: Available to rent or purchase on Amazon, Youtube, Vudu, and iTunes.
#8 The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Yes, another Disney film about an everyday girl who becomes a Princess Bride. But the journey for Naveen and Tiana is anything but typical! Rich in New Orleans culture (the soundtrack is amazing!) and traditions (Voodoo, Mardi Gras….beignets!), this film holds a special place in my heart.
Where to Watch: Available to purchase on Amazon or rent on Youtube, Vudu, and iTunes.
#9 A Royal Christmas (TV Movie 2014)
Another Hallmark feel-good movie from Rissi! It has everything you need – an average Jane, a Prince, and a meddling mother. A perfect recipe for a happily ever after!
Where to Watch: Available to purchase on Amazon or Vudu.
#10 Victoria (TV Series 2016 – Current)
Like I said, I have a weakness for true life romances! So, another true story of a royal bride very much in love with her husband-to-be? Yes, please! By the way, I just finishing binging Season 1 of Victoria and whew!!
Where to Watch: Available to stream for free with Amazon Prime. Or, to rent/purchase.
Related Post | Romantic Moment of the Week: Victoria and Albert
There are many more films and television series not featured on this list. There are a number of modern adaptations of Cinderella and numerous Hallmark Channel original movies featuring royal brides! Luckily, you have several months to binge-watch your favorites over and over!
What are your favorite royal romantic movies or television happily ever afters? Sound off in the comments below!
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I would add Grace Kelly’s film The Swan to this list and bonus! she also became a real life princess.
YES!! Bonus film! This was her last film. She married Prince Rainier the same day it was released in theaters. So many more good films that could be on this list!