I have a confession to make. When it comes to the royal family, I am not one of those people who reads all the gossip and scours the Internet for intimate details.
I know, I’m in the minority.
Even stranger than this is, I do love royals when it comes to fictional stories because royal romances draw you in with sweeping love stories that can be told and told again. These can be in a range of entertainment mediums such as books or films. And, even if you’re the opposite of me, and you cannot get enough of the royal family, today’s list is still curated with you in mind. It’s compiled for everyone intrigued by royal romances whether in real life or in fiction.
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Below you’ll find books from the YA market as well as inspirational along with a few films that I suspect are nostalgic favorites for many of us. So, in consideration of the impending marriage (Saturday the 19th) of Prince Harry to American actress Meghan Markle (Suits), today we take a look at a few stories that make us swoon over a cute prince or root on a sassy heroine. All of which in some way involve royalty.
Ten Royal Romances For the Romantic in All of Us
Books
1: The Selection Series by Kiera Cass
Though a YA Dystopian series, The Selection remains one of my favorite royal romances. Back when the first novel The Selection was published, this series quickly become one of those “unplug” books to enjoy. It follows a redheaded teen who is chosen to take part in a selection competition to vie for the Prince of Illea’s heart. Think The Bachelor meets The Hunger Games, minus the bloodshed.
Content: There is some violence, and suggestive content. The series would likely earn a PG-13 rating.
2: Romancing the Throne by Nadine Jolie Courtney
One of the more recent YA contemporaries, Romancing the Throne sounds like a fun armchair adventure overseas. It’s about a pair of sisters who fall for the same dude. A guy who just so happens to be a royal!
Content: I’ve not read this one, however I believe it contains some profanity and suggestive situations.
3: The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson
If you enjoy historical fairy tales, this novel might be your cup of tea. It retells the Cinderella legend. Moreover, those who love this story or any books in this same vein will be happy to know, Melanie has an entire series that retells popular (and obscure) fairy tales.
Content: Contains nothing offensive that I remember (it’s been a while since I read it, but this one is published by a Christian imprint of HarperCollins).
4: The Royal Wedding Series by Rachel Hauck
Whether it’s the series starter (Once Upon a Prince) or the final novel (How to Catch a Prince), this series dazzles. It follows three royals as they seek true love while on a very public stage. Did I mention Rachel does the perfect accent? You can “hear” that accent popping off the page.
Content: these are inspirational romances and are PG clean.
5: The Princess in the Opal Mask by Jenny Lundquist
This YA novel is a quick, entertaining and adventurous read. It’s about two girls who swap places for the protection of the royal princess. It’s been years since I read this one but my memories of it are good ones.
Content: PG with perhaps some minor content.
Films
1: Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Now I know she’ll never leave me, even as she fades from view / She will still inspire me, be a part of everything I do / Wasting in my lonely tower, waiting by an open door / I’ll fool myself, she’ll walk right in, and as the long long nights begin, I’ll think of all that might have been / Waiting here for evermore… – Evermore lyrics from Beauty and the Beast
I cannot create a list about royals without mentioning this timeless fairy tale.
Where to Watch: You can rent or own Beauty and the Beast on Amazon Video or iTunes. It’s also available to stream on Netflix.
2: Ella Enchanted
Because how can I not mention this quirky film? For those who don’t know what it’s about, Ella Enchanted is a Cinderella-esque story about an ill-treated girl cursed with obedience. Forced to hide her curse, things become complicated when a villain learns of this curse and orders her to kill the crown prince! This one is based on the novel by Gail Carson Levine. Be sure to check out the book too even though the two are almost nothing alike.
Where to Watch: You can rent or own Ella Enchanted on Amazon Video or iTunes. It’s also available to stream on Netflix.
Content: Rated PG for some rude humor.
3: Ever After
I kneel before you not as a prince, but as a man in love… But I would feel like a king if you, Danielle de Barbarac, would be my wife.
Drew Barrymore stars in this elegant period drama that retells the Cinderella legend in the renaissance era. It’s not only beautiful, it’s also a unique take on the fairy tale. Not to mention, it features a feisty heroine.
Where to watch: You can rent or own Ever After on Amazon Video or iTunes.
Content: Rated PG for some intense moments, and profanity.
4: The Prince and Me
One of my nostalgic favorite royal romances is this darling little film. The story follows an ordinary Midwest college student who meets a charming classmate whom she falls in love with. There’s a catch though! “Eddie” is actually Prince Edward of Denmark.
Where to watch: You can rent or own The Prince & Me on Amazon Video or iTunes.
Content: Rated PG for adult situations, innuendo and some profanity.
5: William and Kate
Speaking of the Royal Family, this cute Lifetime original chronicles the ups and downs of Prince William and his then girlfriend, Kate. It’s a nice little romantic drama that any fan of cute films will enjoy.
Where to watch: You can rent or own William and Kate on Amazon Video or iTunes.
Content: Rated TV-14 for some adult situations.
Bonus! 2 New Royal Romances
1: Harry and Meghan: A Royal Romance
Like William and Kate, Lifetime produced a TV film based on the love story of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The premiere for this one was Sunday May 13th, but you can catch re-airs; just check those local listings.
2: Royally Ever After
Hallmark adds another new royal-themed romance to their line-up. Joining the like of previously produced films like A Princess for Christmas, A Winter Romance, Once Upon a Prince (based on the Rachel Hauck novel), Royal Hearts and a slew of others. This one tells the story of an ordinary girl whose recent engagement to Mr. Right is suddenly placed on a world stage. (Spoiler alert: he turns out to be a prince!) The premiere is on the same day as Prince Harry’s wedding, May 19th. Though the Royal Wedding may not be, this is one wedding you can RSVP to!
Tell me, which royal romances do you love? Did I include any nostalgic favorites of yours? Let me know about the favorites I missed. Also, drop a comment below letting me know if you’re planning to watch all of the Royal Wedding festivities!
Top Image: Fox (Ever After)
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So nice to see my favorite, Ever After, in that list. Though I love a good fantasy, I really appreciated a version of Cinderella where the heroine often thought out her own solutions and was shown to be a capable lady of the house, even if she had to hide many of her actions from her stepmother.
I also appreciated seeing a bit of the stepmother’s backstory. Though her behavior is never excused, it was good to see her story as a tragedy instead of evil incarnate. Wonderful film.
“Ever After” is one of my ALL-TIME forever favorites, Amy. It makes me smile each and every time I re-watch it, and over the years, that’s been many times. 🙂
One of the most fascinating things about the plot is the stepmother. That scene between the two characters (Danielle and her stepmother) when Danielle is combing out her hair almost “breaks” the stepmother, but before she does, she finds her mean streak again. Either way, it’s still a lovely moment. So glad to meet a fellow fan! 🙂
Two of my faves “Ever After” and “The Prince and Me” made the list!! Great moves you can watch over and over!!
Two of my most favorites, too – and I agree. Great ones to enjoy over and over again!! 🙂