Julie Andrews reveals why she turned down 'The Princess Diaries 3' with Anne Hathaway

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The buzz around 'Princess Diaries 3' may bring joy, nostalgia, and excitement for fans eager to see the main characters return. But not everyone is coming back.

Julie Andrews has revealed she will 'pass' on the opportunity to reprise her role as Queen Clarisse, the grandmother of Mia Thermopolis, played by Anne Hathaway.

'The Princess Diaries' (2001) and 'The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement' (2004) became beloved hits. Anticipation for the third installment is high, but without Clarisse by Mia’s side, the update is bittersweet.

Julie Andrews won't return for 'Princess Diaries 3'

During an interview with InStyle, the 90-year-old icon shared, “I think I probably passed... I think I’m retired, really, would be about the best description for that."

“(The film’s creative team) asked me all last year if I would be keen to do it. It was very, very hard to say ‘no,’ but I did because I thought I had a wonderful ride," she stated.

"And this one I felt would flourish very well and wouldn’t need Granny going in there at my age," she added.

Even though Hathaway previously told Entertainment Tonight that she would be very interested in bringing Andrews back, saying, “We would go to where she was and put a green screen behind her and just make it happen," Andrews has decided not to return.

Back in 2022, Disney confirmed to Variety that the third installment of the franchise was already in development. Now, regardless of ongoing speculation, Andrews has confirmed she will not return for the film.

Anne Hathaway reprises Mia Thermopolis role

According to Variety, Hathaway will reprise her role as Mia Thermopolis, the Queen of Genovia. During an interview on SiriusXM’s “Radio Andy,” the actress said the script had struck the right chord.

“I think we are moving in the right direction,” she said at the time.

For those unfamiliar, the movie is based on Meg Cabot’s novel and was directed by the late Garry Marshall.

Despite receiving mixed reviews, the first film was a box office success, earning $165 million worldwide.

The sequel also generated significant buzz, earning $134 million worldwide. The chemistry between Hathaway and Andrews was widely praised and became one of the franchise’s most celebrated aspects.

For those unfamiliar with the storyline, the films follow a teenager who suddenly learns she is of royal blood and the princess of Genovia.

The first installment follows Mia’s journey from an ordinary high school student to a princess under the guidance of her royal grandmother. The second installment focuses on Mia’s path to taking the throne of Genovia while navigating the kingdom’s requirement that she marry before becoming queen.