I LOVE Ann Hathaway and I follow her every movie. Princess Diary I didn't know that was her first acting step :)
15 Facts About “The Princess Diaries” That Will Make You Fall in Love With the Movie All Over Again

Just like in music, there are films that are nothing more than a one-hit-wonder — they’re a huge success just after their release but after a while, no one speaks about them again. On the other hand, there are some films that no matter how much time passes by, are still considered just as relevant as the first day they hit theatres. Even decades after their release, they still manage to captivate viewers and score new fans. That’s exactly the case of a certain romantic comedy we’ll be talking about in this article.
And that’s why Bright Side wants to share with our readers 15 facts about The Princess Diaries that many people don’t know about, despite having seen the movie many times. We’re sure that after reading this article, you’ll want to rewatch this beautiful comedy again and again.
1.
Whitney Houston was in charge of production along with 2 other producers.
2.
You wouldn’t be able to tell because of her amazing performance, but Anne Hathaway made her debut as an actress in this movie.
3.
4.
The actor who played Mia’s father in the movie was Anne Hathaway’s real father.
5.
In the scenes prior to her complete makeover, Hathaway had to wear a wig and fake eyebrows.
6.
During the shooting of the film, Hathaway went out dressed like Mia and said she had never felt so alone in her life.
7.
Garry Marshall, the movie’s director, was also in charge of directing Pretty Woman.
8.
This fact might explain why the scene where Mia breaks a glass and the waiter says, “It happens all the time,” is actually a nod to Pretty Woman. Indeed, the same actor (Allan Kent) says the same sentence to Vivian (Julia Roberts) when she lets a snail slip while eating dinner with Edward (Richard Gere).
9.
Hector Elizondo, the actor who played Joe, has appeared in all of Garry Marshall’s films.
10.
Playing the role of Charlotte Kutaway, Queen Clarisse’s secretary, was Kathleen Marshall, daughter of Garry Marshall.
11.
According to the film, the location of Genovia could be that of Andorra, between Spain and France.
12.
In the movie, the character named Michael has a rock band. Robert Schwartzman, the actor who played the role, had a band too — only his went by the name Rooney.
13.
Mia’s kitty was played by 4 different cats. One of them was actually Anne Hathaway’s real pet. Looks like almost all the Hathaways were in the movie!
14.
There’s a scene in the movie where Mia falls down on the bleachers. That fall was not in the script, it was purely accidental. However, the director found it so funny that he decided to keep the take and include it in the movie.
15.
Mia takes etiquette classes as part of her apprenticeship to become a princess. In one of her lessons, she recites a passage from Shakespeare. The funny thing here is that Shakespeare’s wife was named — you guessed it: Anne Hathaway!
Here’s a game for you: If you had been in charge of casting The Princess Diaries and Anne Hathaway wasn’t available to star in the movie, which actress would you have chosen instead? Why do you think she (or maybe he) would’ve been a great fit for the role?
Comments
I love her too. Not just her first acting, but also what made her famous ;)
Really? I show other movies of hers first to be honest. But really her acting anyway. Also there a new series now she is playing in and I would love to watch it too :)
Yes!!! I think that's it! I don't care, one season?? I'll take it haha :p
Yes, it's her real father and I've read that they have a very good father-daughter relationship ;)
Ummmmmmm wait... YOU GUYS WERE TALKING 2 HOURS AGO !!!!!! ( Why didnt I come ) Oh and I just love both the movies. Do you ??
Related Reads
12 Heartfelt Moments That Prove Small Acts of Care Aren’t Really Small

10 Moments Teaching Us Wisdom and Compassion Are Still the Heart of Every Happy Family in 2026

10 Acts of Kindness and Compassion That Teach Us Nail Salons Are More Than Just Pedicures in 2026

11 Moments That Prove Compassion and Empathy Can Quiet Even the Loudest Pain in Our Hearts

16 Tiny Vintage Treasures People Almost Walked Past

15+ Marriage Moments That Quietly Turned Into the Best Sitcom Nobody Could Script

10 Moments That Show How Compassion and Kindness Quietly Repair the Damage Around Us

15 Stepparent Moments That Teach Us a Bonus Dad’s Acts of Kindness and Compassion Matter More Than Biology

12 Acts of Kindness That Prove Compassion Brings Light Back to Heavy Hearts

11 True Moments That Prove Quiet Compassion Is the World’s Most Powerful Strength in 2026

10 Real Stories That Prove Quiet Kindness Still Outperforms Drama Everyday

A Wife Found a Lipstick in Her Husband’s Car—The Explanation Stunned Her













