If you’re already a sucker for Hallmark’s royal‑romance micro‑universe, The Royal We lands like a warm scone with just the right amount of jam — sweet, familiar, and surprisingly satisfying. Director Clare Niederpruem keeps everything breezy and bright, leaning into the fantasy without tipping into parody. It’s the kind of movie that knows exactly what lane it’s in and cruises there confidently, earning a solid 4 Crowns out of 5 from the Hallmark‑loving corner of my heart.
The story goes like this: Prince Desmond of Androvia and Princess Coralina of Vostiary have met only twice, yet they’re set to marry in a union arranged by their grandfathers to delay a centuries‑old land dispute between their once‑unified kingdoms. When Coralina abruptly abdicates and elopes with a plumber (yes, a plumber!!!), Desmond—under pressure from both mistrustful kings, Richmond and Winston—turns to her younger sister, Princess Beatrix, who left royal life decades earlier and now lives incognito in Boston as “Bea,” running a girls’ empowerment foundation with her best friend Chloe.
Tracked down by Desmond’s loyal valet Edwin, Bea bristles at the intrusion and the idea of marrying a man she assumes is an out‑of‑touch aristocrat, but reluctantly agrees to participate while negotiations continue. As Desmond and Bea navigate duty, diplomacy, and the possibility that the marriage may not even be required, their unexpected partnership—and the spark that grows between them—complicates everything they thought they knew about loyalty, legacy, and love.
A huge part of the charm in The Royal We comes from the cast. Mallory Jansen is effortlessly engaging as Princess Bea, playing her with that perfect Hallmark blend of grounded warmth and “I might actually be royalty, but also I bake.” Charlie Carrick brings a steady, understated charisma as Crown Prince Desmond — not flashy, not brooding, just quietly compelling in a way that makes the romance feel earned. And the supporting cast, especially Rae Lim as Bea’s confidante, keeps the energy light and playful without ever stealing focus.
Fans of The Reluctant Royal will get a kick out of how neatly this film ties into that earlier entry. It’s not a sequel, exactly — more like a companion piece that expands the same fictional monarchy. The references are sprinkled in like Easter eggs: a familiar crest here, a nod to past royal scandals there, and even a few winks to viewers who remember the first film’s chaos. It’s world‑building, Hallmark‑style: soft, sweet, and just interconnected enough to make you feel like you’re in on the joke.
The filming locations add a lot of sparkle. Shot primarily in Bulgaria, the production leans into grand architecture, sweeping courtyards, and those “European but not too specific” palace interiors that Hallmark has perfected. Everything looks polished and storybook‑ready, giving the romance a lush backdrop without overshadowing the characters. It’s escapism with a passport stamp.
In the end, The Royal We is simply fun — a cozy, low‑stakes royal romp with charming leads, a playful connection to The Reluctant Royal, and enough heart to make the familiar beats feel fresh. And if you’re ready to dive in, it’s streaming now on Hallmark+, making it an easy pick for a night when you want something warm, sparkly, and delightfully predictable.
MPAA Rating: TV-G.
Runtime: 84 mins
Director: Clare Niederpruem
Writer: C. Jay Cox; Anne Black; Clare Niederpruem
Cast: Mallory Jansen; Charlie Carrick; Rae Lim
Genre: Drama | Romance
Tagline: Her Royal Highness in New in Crown
Memorable Movie Quote: "This rogue princess... we need to find her."
Distributor: Hallmark +
Official Site:
Release Date: March 1, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: When her older sister elopes with a non-royal, Princess Bea who has lived her life away from her royal duties must now step in and honor the arranged marriage to a small kingdom prince.
