The Hallmark Channel is poised to transport viewers to a more whimsical world with its latest romance movie, Royal-ish. Nichole Sakura and William Moseley star as two very different people who are connected by fate and princesses, culminating in an unlikely and sweet love story determined to sweep you off your feet. Is this truly a must-see fairytale romance, or is this title lacking in the necessary Hallmark movie magic and charm to make it worth watching? Keep reading to find out!
The Gist: Lacey Pope (Nichole Sakura) has worked to bring smiles to kids’ faces as Princess Sweet Pea at an amusement park in Virginia for the past seven years. Life hasn’t always been easy, especially after failing to complete her Master’s degree, losing her mother at a young age, and having to balance both her park gig and waitressing at a diner, but she still enjoys her job and hopes to stay as long as she can before aging out.
However, Lacey’s status quo suddenly completely changes when she plays princess for real royals from the small European nation of Bella Moritz. Henry Sabine (William Moseley) is a single father to the young Princess Rose Sabine (Francesca Europa) and is desperate to bring Rose some relief from the immense pressure on her to successfully perform in the upcoming annual Order of the Lily event that requires her to face her fear of riding horses.
Henry’s mother, Queen Eloise (Emily Swain), is a stickler for tradition who wishes to pull Rose out of school so she can be home taught at their palace, but Henry doesn’t want his daughter to become any more isolated than she already is after losing her mother to cancer several years ago. Eloise makes a deal to keep Rose in school if the princess can ride her way through the event in accordance with their kingdom’s centuries-old tradition.
In an effort to cheer Rose up, Henry decides to celebrate her ninth birthday at an amusement park in America, where the pretend princes and princesses can hopefully lift her confidence and mood. There, they meet Lacey, who easily delights and comforts Rose in the Princess Sweet Pea persona, while also catching the eye of Henry in the process.
Seeing how good Lacey is with his daughter over their two-day visit, he offers her a handsomely paid three-week stay in Bella Mortiz to help Rose overcome her fear of horseback riding in time for the Order of the Lily. Lacey accepts under the park-imposed condition that she must go as herself and make no mention of or connection to Princess Sweet Pea, as her boss doesn’t like his performers to ruin the illusion of his magical world and will fire her if she breaks this rule.
So with her beloved job on the line and a high-stakes royal coming-of-age ceremony hanging in the balance, Lacey dives headfirst into foreign customs, judgmental palace personnel, and a potential new romance that could make her paid position as a princess become a lot more permanent and real.
What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: Royal-ish will likely remind viewers of several other Hallmark Original movies that similarly revolve around romance and royalty, such as A Crown For Christmas, The Royal Nanny, and A Christmas Carousel.
Performance Worth Watching: Nichole Sakura carries Royal-ish and even lifts it to greater heights as the starring role, Lacey Pope. She delivers an extremely winning performance that makes her extremely likable from the start so that we’re always on her side and onboard for this ride. Shoutout as well to child actress Francesca Europa, who does a wonderful job as the young Princess Rose. The two ladies work well together and create a strong team to lead the way to make this film a success.
Memorable Dialogue: “How is it?” “Like I walked into Bridgerton with a side of Outlander.” Wow, Lacey, that’s quite the crossover! Sounds kind of spicy, actually.
Sex and Skin: None! Just a fun little innuendo or two (which, for a Hallmark movie, is as hot and heavy as it gets).
Our Take: In the wrong hands, Royal-ish could easily become a cringe-fest. Luckily, the movie is perfectly cast, especially thanks to Nichole Sakura and Francesca Europa’s very natural and earnest performances. All of the actors truly commit to the story, cheesy moments and all, and that’s what helps to make it work. It’s a Hallmark movie, so of course, you know to expect some schmaltz and over-the-top lines and scenarios, but all of these are tempered by an overarching genuine sweetness that’s ultimately quite charming.
Even though we’ve seen Hallmark do the royal thing several times before, the story itself feels unique enough to make things consistently interesting, and the actors ensure that you’re entertained from beginning to end. There are even instances of healthy communication that sometimes falls to the wayside in romance movies in general, so this made for a refreshing change of pace while watching Royal-ish.
The romance itself isn’t the most groundbreaking or thrilling, but it’s steady and committed in a way that still feels swoon-worthy, with Henry just bland and devoted enough to project any fantasy onto (which is exactly how any prince should be, honestly). And in addition to the doting handsome prince, you’ve got a lovely, vaguely European setting, AND a rude, uptight (potentially even villainous if you’re like me and consider hating true love and obsessing over decorum to be evil) royal advisor (Brendan Dempsey) who’s fun to hate, so this movie truly does have something for everyone.
Our Call: Royal-ish is pure, simple entertainment, whimsy, and fun. Tune in for a charming and straightforward happily ever after that will leave you royally pleased. STREAM IT!