12 Royal Romance Movies to Watch Before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding

Nicole Villeneuve
May 07, 2018

From their secretive early romance to their declarative PDAs and eventual engagement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship has played out like the kind of fairy-tale usually reserved for the movies. Before the couple’s May 19 wedding, which will feature an appropriately whimsical horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Windsor, check out these feature films — some fact, some fiction, all a romantic’s dream — about royal love stories. (Note: This list doesn’t include any of the classic Disney princess animated films, but those are always in our queue.)

Ever After (1998): This updated version of the classic Cinderella fairy-tale stars Drew Barrymore as Danielle, whose heartless stepmother (Anjelica Huston) forces her into a life of cooking and cleaning after her father dies. As in the original, Danielle eventually meets and marries a prince (Dougray Scott), but she’s no damsel in distress — she rescues herself.

Enchanted (2007): When evil Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon) exiles would-be princess Giselle (Amy Adams) to New York City to prevent her from marrying Prince Edward (James Marsden), a jaded but dreamy divorce attorney (Patrick Dempsey) temporarily takes her in. You don’t have to be a subject of the fairy-tale kingdom of Andalasia to guess what happens next.

Roman Holiday (1953): This 1950s rom-com is a classic for a reason. Audrey Hepburn plays Ann, a princess who’s bored with her sheltered existence and flees to try to experience a normal life. Along the way, she meets and falls in love with an American journalist (Gregory Peck) in Rome. Stock up on tissues for the end.

The Princess Diaries (2001): Anne Hathaway made her film debut living out a fantasy: finding out that you’re actually a princess and heir to some faraway throne. Like any good teen movie about an outcast who’s suddenly “popular,” Mia (Hathaway) struggles with her newfound status but discovers that her true friends — and true love — are the people who like her for who she’s been all along.

The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004): Unlike its predecessor, the sequel isn’t based on any of the books of the same name, and while it lacks some of the youthful charm of the first, it also sees Mia breaking royal tradition and standing up for women left and right — not unlike Meghan Markle. Plus, as the title suggests, there’s a (dramatic) royal engagement in this one. What’s not to love?

The Princess Bride (1987): This ’80s classic has stood the test of time as one of the all-time great royal love stories. There’s action, comedy, suspense, and — of course — the ultimate fairy-tale romance between Buttercup (Robin Wright), who almost has to marry an evil prince, and Westley (Cary Elwes), the handsome and doting farmhand who helps rescue her.

Ella Enchanted (2004): What is it about Anne Hathaway that makes her so suited to royal romances? Unlike in The Princess Diaries, Hathaway’s character, Ella, is the one marrying into royalty in this movie, as she escapes her new step-family to be with Prince Charmont.

A Christmas Prince (2017): It’s probably not surprising that a lot of the best fictional royal love stories are set during the holidays; the inherent magic of the Christmas season feels like a fairy-tale on its own. Netflix had a viral sensation on its hand with A Christmas Prince last year — partly because of the film, about an undercover journalist who falls in love with an adopted prince, but also because of its now-iconic tweet roasting the film’s most dedicated viewers.

The Prince and Me (2004): This movie is the perfect portrayal of what happens when a commoner (Julia Stiles) falls in love with a real-life prince (Luke Mably) and has to choose between becoming a princess and pursuing a career. Extra points for a prince who encourages her to follow her heart — and her dreams.

A Royal Christmas (2014): We already know the Hallmark Channel is the ruler of all things Christmas and romance; why not add a little royalty in there, too? In this made-for-TV film (which you can buy on Amazon), Lacey Chabert stars as a seamstress who discovers that her boyfriend is actually a prince. She heads home with him for the holidays, but she has her work cut out for her trying to convince the queen (Jane Seymour) that her lowly, commoner self is suited for royalty.

Cinderella (2015): Like Ever After, the 2015 adaptation of Cinderella aimed to paint the protagonist (Lily James) as a young woman empowered enough to create her own destiny, even within the traditional framework of marriage (to a prince, no less). This one is worth a watch for the aesthetics alone — it was even nominated for an Oscar for costume design. Pure fairy-tale magic.

Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance (2018): Lifetime’s movie about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s romance will make its big debut on May 13. And if it’s anything like the network’s William & Kate feature, which aired before Prince William’s wedding to Duchess Kate Middleton in 2011, it’ll be everything you want in a Lifetime movie.

Do you have a favorite royal romance? Let us know @BritandCo!

(photos via 20th Century Fox/Getty Images + John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images + Movie Poster Image Art/Getty Images + Netflix + Gabriel Hennessey/Crown Media Press + Lifetime)

Idris Elba Reveals How He Ended Up as the DJ at Prince Harry’s Royal Wedding

There were a lot of A-list celebrities at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s May 2018 royal wedding, but only Idris Elba had the honor of acting as DJ for the couple’s reception. This week, in a new interview, the actor revealed how he ended up with the once-in-a-lifetime gig.

“Harry and I, we’ve hung out a couple of times through his dad,” Elba, who hails from London, said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Wednesday, February 27. “His dad’s charity The Prince’s Trust helped me out as a young actor. So I do a lot of work with them and met Harry and William a few times.”

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8 Sundresses That Channel Piper’s Style From ‘The White Lotus’

Piper Ratliff's outfits on The White Lotus are exactly what I'm looking to add to my spring and summer wardrobe for 2025. Piper's (Sarah Catherine Hook) style is the perfect mix of bohemian and classy that gives off a certain laidback elegance. And considering I'm a Carolina girl myself (not to mention I'm actually from the beach), I know exactly how to achieve that ultimate vacation vibe. Here are the best sundresses for a White Lotus look...without any of the drama.

Keep reading for the best sundresses to add some Piper Ratliff & White Lotus magic to your summer wardrobe.

How To Get Piper Ratliff's style from 'The White Lotus.'

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Like I mentioned earlier, all of Piper Ratliff's best outfits are a mix of three things: bohemian, classy, and fitted. While the aesthetic is giving girl off duty, her attention to detail means she always looks put together. Because if you ask me, that's the secret to always looking expensive! Her best outfits feature pieces that are fitted in a flattering way, her accessories are intentional, and everything in her outfit is working together. In this case, less is more.

8 Dresses For Summer 2025 Piper Ratliff Would Approve Of

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Poplin Wide Strap Midi Dress

This gorgeous dress is perfect for both spring and summer, and it's flirty while still offering plenty of coverage. Plus the blue and white color combo is so giving Carolina.

Madewell

Madewell Seamed Squareneck Midi Dress

To channel Piper's more minimalist outfits, this khaki dress is flattering, elevated, and it lets your accessories take center stage.

J. Crew

J. Crew Squareneck Midi Dress

If you prefer to keep your accessories, low-key, a printed dress will do all the heavy lifting for you. And this print is totally giving White Lotus!

Old Navy

Old Navy Fit & Flare Lightweight Smocked Gingham Midi Dress

You can never have too many fit and flair dresses if you ask me. Especially when they feature fluttery sleeves and a dreamy gingham print.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie LSPACE Calla Midi Dress

For the ultimate beachy look, opt for a lightweight, strappy dress. You can wear it over your bathing suit during the day or a colorful bodysuit at night.

J. Crew

J. Crew Fitted-Waist Shirtdress

If there's anything that makes sense for a preppy Carolina girl, it's a collar. Add some raffia sandals for a Piper Ratliff-approved boho edge.

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Strapless Drop-Waist Midi Dress

Y'all, I can't stop thinking about this dress. The silhouette! The color! The detail! It's the perfect thing to pack for any vacation...whether or not you're showing up to a White Lotus resort. ;)

Amazon

CUPSHE Beach Dress

Comfy, casual, and some eye-catching details? Sign me up.

Which Piper Ratliff-inspired look will you be rocking this summer? Don't forget to read up on Everything You Need To Know About The WhiteLotus Season Finale.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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The 25 Happiest Countries In The World Just Dropped For 2025!

The World Happiness Report for 2025 is officially here, and there's a LOT to take away from it — including the happiest countries around the world that you can visit and live in this year. Whether there's better healthcare, more community, and everything in between, some places really are just happier than others. So, without further ado, these are officially the most happy countries in the world for 2025!

Scroll to see what the happiest countries in the world are for 2025!

When did the 2025 World Happiness Report come out?

Yan Krukau

The 2025 World Happiness Report was aptly released on March 20, the International Day of Happiness!

What does the World Happiness Report measure?

FbyF Studio

Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, the report is based on data from the Gallup World Poll, which surveys individuals in over 140 countries. It ranks nations by happiness using the average life evaluations over the past three years, specifically from 2022 to 2024.

Participants in the survey rate their overall life satisfaction, and these self-assessments determine the rankings. To better understand the factors influencing happiness, the report examines six key indicators: GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, generosity, personal freedom, and perceptions of corruption.

What rank is USA in World Happiness Report?

Samson Katt

This year, the United States isn't faring so well. This year, our nation dropped to its lowest ranking ever: number 24.

According to Illana Ron-Levey, Gallup's managing director, some of the United States' decline in happiness was "at least partly attributable to Americans younger than age 30 feeling worse about their lives."

Why would some people be less happy in 2025?

Vlada Karpovich

"Today's young people report feeling less supported by friends and family, less free to make life choices, and less optimistic about their living standards," she added.

The good news is that the research shows people are generally kinder than we assume, and recognizing this could boost our happiness and transform how we perceive those around us.

Moreover, there are plenty of extremely happy countries that make desirable travel destinations. Here are some that topped the list in satisfaction.

Paul Theodor Oja

2025's Happiest Countries In The World

It may not come as a shock that Finland has taken first place for the eighth year in a row. The nation boasts many beneficial policies and initiatives, such as universal health care, as well as a strong social support and education infrastructure. It also has a very low crime rate.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, too, from soaking up the northern lights under the Arctic sky to hiking in one of Finland's 41 national parks, seeing breathtaking architecture, experiencing Midsummer, a celebration of the summer solstice, and, of course, trying Finnish food.

The runners-up to Finland include Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden in second, third, and fourth place, respectively. Just like Finland, these three countries held onto their global happiness ranking from 2024.

Damir K

Those hoping to visit Denmark can explore its capital city, Copenhagen, which is rich in museums and other cultural experiences, learn about the fascinating history of Vikings, and dine at Michelin award-winning restaurants.

Rudy Kirchner

Over in Iceland, experience unbelievable 24-hour daylight from mid-May to late July, go whale watching, take a diving tour or guided snorkeling trip at Thingvellir National Park, traverse glaciers, relax in geothermal spas, and walk along beautiful black sand beaches.

Shvets Anna

Finally, in Sweden, there are various vibrant cities to check out, like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Pop fans must visit the ABBA museum, while culinary connoisseurs need to try authentic Swedish meatballs, and nature lovers can take in all the natural beauty that Sweden is renowned for.

Aside from the Nordic countries, which are dominating the globe in terms of happiness, two Latin American countries also made it into the top 10 for the very first time. Costa Rica ranked at number six, and Mexico at number 10.

Diego Madrigal

If you travel to Costa Rica, you can embark on all kinds of adventures, from hiking and zip-lining to surfing and river rafting.

Bryan Martinez

Or, in Mexico, see the archaeological site Chichen Itza, take a delicious food tour, and sit back on the sand of some stunning beaches.

What's the full list of the happiest countries in the world for 2025?

Kristoffer Brink Jonsson

  1. Finland
  2. Denmark
  3. Iceland
  4. Sweden
  5. Netherlands
  6. Costa Rica
  7. Norway
  8. Israel
  9. Luxembourg
  10. Mexico
  11. Australia
  12. New Zealand
  13. Switzerland
  14. Belgium
  15. Ireland
  16. Lithuania
  17. Austria
  18. Canada
  19. Slovenia
  20. Czechia
  21. United Arab Emirates
  22. Germany
  23. United Kingdom
  24. United States
  25. Belize

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Why The ACOTAR TV Show Cancellation Is Actually A Good Thing

While I love seeing BookTok-viral novels get turned into movies (hello It Ends With Us!), it's just as fun to see them get turned into TV shows, like Fourth Wing — which is why I had such high hopes for A Court of Thorns and Roses at Hulu...before it got canceled. But believe it or not, the fantasy series cancellation could actually a good thing.

Here's the latest update on the A Court of Thorns and Roses show.

Is the ACOTAR TV show still happening?

KoolShooters/Pexels

A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show has officially be scrapped at Disney’s 20th Television, according to Variety. But ACOTAR fans, don't give up hope! Sarah J. Maas was working with Outlander creator Ronald D. Moore, but now Variety's sources say that after the rights expire at Disney, SJM will be shopping the rights to an ACOTAR show to a different studio and platform.

Honestly, I'm totally here for this because a platform like Prime or Max would provide a different kind of edge and aesthetic to the series that would serve it in a different way. And if we have to wait a little longer for a platform SJM feels most aligned with, I'm willing to stick it out!

On February 27, 2024, Sarah J. Maas reportedly went out to coffee with Margot Robbie. Margot's production company (LuckyChap) has backed projects like I, Tonya, Promising Young Woman, Saltburn. Everything Margot touches turns to gold so I really hope she eventually ends up on the creative team for A Court of Thorns and Roses!

Who plays Rhysand in ACOTAR?

Jared Subia/Unsplash

We never got an official cast announcement, but there are plenty of ACOTAR fancasts.

Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca in Netflix's hit series Bridgerton, would be the PERFECT addition to the cast, whether she plays Elain or Feyre. And now, I honestly don't know if I'll be satisfied with anyone else ;). "She is ELAIN," one TikTok user comments. "Literally copy paste from my brain Elain."

Deuxmoi (via Marie Claire Australia) revealed some potential actors who could be in the running, like Thomas Doherty, Theo James, and Katherine Langford. Actress Brec Bassigner expressed that she'd love to be considered for a role. "I emailed my team, and I was like, ‘Listen, I don’t care if I have one line. I have to be a part of this,'" she says in an interview with TV Line.

Is ACOTAR getting a 6th book?

Amazon

Yes, ACOTAR book 6 is on the way! We don't know who the new book will focus on, but Sarah J. Maas did say she's excited to bring it to us.

"The next book in that series, I have the ideas and general, vague thoughts. But the nitty gritty of writing and the emotional journeys with the characters — I usually love to go on those journeys with them," she said during an appearance on TODAY.

What is A Court of Thorns and Roses about?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre, a huntress who's forced to live with the immortal faeries after killing a wolf in the woods. The longer she stays in the Fae's world, the more she begins to love it — and the passionate, alluring faerie Tamlin. But as a dark shadow grows, both their world and Tamlin are put in danger, and it's up to Feyre to save them all.

When did the Court of Thorns and Roses series come out?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first novel in the series of the same name, and was published in 2015. Sarah J. Maas continued the series with A Court of Mist and Fury in 2016, A Court of Wings and Ruin in 2017, A Court of Frost and Starlight in 2018, and A Court of Silver Flames in 2021.

Are you excited for the A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show? Let us know your dream cast in the comments and on TikTok! And read up on The Only ACOTAR Character Breakdown You Need Before Book 6 Comes Out.

This post has been updated.

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