Julie Andrews will not return as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in ‘The Princess Diaries 3’, bringing an end to hopes that the actor would reunite with Anne Hathaway for the long-awaited third chapter of the Disney franchise.

Andrews, who played Mia Thermopolis’ grandmother in the first two films, explained that she feels she has moved beyond on-camera acting. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter alongside her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, the 90-year-old actor said she is still working, but has shifted her focus towards writing, podcasts, recordings and voice work.

“I think the absolute truth is that I think I’m really past all that now,” Andrews told THR. “I’m not completely retired, but it’s a different kind of work that I do these days, [writing] books, and I do a lot of recording of podcasts and voiceovers. But truly, I don’t think I should be a part of it.”

Why Julie Andrews is stepping away from the film

Andrews said her decision is not rooted in a lack of affection for the franchise. Rather, she believes she is at a stage in her career where working away from the camera suits her better. 

“Though Andrews says it’s “still lovely to be working on things,” she prefers not doing work “necessarily on camera.”

“It isn’t that I’m not enthusiastic for it. It’s just that I really don’t feel I should be part of it now,” she explained.

In a separate conversation with InStyle, Andrews offered a similar explanation, saying she considers herself largely retired. She recalled being approached about returning and admitted that turning down the opportunity was difficult.

“They 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, and this one I felt would flourish very well and wouldn’t need Granny going in there at my age.”

The decision marks a significant change for the franchise, considering Andrews' Queen Clarisse was central to Mia's transformation from an ordinary teenager into the heir to Genovia.

Andrews has not ruled out work altogether

Although Andrews is stepping away from a live-action return, she has continued to work extensively in other formats. The actor has lent her voice to several projects and has remained active as a narrator.

Among her recent work is Netflix's ‘Bridgerton’, where she provides the voice of the enigmatic Lady Whistledown. Andrews has also worked on films including Minions: ‘The Rise of Gru’, ‘The King’s Daughter’ and ‘Aquaman’.

The actor has previously explained that voice work allows her to remain creatively engaged without the demands of appearing on camera.

“I do it mostly to keep my brain alive,” Andrews told InStyle.

What Julie Andrews thinks about ‘Princess Diaries 3’

While Andrews will not be involved in the new film, she remains interested in seeing how the story develops. She acknowledged that Hathaway, who played Mia in the original films, is older now and said she was curious about what the filmmakers and author Meg Cabot would create for the next chapter.

“Actually don’t know. I think it proceeds from the second ‘Princess Diaries’. It moves on, but by now Annie too is a little older than she was when she did it. I’m interested to see what Meg [Cabot] and Annie and everybody comes up with,” she said.

The first ‘Princess Diaries’ recently marked its 25th anniversary. Looking back, Andrews credited the late Garry Marshall, who directed the original film, for making the experience memorable.

“I’ve not really given it thought that way. I mean, I’m thrilled, and it was well-made by dear Garry Marshall, who was the sweetest director you could imagine and funny and talented and considerate. So it was a very enjoyable film to make.”

Anne Hathaway returns as Mia

Andrews' absence does not mean the franchise's central character is being recast. Anne Hathaway is set to return as Mia Thermopolis, who was introduced in the original film as a shy teenager who discovers that she is the heir to Genovia.

Hathaway confirmed that she remains committed to the project, although its development has faced delays and changes. She has previously said the team had been working on the story and later revealed that a new creative direction meant the screenplay had to be reworked.

More recently, Hathaway said her pregnancy had affected the timing of the project.

“I’m busy making baby No. 3 and that has sort of taken the place of knowing exactly when I can make ‘Princess Diaries 3’,” Hathaway said. “But I can say I think we had a story breakthrough. I think we are moving in the right direction. The script that we were working on, we kind of had to start over with this new direction, which is not the update I think anybody wants, but we all feel really good that this is gonna be the one.”

The actor had earlier teased the return with the message, “The fairy tale continues,” after the third film was announced.

Adele Lim will direct the third film

‘Princess Diaries 3’ was officially announced in 2024, with Adele Lim attached to direct. Lim, known for ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and ‘Joy Ride’, will take over the directing duties for the new instalment.

Debra Martin Chase, who worked on the original films, is returning as a producer. Naia Cucukov and Melissa Stack are also attached to the project in producing roles.

The new film has been in development for years, according to author Meg Cabot, whose ‘Princess Diaries’ books inspired the franchise. Cabot has said multiple scripts have been discussed over time and that she particularly liked the latest version she had read.

She also said the project had remained under discussion long before the official announcement.

How the original ‘Princess Diaries’ began

Released in 2001, ‘The Princess Diaries’ introduced Hathaway as Mia, a socially awkward American teenager whose life changes after she discovers that her estranged grandmother is the queen of Genovia.

Andrews played Queen Clarisse, who takes on the task of teaching Mia how to navigate royal life. The film, directed by Marshall and written by Gina Wendkos, also featured Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore, Caroline Goodall and Robert Schwartzman.

Despite initial doubts surrounding a G-rated film centred on a teenage girl's royal transformation, ‘The Princess Diaries’ became a commercial success, earning about $165.3 million worldwide and helping establish Hathaway as a major star.

The sequel, ‘The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement’, followed in 2004. Hathaway and Andrews returned, with Chris Pine joining the cast as Nicholas Devereaux, Mia's romantic interest.

More than two decades later, Hathaway is preparing to step back into the world of Genovia. But this time, Queen Clarisse will not be there to guide her granddaughter.