Once Upon a Christmas Crown

Once upon a time, in a castle far, far away,

lived a little princess named Charlotte.

But unlike most princesses,

Charlotte found her true joy not in crowns and ceremonies,

but in more simple things.

She would sneak away to the palace kitchen

where she learned the art of baking

under the watchful eyes of Mr. Eddie,

the beloved head chef,

and his kind daughter Kate.

There, Charlotte discovered the simple magic

of bringing joy to others one pastry at a time.

I do have some reservations about this red trim.

It seems rather bold.

I like it.

I think it's almost perfect.

Just needs a few finishing touches. Hmm.

Sprinkles!

Princess Charlotte!

The Queen!

I thought you asked permission

to be in the kitchen, Your Highness.

Oops.

Your dress!

Mr. Eddie, could you possibly finish the sparkles for us?

- Yes, ma'am. - Come on, hurry.

I'll help you clean your dress.

I simply need a damp cloth. The flour shall come right out.

What about that pink stuff right there?

Oh, the pink smudge. That is a predicament.

Could help me find another gown?

Family photographs are in half an hour.

On it.

It truly is such a joy, Kate, to have you back.

How long will you be here?

I'm helping my dad in the kitchen 'til Saturday

- and my flight leaves at six a.m. - Then back to Florida?

Actually, I'm headed to a small town in upstate New York.

I joined a baking competition.

Top prize: A grant to open your own bakery.

It's truly my dream, Charlotte.

Oh, your life sounds so exhilarating.

Says the Princess of Marovia.

I cannot imagine the freedom you possess.

To fly out on your own anytime and anywhere you wish.

You have your own plane, Charlotte.

Reserved for family duties. A shame you can't stay longer.

I was hoping we'd spend some time together over the holidays.

I know. I wish I could.

How about this one?

No, I wore that last year.

The press'd have a field day. "Princess Charlotte wears

the same gown two years in a row for Christmas photos.

Is the royal family facing financial ruin?

Full story at nine."

Oh, wow. I don't know how you do it.

Sometimes I wear the same track pants

for three days and no one notices.

You do not! Well, when you live in a quiet, peaceful country,

the royal family's fashion choices seem to be

the most pressing matter.

Sometimes I do wish I could just vanish,

go off on an adventure of my own,

perhaps have the privilege

of wearing truly comfortable clothing.

So why don't you?

Wear comfortable clothing? It's simply not permitted.

No. Why don't you just disappear for a while?

How about this one?

That might work.

Come back with me. Yeah! We could have

a fun holiday getaway

and you could join the baking competition.

The Queen would never allow it.

Would you assist me with the zipper?

Yeah, of course.

Kate, thank you for always being here for me.

Sometimes I feel you're the only one who

truly understands me.

Always.

Welcome to Foxborough Inn. Can I get your name?

Luke, please! I'd like to take a photo

- before Lily leaves for college. - I'm going to college? When?

- It's a joke, honey. - Luke!

Just trying to run a family-friendly business here.

Here are your keys. Room's down the hall

on the right past this festive-looking bunch here.

Enjoy your stay.

Hi. Sorry. Enjoy your stay.

Mommy says the bigger her belly gets,

the shorter her fuse is.

Well, let's hope her belly doesn't get much bigger.

Okay, well I heard that, so...

Lucas, stop provoking your sister.

It's how I show my love, Dad.

Okay. Everyone ready?

Yes.

Say Christmas.

Christmas!

Princess Charlotte, would you be so kind

as to take but a small step to your right.

Perhaps a touch to your left, Your Highness.

A mere smidgen, if you please.

Splendid.

Now, if you would kindly indulge me, a slight smile.

Pardon me, Your Royal Highness. A touch more

demureness, if that's not too much trouble.

Ah, yes.

That's far more appropriate.

I've got the inside track on the story of the year.

Sure you do, Mark. You and half of Royal Crescent.

Just wait. You'll see.

If this is about the engagement rumours,

you're not the only one with that particular scoop.

How could you possibly know?

The princess hasn't been told yet.

Well. She's about to find out.

We've been around long enough, lad.

Need more than a whisper to break something this big.

Trust me.

Princess Charlotte! Princess Charlotte!

Princess Charlotte! Patrick from The Herald.

Princess, Patrick from The Herald.

Patrick from The Herald. Just one question.

Princess Charlotte, one question, please?

Hi, Princess Charlotte, one question here.

- Yes? - There's been talk that

Prince David and yourself plan to announce

an engagement this Christmas. Care to comment?

I would be remiss to speculate on what surprises

the prince might have in store for this festive season.

Princess Charlotte, is your relationship with

the prince one of true love or is it more symbolic,

a duty to the Crown and the country?

I've no comment at this time. I do, however,

wish you all a very pleasant evening.

Thank you.

One more question, Princess!

Excuse me. Father.

Mother. David.

Charlotte, my dear, you look rather frazzled.

Is everything all right?

Yes, Mother. I'm simply a bit tired.

Would you mind terribly if I had a word with David in private?

Of course, darling.

David, we shall continue our conversation

at another time.

Enjoy the festivities.

Are you having a lovely evening?

Not particularly. I just heard the most outrageous rumour.

Ah! The cat is out of the bag.

Please tell me you're not proposing at Christmas.

Charlotte, it's expected. You knew this day would come.

I know. But I thought we'd have more time.

More time for what? It's been arranged

long before you and I had any say in the matter.

We both know it's been planned since we were children.

I know.

Don't you ever wonder...

Don't you want to fall in love?

I love you.

I love you, too, David.

You've been a dear friend to me my whole life.

A friend. You can't say I love you

- without looking away. - Sure, I can. I love... you.

Charlotte, this is for the Crown.

This is for both our countries

and the Crown always comes first.

Don't you want to... explore the world a little?

Find out who you truly are beyond castle walls?

I understand your hesitation. In fact, I too have some dreams

I've set aside, but this is our path.

Yes. I suppose it merely took me by surprise.

I'll need some time to think. To process.

Take your time. The engagement's not for

another three weeks, so take all the time that's required.

But, Charlotte, we cannot escape who we are.

You are Princess of Marovia and I... love... you.

I'll work on that.

This one's my favourite.

I think we're missing a spot right here.

Hm. You get that from Mom.

What do you mean, Mommy?

I mean Uncle Luke takes after your grandma.

She used to decorate the most beautiful Christmas trees.

- What do I take after grandma? - You have her big heart.

Mm-hm. And her sweet tooth. Now go get ready for bed, Missy.

Uncle Luke, will you read me a story?

Brush your teeth and I'll be up.

Okay.

I'm waiting for you!

I'm waiting for you to go brush your teeth.

Thank you.

So, how you feeling, Sis?

Like I swallowed a beach ball.

You really should watch what you eat!

Hey, don't test my patience. Please.

- I wouldn't dare. - Okay.

- Are you excited? - Yeah, very.

Of course. Nervous.