♪ If snowflakes were wishes ♪
♪ Then all your kisses make my dreams come true ♪
Thank you. Merry Christmas!
♪ Presents piled high under the tree ♪
♪ A very special one just for you ♪
♪ Holidays come and holidays go ♪
♪ But one thing I know is true ♪
♪ Your sweet kisses is all I need ♪
♪ My Christmas wish is you ♪
♪ Your sweet kisses is all I need ♪
♪ My Christmas wish is you ♪
May I help you?
Your Christmas decorations, ma'am.
Oh, I think you have the wrong apartment.
I ordered Chinese food.
Really? At 9 a.m.?
Yeah, don't you eat Chinese food with your pancakes?
What type of pancakes?
Uh...
Blueberry? Chocolate chip? Banana?
No, no, no. None of that nonsense.
Just original, homemade buttermilk pancakes.
Oh! I think I'm in love with you.
Well, you might as well just come in then.
Emily Taylor and pancakes. What else is there?
Except maybe... bacon?
- You ate all the bacon. - When?
Yesterday. Three BLTs?
Oh, yeah. Those were great.
Oh, wait, we have to toast to our first Christmas together.
The first of many.
For you.
What is that, a kidney?
It's a heart.
Oh, you're giving me your heart.
And a kidney if I have to.
No, I'm good for now, thanks.
Oh, how come I don't have a boyfriend
that comes over to make me breakfast?
He came over so I would make him breakfast.
Morning, Toni.
I'm late. Your dad's gonna kill me.
- You're late every day. - But this time, I'm late-late.
Tell him I'll be at the shop soon, okay?
Okay.
This is so nice.
I can just sit here. I can sit here indefinitely,
watching TV and eating.
You can start that, but first can you try on a jacket for me?
Not again.
It'll take seconds.
Is it a woman's jacket?
Maybe.
Then that would be a no.
Oh, come on. It's unisex.
- Is this one of your creations? - Mm-hmm.
I love that you can make something out of nothing.
You're such an amazing clothes designer.
Don't be too impressed.
I haven't actually sold anything yet.
But you will. Your designs are beautiful.
It's gonna be a great Christmas.
Yeah, it's your first Christmas with my family.
I mean, if that doesn't send you running, I don't know what will.
Do I look like I'm running?
Not yet, but it's only the 18th.
Oh, hold on.
Unisex?
Okay, I may have lied.
- Carry on. - Arms down.
Okay, let's see what we got here. I'm thinking...
I want the sleeves gathered, but not too much.
Bring up the hem an inch and a half,
take in the waist,
and one more button on the back.
So what, are you a stylist now?
- On second thought, bring up-- - Toni!
- She's all yours. - Come here.
Hey, Dad!
Hey, baby!
Hi.
Hey, Leo!
How's the big job search coming along, Mr. MBA?
He just graduated. Give him a break.
When the time is right, I'm sure the right job will come along.
I'm not too worried, Mr. Taylor.
You can drop the "Mr. Taylor" stuff.
You've been dating my daughter, what, about a year now?
Almost, yeah.
Do you know how many of her old boyfriends I approve of?
Maybe 2 %.
I mean, not that there have been that many.
Well, I am honored to make the cut.
Hey, you're coming over for Christmas, right?
Wouldn't miss it.
We go all out. Don't we, Emily?
We should go out to eat
because, Dad, your cooking...
What's wrong with my cooking?
Uh, sorry. I have to take this.
I kinda like him. He's gotta get a job, but--
He's working on it.
I told you I have plans this Christmas.
I know!
All right. I'll be there.
Okay, okay, okay, what exactly did he say?
Is that he needed to tell me something.
What, in a public place?
People break up with people in public places.
Where?
Chez Louis.
Ah, that's good.
People propose at Chez Louis.
I know three people that got engaged there.
I think we're getting ahead of ourselves.
- Are we? - Okay, you know what?
If he breaks up with me, then you can hold the Kleenex.
And if he proposes, then you can be my bridesmaid.
You're not nervous?
No. Why would I be nervous? It's Leo.
I'm not nervous. Should I be nervous?
- Hey. - Hey.
Thanks for coming.
Of course.
Well, this is so formal.
It's kind of unlike you.
Emily, I'm...
I'm not quite sure how to say this.
Okay, now you're making me nervous.
There's been a change of plans. I can't stay here for Christmas.
Is everything okay?
Yes and no.
It's kind of a family thing.
Oh, I understand.
No, you don't. Um...
I should've told you this as soon as we met,
but we got along so well.
And you liked me for me, and...
then we fell in love with each other.
And then time started flying by,
and it kept getting harder and harder to tell you--
Oh, no. You're already married.
What?
Are you married?
No, no. I'm a... prince.
Wait, what?
I'm...
Prince Leopold of Cordinia.
I'm sorry.
Wait, what's--where-- What's Cordinia?
It's a small sovereign state near the south of France.
So you're not Leo James.
No, no, no. I am.
Just with a few more names.
It's Leopold James William Henry Quincy Archibald Devlin...
the Fourth.
So what was this? I mean us?
It was pretend?
No, no, no. It's quite the opposite.
I feel that my entire life before you was pretend.
But it's like I don't even know you.
- I'm still the same person. - No, no, you're not.
Leo, the Leo I know wears jeans
and watches reruns and eats pancakes.
I eat pancakes in Cordinia.
Look, I am so sorry.
You don't know how much I wanted to tell you,
but I had a ridiculous promise with my mother.
The only way she would let me study abroad
with no bodyguards or handlers
was if I kept my identity a secret.
Then I met you and everything changed.
Can you ever forgive me?
Maybe one of you. I haven't met the other one.
Well, come home with me for Christmas, and you'll see.
I promise that Leo James and Prince Leopold,
they're the same person.
Please.
And you promise you're not married?
I swear on the royal crest.
Queen Isadora, breakfast is served.
Your toast and marmalade, ma'am.
I mean Your Majesty.
What flavor is the marmalade?
Mandarin, ma'am.
I prefer quince.
And 1 %, not 2 % milk.
Yes, ma'am.
Your tea, Your Majesty.
You are pouring from the wrong side.
You might ease up on them.
Will and Olivia are new. They'll get it right.
Well, alert me when they do,
and we'll commemorate with an oil painting.
What happened to the previous footman?
The same thing that happened to the previous three:
you.
I suppose I'm a little on edge lately.
I hadn't noticed.
I just want everything to go well... with Leopold.
I'm sure it will.
I feel that I don't know him anymore,
and he's bringing home a girl.
- An American? - Yes.
I hear some of them can be quite pleasant.
Well, I certainly hope it's nothing serious.
The tea is tepid.
All this time you've been dating him,
and he's secretly been a prince?
Oh, I can't believe it.
When my boyfriends withhold information,
it's that they're unemployed, and I'm paying for dinner.
I wish your Mom was here.
I know. Me too. We never spent a Christmas apart.
I can't stand the thought of you being alone.
Hey, he's got me.
Yeah, like you said, alone.
Hey.
- Hi. - Hey.
- How are you? - Leo.
I don't know whether to shake hands or bow.
Oh, come here.
Leo, you don't mind, do you? For the shop wall.
Dad!
Anything for the shop wall.
- Really? - He's embarrassing.
- Sorry. - There you go.
Oh, this is going right next to Sylvester Stallone's brother.
Wow. That means a lot.
Now you have a good time.
- I... - What's the matter?
I don't know. What if she doesn't like me?
How do I know she's gonna like me?
Who couldn't like you?
You just be yourself.
Be proud of who you are because I am.
You're my princess.
- I love you. - I love you.
Have a great time.
- Bye-bye! - Bye.
- Leo. - Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you. I love you, baby.
Merry Christmas.
Bye. Bye!
Call! Have fun!
Welcome to my humble abode.
Whoa.
Come on, let's meet the staff,
although they're more like family.
Victor, good to see you.
You're looking well, Your Royal Highness.
America seems to suit you.
You have no idea how much.
I think I might.
Emily, this is Victor, head butler.
It's so nice to meet you, Victor.
And you too, miss.
Thanks.
Hi, everyone.
It's really nice to meet everyone. Hi.
Oh. You have guards with feathered hats.
Yeah. I've been trying to get a reaction out of them for years.
Gentlemen.
See?
Nothing.
The last time Cordinia ever got snow
was over 40 years ago.
They still call it the Cordinian Christmas miracle.
Oh, wow.
Leopold! You're here at last.
And wearing someone else's clothes.
Were you robbed?
Good to see you too, Mother.
Is it?
Because if it was, you would have come home more often.
Mother, this is Emily Taylor.
Hi. It's very nice to meet you, Mrs...
Queen.
Your Majestyness.
And so nice to meet an acquaintance of Leopold's.
Emily is more than an acquaintance.
She's my girlfriend.
Mother?
Well, you can't imagine my delight.
Wow. What a beautiful room.
I love your Christmas tree.
I brought you a gift from Philadelphia,
the city of brotherly love.
Oh.
How thoughtful and unexpected.
A cracked bell.
Oh, it's the Liberty Bell.
And a bald man with glasses.
Benjamin Franklin.
I find it fascinating that your Mr. Franklin
has been credited with discovering electricity
when in fact it was discovered 150 years prior
by William Gilbert, an Englishman.
Oh.
Only you could find fault in Benjamin Franklin, Mother.
Everyone has faults, dear. Some more than others.
Well, thank you for your charming gift.
Would you put this someplace special?
Oh, look at you!
Oh, you're so cute!
Oh, and I think I have a sweater just like this,
only not as nice.
This is Wheaties.
Mother is very attached to her dogs.
Well, they're very loyal, and they don't leave home.
Would you mind if I had a few moments alone
with Leopold, dear?
Oh, sure.
Victor will show you to your room.
Take our American guest to the Gold Room.
Oh, the Gold Room. That sounds beautiful.
Yes. It's also the farthest room possible away from my room.
It has an excellent view.
Of the cemetery.
Victor, take Emily to the Cardinal Suite.
It's being renovated.
You know what? The cemetery view, that's gonna be fine.
See you later.
- This way. - Thank you.
Why am I only just hearing about this now?
Because if I told you about it earlier,
it would only have given you more time to ruin things.
- You've been infatuated before. - We love each other.
I know you like to be in control of things,
but my feelings, they're not in your realm.
One day you're going to be king, whether you like it or not,
and with that position comes responsibility.
You don't even know her.
I don't need to. She's a commoner.
Actually, she's the most uncommon girl I've ever known.
I should never have allowed you to go to America.
You were supposed to get an education,
come back here and marry Natasha.
What happened to the plan?
That was your plan, Mother, not mine.
We have 2,000 acres, 75 staff, 118 rooms, 4 wings.
Do you have MapQuest?
You get used to it.
- How long have you lived here? - All my life.
My father worked for Queen Isadora's father.
Oh, so you and she kind of grew up together.
In an Upstairs, Downstairs way, I suppose.
- She's beautiful. - She is that.
- And terrifying. - That too.
Do you think she'll ever warm up to me?
Miracles do happen.
Dinner is served.
Seared duck,
orange duck,
and the Queen's special goose.
Duck, duck, goose!
And last, but not least, jellied eels and haggis.
Really, Mother?
I thought Emily might enjoy some traditional European dishes.
Thank you.
Yes, it's certainly not something you can find
at the local diner.
I'm sorry. What is haggis?
Don't ask.
Here we go.
Uhh.
Mm.
Mmm! That's--
That's delicious.
Really good.
Apparently.
So, Emily, what do your people do?
Well, my people-- or my person--
he's a tailor.
- A tailor. - Yes.
We have a shop. It's been in our family for 47 years.
How quaint.
This castle's been in ours for 900.
Oh, well, it's not too far apart then.
So you work in your father's shop?
Yes.
You must have other aspirations.
Emily's a clothes designer.
She made the dress she's wearing.
Oh.
And what label do you design for?
Well, none yet, but I just finished a line of dresses
and jackets and hoodies that I have really high hopes for.
Hoodies?
Well, the world awaits.
Sorry. That was excruciating.
Nah, I'll live. It's just a flesh wound.
Now you know where the term "royal pain" comes from.
How did you grow up to be so normal?
Well, she wasn't always like this.
Since Father died, I'm all she really has left.
And her kingdom.
Yeah, but she can control them.
You know, why did I say "hoodies"?
I should have said "sweaters."
I don't think it would have mattered.
You're right. I should have said I was a cardiac surgeon.
No. She hates doctors.
Come on. Let me give you a tour of the castle.
Should I grab my hiking boots?
Very funny.
My favorite is the weapons room.
Wow! Okay, what is this for?
To fight a fire-breathing dragon?
Exactly. Oh!
Should we fence?
- No, absolutely not. - I'll teach you.
I don't even know how to hold a sword.
You'll love it. So back a bit, hand behind the back.
- Okay. - En garde.
And lunge.
Okay.
And one...
two, three.
Those are the perfect shoes for it.
When you put it all together,
it looks a little something like...
Wow. That's amazing.
I think you have fenced for a girl or two.
Not in a very long time.
- Your turn. - My turn?
Mm-hmm.
Okay, my turn.
I can do this. Okay.
- Elbow. - Elbow down.
En garde.
It was an accident.
Uh...
Anyone asks, we were never here.
And this is the ballroom.
Wow.
The palace has held the Christmas ball here
for over a century.
Mother still hasn't forgiven me for missing last year.
It's her favorite night.
But everything has to be perfect.
Well, if it has to be perfect,
then I think I'll be spending the night in the Gold Room.
No, no, no, no.
You'll be here with me waltzing.
Yeah, because I'm so known for my waltzing.
I know what we need. Some music.
Oh, no.
- Ready? - No, no, no, no.
♪
Ready?
Oh! Oh, where do I go?
- I'm leading. - Okay, so where do I go?
- Ready? - Yes.
- That's it. - Oh, yeah, this is waltzing.
I don't think this is waltzing.
This is more fun.
They look so happy together.
A pity.
Whee!
It's not a dream.
Where was the kitchen?
This isn't the kitchen.
Oh, do you know where the kitchen is, kind sir?
Ooh, look at this sword.
May I borrow your sword, kind sir?
What's that? You want a duel?
And you want a duel?
You don't know who you are messing with.
I'm so sorry, Your Majesty.
I just was looking for the kitchen.
I was hungry.
A knife and fork are the usual utensils.
Everything all right, Your Majesty?
Please escort our guest to the kitchen
before she draws blood.
Sorry.
Toni, hi.
Where are you at this very moment?
The Gold Room.
There's a Gold Room?
Yes, and 117 rooms in other colors.
Toni, it is an honest to goodness real-life castle.
So how's Leo's mom?
Well, remember how I always said I missed out on having a mother?
Yeah, I might have changed my mind on that.
Oh, I gotta go. I love you guys. Bye.
- Love you. Good luck. - Bye.
Good morning. May I come in, miss?
Yeah. I mean, mi castle, su castle.
Your tea.
Oh, thank you.
Oh, no, no, no. I'll do that.
- Please. - Oh, let me do my job.
No, I'm so sorry. I am such a messy traveler.
It's like my suitcase just explodes.
If you don't mind me saying,
you're different than the others.
Others?
How many girls has Leo brought home?
Oh, no, miss. Royals, I mean.
You're different than most of the ones that visited here.
Oh.
Is that a good thing?
Oh, yes.
Yes, miss.
Oh, and it's Emily.
You don't have to call me miss. What's your name?
It's Olivia. Pleased to meet you, miss.
I mean... Emily.
It's nice to meet you too.
And thank you for the help. I can obviously use it.
I don't understand what you see in her.
I can be myself with her.
But you're not yourself, Leopold.
She makes me happy.
As you know very well,
royals don't have the luxury of such frivolities.
You and Father were happy.
Not at first.
Fortunately our parents knew what was best for us.
Not only did our peerage match,
but we developed a deep affinity for each other.
A deep affinity. Wow.
That's romantic.
Natasha is from a noble family.
You have everything in common.
Except feelings.
When did you last see her?
I don't remember.
Two years ago at the Christmas Ball.
She's far more accomplished now. More beautiful, more elegant.
No doubt.
Leopold...
I'm just trying to save you both from terrible heartbreak.
As much as you both believe otherwise,
that girl comes from a different world.
She'll never be able to fit into ours.
And I really sewn him to the tablecloth!
- Good morning! - Morning.
Hi.
Oh, wow.
I'm really under-dressed.
That's not important.
Should I change my clothes?
As if that would help.
You look great.
In fact, I can't wait to get out of this monkey suit.
I trust your room was adequate.
Oh, it's beautiful.
It's like a postcard. Thank you.
I'm gonna take Emily into town this afternoon.
But the ball is in two days, and we have a dinner tonight.
Your schedule is full.
Surely I can have one afternoon to show Emily around.
Would you care to join us, Your Majesty?
Well, as tempting as that might sound,
I can't just dash off on a whim and toodle around town.
Don't worry. We'll be back in plenty of time
to embarrass you in front of your dinner guests.
I have no doubt about that.
Morning, gentlemen.
Go, Phillies!
Are you sure they're not robots?
There's only one way to find out.
♪ You make me wanna move ♪
♪ You make me wanna groove ♪
Selfie!
♪ You make me wanna move ♪
♪ You make me groove make me play ♪
♪ Make me rock and make me sway ♪
♪ Gotta do it night and day Yeah ♪
Nothing? Really?
We'll get you next time. We're coming back.
That was good.
Thanks, Ivan, but I think I'll drive today.
- Yes, Your Royal Highness. - Come on.
- You going incognito? - It's just easier.
You're like a rock star.
Yeah, just with no discernible talent.
You waltz, you fence, you make pancakes.
What are they actually for?
- To protect me. - From what?
From people who don't like my mother.
Oh. I get it now. They gonna follow us everywhere?
Yep.
- Restaurants? - Yep.
- Bathroom? - Me, yes. You, no.
- Oh, good. - You get used to it.
Though I have to say, it was rather nice
not having them around in Philly.
Made me feel so...
Common?
I was gonna say "free."
- Can I take your picture? - Hey, Santa!
Ah. This one looks like it's still growing.
Aw. My Dad and I have this Christmas tradition
where we would try and find the scrawniest tree,
the one that needed to be loved the most.
I never thought of it that way.
Well, it was just his way of making the tree special
instead of telling me it was all we could afford.
That's nice.
Would you like to buy a tree?
- Can we? - Of course.
I'm Poppy.
Well, hello, Poppy. That's a pretty name.
This is Leo, and I'm Emily.
Do you go to school at St. Francis?
Yes, and I live there too.
St. Francis is an orphanage.
Oh, I see.
I'm only there until I can find a permanent family.
Well, I'm sure you're gonna find the perfect one,
and hopefully very soon.
Yep! I'm not too picky.
I grew up without a mom.
I know how hard that can be.
So you're half an orphan?
Well, I suppose I am.
But you turned out okay, right?
She did indeed.
And you will too.
You know what?
My best friend Toni gave me this friendship bracelet, and...
I would like to give it to you.
Thank you!
You too, Prince Leopold.
So much for incognito.
Would it be possible to buy all the trees
so that we can donate them back to the town?
Wow. Thank you.
Sister Agnes! Sister Agnes, look!
Wow. So this Prince Leo guy is a pretty nice guy, huh?
He is, as far as princes go.
I don't really know that many princes,
but I'd say you're in like the top 2 %.
Why not the top 1 %?
Well, you'd have to do more princely deeds.
Okay, um, does this count?
- He's right over there! - Prince Leopold!
Oh, my goodness! You bought all the trees!
Thank you! Thank you so much!
- Nice to meet you. - Excuse me.
- Merry Christmas. - Pardon me.
Oh, and you. Merry Christmas.
I mean it'll be cute once we decorate it.
Definitely.
Get some lights, some ornaments.
- Little mini Christmas tree. - Where have you been?
Oh, we just went into town, then the vineyard,
then a few museums and the lake.
Yeah, we kinda lost track of time.
Well, you better hurry and change.
People will be here very soon.
- What's that? - Oh, it's a--
Oh, never mind. Victor!
Will you please have this taken to someplace special.
Of course.
I think she's warming up to me.
She'll come around. Just give her time.
I don't think I have that many years left.
Where do you suppose this "someplace special" is?
The composter.
First it was my snow globe, then it was the tree.
You don't think I'm gonna end up in someplace special, do you?
And have you ever noticed how she makes absolutely no sound
when she approaches?
She's like a cat or a ninja.
Do you think we could not talk about my mother?
I would love to not talk about your mother.
Oh, Leopold!
I have missed you so much.
Uh, I didn't expect you to be here.
Don't be silly.
Your mother invited me, like she does every year.
Ah, Mother.
Emily, this is Natasha. Natasha, Emily.
How spectacularly unexpected
to meet the girl who stole my Leopold's heart.
Thank you, I think.
Natasha's an old family friend.
Well, we did go out for a bit.
Although, as I recall, we mostly stayed in.
Only because we weren't allowed out.
So how long have you two known each other?
- About a year. - Oh, how sweet.
So this is your first Christmas together.
Yeah.
Last year was the first Christmas Leopold and I
spent apart.
Well, that's a lot of Christmases.
We've known each other since birth pretty much.
We've grew up doing everything together.
Uh, not quite everything.
Well, we did get into a lot of trouble.
Do you remember that one time we snuck past your security
when we climbed the palace wall?
Yeah. The looks on the guards' faces...
After they caught us skinny-dipping.
I'm gonna go change.
Yeah. I should go too.
I look forward to catching up.
Emily, can I help you?
If only.
I take it you met the duchess.
No. She's a duchess?
The Duchess of Warren.
Great. The unmarried Duchess of Warren?
I'm afraid so.
Oh, this is lovely.
Thank you. I thought it was when I made it.
- You made this? - Yeah. I made all of them.
You know, I thought they were nice and appropriate,
but now they just seem so unroyal.
Let's go with this one.
You know, she's pretty, but you are beautiful.
Thank you, Olivia. You're the best.
You ready, Emily?
Yeah, almost!
Okay, let's go.
And then the chandelier fell!
Good evening.
Shall I make the introductions?
The Baron and Baroness of Newberry,
you do know the Duchess Natasha,
and the Count and Countess of Exeter,
the Count and Countess of Surrey,
and the Count and Countess of Devon.
I've lost count.
Just nod and smile. That's what I do.
Emily Taylor from...
South Philadelphia. Hi. It's very nice to meet you.
Leo, I would like you to sit beside Natasha.
And, Emily, I would like you to sit beside the baroness.
Could you have sat her any further away?
There's a table in the kitchen.
So, Natasha, how long are you staying here for?
Your mother's invited me to stay through the holidays.
Or beyond if need be.
The Christmas ball wouldn't be the same without Natasha.
Thank you, Isadora.
My fondest holidays have been spent with you and Leopold.
Last Christmas just wasn't the same without you.
He's going to make it up this Christmas.
Apparently I already am.
Oh, please.
- Third fork to the left. - Thank you.
Galina told me the other day that she's publishing a book.
Not a tell-all, I hope.
Actually, it's a children's book.
Wow! Congratulations.
That's wonderful. Were your children
the inspiration for the book?
Unfortunately not.
Having children is not in the cards for us.
I'm so sorry.
Truly, I... I'm sorry.
Tell us, Emily, how do you occupy your time in America?
Oh, Emily comes from a long line of tailors.
She works at her father's shop.
Yes, it's actually where Leo and I met.
He came in for a missing button,
and I needled him into asking me out.
Well, how refreshing. You have a trade.
It pays the bills.
She's also a very talented clothes designer.
Leo looks great in all of my clothes.
Well, I don't mean my clothes.
I mean he just looks great in everything.
And even my father thinks so,
and he thinks everyone needs alterations.
Emily's father and I have become very close.
Yeah, which is kind of amazing because he never approves
of anyone I go out with.
Oh, how many have there been?
Oh, no, not that many. Like six.
I mean, like four... or two.
Mmm!
This soup is delicious.
That is the finger bowl.
No, I can't say or do anything right.
I am a total loser.
You're not a loser.
No, I am here.
Oh, and his ex-girlfriend is here.
Mm-hmm. And she's hot.
Okay, but you're hot.
Anyway she's old news, right?
Not old enough.
What does she have that you don't?
I don't know. Royal parents, a title and a fortune.
Yikes.
Oh, I gotta go.
- That is my ladies' maid. - Ladies' maid?
Please send send her to our apartment.
- I love you. - Love you back. Bye.
Come on in, Olivia!
No, no, no, no! Please, please don't look!
- I look hideous! - I like your hideous look.
- Really? - Really.
You still wanna talk to me after last night?
It wasn't that bad.
All right, it was a little bad,
but I'm sure everyone's forgotten it by now.
Well, that's nice 'cause I'll be reliving it every day
for the rest of my life.
I love you just the way you are.
Even with all my unsuitable qualities?
Even with your blue alien face.
It's a beauty mask.
Come. Your short stack, madam.
- Did you make these? - Yup.
You did not.
All right, the chef did, but I supervised.
You know, I should get you to feel sorry for me more often.
It's you who should be feeling sorry for me.
Mother's scheduled me every minute from now until Christmas.
Well, you have responsibilities.
Yeah. That's one way of putting it.
Wait. That looks suspiciously like coffee.
Smuggled in from the staff kitchen.
Thank you. I don't think I can take another drop of tea.
I've always hated it. Cheers.
So before you go, Your Majesty,
shall I go over your schedule?
Shall I go over yours?
- I think we both know mine. - Proceed.
Your ride at 10:00, followed by the royal procession.
Tomorrow the benediction at 11:00,
statue dedication at noon,
groundbreaking ceremony for the new children's hospital at 1:00,
embassy signing at 3:00.
Yes, yes, but have the flowers for the ball been delivered yet?
Red and green. More red than green.
I thought I told you to get rid of this.
No, you told me to put it someplace special.
And by somewhere special, I meant in the charity bin.
I must have misunderstood.
I highly doubt that.
You like her, don't you?
She has a certain way.
Could you be more noncommittal?
There are others I like less.
Hmph.
And who and who would that be, besides me at this moment?
That list would occupy most of the day, I'm afraid.
Do you remember my mother's lectures
about choosing the right partner?
As if it were yesterday.
I wanted to run away, just like Leopold,
but she wouldn't let me.
This throne is far greater than any one person's wishes.
It's a thousand years of history.
History is past.
But if we turn on our backs on it, what then?
In a few years, the only kings and queens
will be found in a deck of cards.
Good morning, Your Majesty.
Natasha, darling!
Ah! Just look at you.
You remind me of myself when I was your age.
Thank you.
Perhaps that's the problem.
What boy wants to marry his mother?
He needs time with you.
It seems that he's forgotten how perfectly suitable you are.
I'll do my best to remind him.
I'm sure you will.
Shall we ride?
Yes.
There you are. Mount up.
Emily, will you not be joining us for the morning ride?
No. Just seeing you off.
Emily doesn't know how to ride, Mother.
I believe I told you that.
I'll see you in a couple of hours.
Or later.
Come, Leo. Let's take our favorite trail.
- Go on. - A strawberry and a kiwi
run into each other at the supermarket.
And the strawberry said, "Look, I'm in the shape of a heart."
And then the kiwi said,
"Would you please change the subject?"
Hi.
- How may I assist you? - Oh, no, please, don't get up.
Really, don't. Sit down.
Thank you.
You kept the tree.
Oh, yes. We were just about to decorate it.
Would you join us for a cup?
I would love to. Yeah, thanks.
And maybe I could help you decorate that little tree.
Oh, yes.
Hmm. Nine-letter word for "small but beautiful."
I don't know about you guys, but this?
This looks like a royal Christmas tree.
Yeah, I think it's so beautiful.
- Exquisite. - Exquisite!
That's it! Thank you!
I heard laughter.
An unusual sound for around here.
May I help you, Baroness?
Actually, I was looking for Emily.
I am so embarrassed about last night, Baroness.
If what I said hurt you. I'm truly sorry.
It's Galina, and you did nothing wrong.
Oh, I did everything wrong,
but I do appreciate you saying that.
Left behind on the morning ride?
Yeah.
I didn't learn to ride until well after I'd met Kent.
You know, it's not easy fitting in with these people.
Aren't these people your people?
They are now.
When I first met the Baron's family,
I tried to greet them in German.
I ended up calling them thieves
and breaking a priceless Grecian urn.
Really?
Okay, that does make me feel a little better.
I'm going into town,
which is my official excuse to go Christmas shopping.
Come with me?
Sure.
Thank you.
It's kind of you to get gifts for the staff.
They're just little stocking stuffers.
But it's the thought though, isn't it?
Emily!
Oh, Poppy!
Hi.
I would like you to meet the Baroness of Newberry.
Greetings, milady.
You can call me Galina.
And how do you two know each other?
We're friends for life.
Yes, we are.
And how are you? How are things?
Well, Prince Leopold bought all the Christmas trees,
so now we just have some wreaths to sell.
I wish we had more things to sell.
We're almost out.
You know, maybe I can help.
The crowd seems even smaller this year.
They're probably bored of us by now.
Same clothes, same smiles, same waves.
Perhaps next year you can ride in on a skateboard
with a backwards-facing hat.
I'm just saying the world's different now.
I'm different, but you never want to talk about it.
Yes, that's because this is exactly the type of conversation
I'd been hoping for on our way to the benediction.
Hold on.
It's Emily.
Merry Christmas, Your Majesty.
It's a scarf for you.
Thank you.
Now, that's what I call Christmas spirit.
I'm sorry I have so many obligations.
Don't be sorry.
It's not always like this. You could come with us.
- I'd be in your way. - No, you wouldn't.
Okay, I'd be in your mother's way.
Okay. After the ball tonight, it's just us.
And the old us.
I miss those losers.
Yeah, me too.
This is my favorite spot. You're gonna love it.
Oh, wow. It's beautiful.
It was built in the 18th century.
So you have a church and a cemetery.
Yep. You can get baptized, married and buried
without ever having to leave the grounds.
And hopefully in that order.
Mm-hmm.
Unfortunately all the royal weddings
are done in the Grand Cathedral, where it seats about 2,000.
I always thought if I was to get married,
it'd be nice to do it here.
So you've thought about getting married?
Well, on occasion.
You?
Oh, no, never.
Really?
Okay, maybe once or twice...
...a day since I was eight years old.
You know, if we ever to, you know,
we could do it anywhere.
I wouldn't care.
Me either.
Back of a tailor shop.
International House of Pancakes.
In matching hoodies.
Obviously. And barefoot.
Look, I can be Prince Leopold.
And sometimes I'm good at it.
But you have to realize that I'm still Leo from Philly.
Hello! There you are.
Your mother sent me to find you.
Of course she did.
Chop chop. You're due at the royal unveiling.
I haven't been to this spot in ages.
Since our pretend wedding. Remember, Leo?
Oh! So you're already married.
We were kids.
Leo gave me the prettiest ring.
- He made it himself. - Really?
No, no. It was nothing. It was just a piece of straw.
And I still have it.
Uh...
Oh, Natasha, darling, I see you found them.
Emily, do you have your gown for tonight's ball?
I did bring something.
Yes, I'm sure you did, but I have the perfect dress for you.
I wore it to the Christmas ball the year that I got engaged.
- Wow. - Well, it's timeless.
Thank you, Your Majesty,
but we're probably totally different sizes.
I'm sure you can make it work.
You are a seamstress, aren't you?
I'll have it sent up to your room.
- Sorry. - It's okay.
Oh, dear me.
Okay, so I'll see you in a couple of hours?
- Okay. - Yeah?
Don't do anything I wouldn't do.
Love you.
You too.
Look! A $100 bill!
$100? No? Nothing.
Wow.
Hey, Victor.
Priceless tapestries line these walls,
but many are filled with holes.
I don't see any holes.
They're there.
Thank you, Victor.
Actually, Victor, could I ask you a favor?
Coffee? A hot dog perhaps?
No. I...
I'd like you to prepare me for the ball.
I'm not sure we have time enough for that.
Well, we have all day.
We'd need all year.
You might be surprised.
I believe I might be.
Follow me.
Now pretend I'm the Grand Duke of Canterbury.
How do you do?
No, don't reach.
Hello, Grand Duke.
That's quite a grip.
Thank you.
It wasn't a compliment.
Very good.
Now, just like that.
The trick is to move briskly and with aplomb.
Look at this.
I'm doing it. I'm totally waltzing.
Now triple time.
- Triple time? - Here we go.
One two three, one, two, three.
Let's go on to basics, shall we?
Yes, please.
Now the curtsy.
Watch me.
Whenever it's a princess, you always curtsy.
Under no circumstances is there any touching,
hugging or handshaking.
Deal.
Deal?
Was that a high-five?
Yes, it was.
My first one.
The canapés.
Stop.
Gloves off for eating.
No, no.
You're not a gardener. You must do it discreetly.
Okay.
Very good.
Now, come on. Lots of work to do.
Mmm! Really good.
Emily?
Coming!
And finally the gown.
Wait.
This is the dress the queen wants me to wear?
I'm afraid so.
This is gonna need a lot of work.
If we're gonna make it to the ball on time, we better hurry.
Ah, there you are, sir.
I've been looking all over for you.
The guests will be here soon.
Victor, you've known me all my life.
That I have.
Have you ever seen me happier than I am with Emily?
That I have not.
Good.
Um...
I'm going to propose to her tonight after the ball.
I must say that makes me very happy as well.
I thought it might.
I just wish Mother could be happy for me.
It's not forbidden to dream.
Excellent party.
Have a lovely evening. Enjoy.
Ah! Lord and Lady...
- Windermere. - Windermere.
Where's Emily?
Perhaps she couldn't fit into the dress.
Fitting in does seem to be a problem for her.
Ah, lovely to see you again. How are you keeping?
How are you? Good to see you.
Stunning!
You look amazing.
Thank you.
Remember this look
because I might be turning blue soon.
I couldn't let out the waist.
Well, after least let me introduce you to some people
before you lose consciousness.
Ah, Princess Julia, I'd like you to meet Emily Taylor.
Your Highness.
And this is the Earl of Callenberg.
Fingers down.
It is a pleasure, my Lord.
Brilliant!
I do beg your pardon, sir.
Yes.
Can I present to you the Grand Duke of Canterbury.
Emily Taylor.
It's a pleasure, Your Grace.
Indeed it is, my dear.
Well done.
- Shall we? - Yes.
You okay?
Yes. It's beautiful here.
Glove.
Thank you. Lovely canapés.
- Thank you. - Good evening.
Mmm.
Excellent.
Emily!
Poppy! What are you doing here?
Aunt Galina invited me.
Oh, Baron, Baroness.
Oh, we're way beyond that.
It's so good to see you both.
You look positively beautiful.
Thank you. You as well.
Galina and I thought Poppy might enjoy a night like this.
That is a wonderful idea.
Come on, let's find the dessert table!
We're talking about...
adopting.
- Sweet. - Yes!
Oh!
I barely recognized the dress.
I made a few adjustments. I hope you don't mind.
Doesn't she look stunning, Mother?
- Positively lovely. - Thank you.
Leopold, we're opening the ball.
I can't think of a greater gift
than to have our own Prince Leopold back
from his academic adventure.
And while I'm not completely sure...
that they were completely academic,
I can only assume that he has retained enough knowledge
to resume his royal duties and to tie a proper tie.
Thank you for that wonderful vote of confidence, Mother.
So please enjoy this evening's ball
and may all your holidays be bright.
Emily Taylor, would you like to dance?
Leo, it's the opening waltz. That's us.
Oh, didn't Leo tell you?
We've always danced the opening dance together.
No, I think he failed to mention that.
Unfortunately, we didn't get to last year
with him being in America and all.
Even I took a year off from being royal,
but we all come back.
It's who we are.
Come. Let's make up for lost time.
I already told the grand duke you'd do him the honor.
But the grand duke is 80.
He's still upright though.
It would be an honor.
Thank you.
Now where were we?
Oh, yes.
I know you don't waltz, but we can wing it.
I would love to waltz, Your Majesty.
Where did you learn to dance like this?
Victor.
Ah, Victor.
Ta-da!
Shall we go out onto the balcony?
There's something I'd like to ask you.
Switch partners?
Should we sit this one out?
A fine idea, my dear. Thank you.
She's not that good.
You're a terrible liar, but thank you.
Look at those two. The perfect couple.
They were made for one another.
And I drink to that.
Oh, hey.
Don't let me interrupt. I just... I just need a break.
You've come to the right place.
Oh, Emily, you look so beautiful.
You look positively royal.
Thank you.
Thank you for the gifts under the tree, Emily.
- Thank you so much. - Yeah.
- That's so kind. - Of course.
They're just little things.
I just wanted you guys to know
how much I appreciate you making me feel so welcome.
Bonbons?
I'm starving. Yes.
But you know what? Do you have anything more filling?
What would you like to eat?
I would kill for a six-foot hoagie right now.
- Hoagie? - A what?
Oh! You've never lived until you've tried one.
Oh, I never tire of watching the two of you.
And we never tire of being watched, do we, Leo?
Where's Emily?
Oh, she's somewhere.
Leopold, you must say hello to the Count of Glendower
and the Duchess of Wingate.
You have so much catching up to do.
You have outdone yourself, Isadora.
Everything is splendid.
Not everything.
I'm not one to give up. You know that.
But maybe Leo and I aren't meant to be.
Natasha, this has been planned since you were children.
But you've seen the way he looks at her.
I've seen him look at you the same way too.
Not in a long time.
Perhaps we're not going about this the right way.
Victor?
Where is she?
So this, my friends, is a Philadelphia Hoagie.
We have cheese, chicken, salami, pickles.
You can never have too many pickles.
Oh, you know what we need? Baloney.
Oh, we have mutton.
Okay, that'll do.
Wait. What is mutton again?
- Here's some jellied eels. - No, no, no.
We're gonna draw the line at that.
Not putting that on there.
What is this?
Your Majesty, we didn't expect you.
So it appears.
I was just making them a little American cuisine.
And what might that be?
McDonald's? Kentucky Fried Chicken?
It appears that it is more important
for you to take care of your stomachs
than attend to your jobs and take care of our guests.
You two, you are fired.
It's Christmas Eve, Your Majesty.
Please don't punish them. This is completely my fault.
They know their places.
Perhaps the problem here is you don't know yours.
You're still under the illusion that you belong with Leopold.
But he belongs with a royal, not a commoner.
The throne is more than just a bench covered with velvet.
It is so much more.
You have no idea of what it takes to be a royal.
I'm so sorry.
I'm--I'm so sorry.
You didn't know.
No, but I should have. I...
Don't worry, miss.
Miss?
You are a guest of the prince, and I'm the maid.
I'm so sorry.
I would do anything to fix this, Victor.
I don't think I could feel much worse.
To Prince Leopold's return home! Cheers!
- Cheers. - Cheers.
So nice to have you back.
Pleasure. Thanks for coming. Nice to see you all.
Apparently I can feel worse.
I believe Miss Taylor will be heading home for the holidays.
Is this really what you want?
What I want doesn't matter. It's the way things are.
You of all people know that.
And you of all people can change the way things are.
I would've thought you've seen enough broken hearts
in this castle.
Emily?
I've been looking all over for you.
What's wrong?
I think I've had my fill of the royal treatment.
Is this about Natasha?
You know she means nothing to me.
Except for the fact that she's perfect for you, Leo.
No, she's not. She's perfect for my mother.
I got the staff fired.
- What? - I got them fired.
Look, she would fire the whole of Parliament
if it meant you would leave.
I'll fix everything. I promise.
Come here.
There something I've wanted to ask you all night.
In fact, pretty much since we met.
Now, this isn't exactly how I planned it, but...
This ring has been in our family for centuries.
And now it belongs on you.
Marry me.
I would love nothing more if it were just... Leo and Emily,
but it isn't just us anymore.
Leo, your mom was right. I don't belong here.
Not upstairs or downstairs.
I'm not a princess, and I'm never gonna be.
That's not true.
Yes, and we were so happy at home.
But here I just feel like I have to be someone that I'm not.
And the truth is I don't want to be anyone else.
I'm not ashamed of my people. I'm proud of them.
And I can't lose who I am
to fit into a place that I don't belong.
You belong with me, okay? Wherever that is.
We can go back to Philly. I'll renounce my title.
- You can't. - If I have to choose
between being Prince Leopold and being with you,
I chose you. Every time.
I can't let you do that. I can't let you give up
everything that your family has built for you.
Your future is here. It's not with me.
Nice knowing you guys.
I speak for the entire staff
and for those who are no longer part of the staff
when I say that it has been a true pleasure to serve you.
Thank you, Victor, for everything.
I'm so sorry again for what happened.
It's okay.
Don't worry, Emily.
You don't have to do this, Emily.
This will always--always be the best year of my life.
I love you.
And I love you.
Surely that's enough.
In my world maybe, but...
not in yours.
Leopold...
Well done, Mother.
She's gone.
Merry Christmas.
Another successful ball. You must be pleased.
Do I look pleased?
I was being polite.
That girl has affected everyone here.
And then some.
And yet she's managed to stay true to herself,
which is more than I can say about me.
I'd like to disagree, but I can't.
You've known me a long time, Victor.
Some may say too long.
I fear I've made a terrible mistake.
I don't believe I've ever heard you say that.
And you never will again.
I hope it's not too late.
It's never too late when love is involved.
Leo, you look positively miserable.
Come, let's go for a ride together.
- That always cheers you up. - No, thanks.
That's not like you.
And what am I like?
You're... I don't know.
Who you've always been.
I'm a prince, and you're a duchess.
But those are just titles.
It's not who we are.
I want to be more than a title to someone.
And you should too.
Time heals all wounds.
I don't suppose there's a chance for us,
after a suitable grace period?
Seriously?
I thought not.
You know, I did get a New Year's invite
from the Count of York,
who I hear has quite a good-looking son.
He does.
Unfortunately he's nine.
That is unfortunate.
I have to say that, despite my behavior,
I was quite impressed with Emily.
Yes, well, if I ever see her again,
I'll be sure to mention it.
I am sorry.
Your Royal Highness, the queen wishes a word with you.
What word would that be, Victor?
That's not for me to say.
But it would be nice if "sorry" was amongst them.
I assumed you'd have thrown that away by now.
Did you know that Ben Franklin invented the lightning rod?
And the swim fins, I'm told.
Do have a seat, Leopold.
Please.
Before I met your father, I fell in love with a commoner.
He couldn't have been more unsuitable.
But I didn't care.
We understood each other.
And he called me Izzy.
To my parents' horror, we wanted to marry.
Sometimes I wish we had,
but then I wouldn't have you, and...
you are my greatest accomplishment.
Your father was a good man,
and we were happy in our own way,
but... we never laughed together,
we never had what you and Emily have together.
And what happened to him, the commoner?
He did what he was supposed to do, as did I.
He went into service, and I became the queen.
Leo, I want so much for you.
But more than anything, I want you to be happy.
What are these two doing here?
I rehired them.
In fact, I gave them each a promotion.
Your toast and marmalade, Your Majesty.
Quince?
Yes, ma'am.
Your tea, Your Majesty.
Well done.
Well, I think an oil painting is in order.
You approve then.
Well, the day is young.
Not as young as we'd both like though.
So true.
Victor...
I'd like you to make a royal announcement.
Prince Leopold is in love.
Not with a duchess, but with a clothes designer.
And I give them my blessing.
I love you, Mum.
And I love you too, Leo.
Victor, fuel up the jet.
I've already taken the liberty.
I'll pack a bag.
As it happens, you're already packed.
It's been a long time since he called me Mum.
And there you were afraid of losing him.
I can't remember a better holiday.
I remember one.
A long time ago.
So do I.
Will there be anything else, Your Majesty?
Just one more thing, Victor.
Call me Izzy.
Dad, don't.
Leave it up.
Sorry, kid. I could've sworn he was the one.
- Me too. - Me too.
Look at the bright side.
You'll have more time for your clothing designs again.
And the world awaits.
Emily...
Hmm?
Leo.
Leo...
what are you doing here?
I asked you in the castle, and you said no,
so I thought I'd give it a shot here,
in the place we first met.
We do come from different worlds,
but that doesn't matter because we found each other.
And the only titles I care about
are you and I as husband and wife.
So I'm asking you again,
this time as Leo from Philly...
and Leopold from Cordinia.
Emily Taylor...
will you marry me?
You have no idea how much I want to say yes.
But, Leo, your mother would never--
Say yes, Emily.
Your Majesty.
I am so sorry, Emily.
I just hope you can forgive me.
I was so wrong about you.
I've been wrong about a few things.
Just a few?
I have a dress that needs alteration.
I've saved it for the woman that would marry my son, and...
I truly hope that it will be you.
As your Ben Franklin would say,
"I think you could bring some much needed electricity
into the realm."
So you need me to ask you a third time?
Do you mind? I forgot to press the record button the last time.
Dad...
I would like to hear it, Leopold.
All right.
Emily Taylor, will you--
Yes! Yes!
Wow.
So come on, everybody, let's celebrate!
Celebrate! Whoo!
You'll always be my princess.
This is like a fairy tale.
It's better.
It's real.
It's a Cordinian Christmas miracle.