Having plundered the plot of a thousand royal romance movies before it for part one, A Christmas Prince: A Royal Wedding was left with the unenviable task of coming up with something at least slightly original for part two.I enjoy this just fine because it is, at least, a little different. A further instalment allows the writers to actually develop the characters a wee bit and give them something more exciting to do than just fall in love.
So here we have Amber who, after ending up in the arms of her handsome prince at the end of part one (SPOILER???), is now torn between her life as a down-to-earth New York gal and her future as the queen of a small country. Amidst all this the film also explores Amber’s continued pursuit of a journalism career while being dogged by royal censorship. Actual issues! I’m impressed and appreciate that this is a bold angle for a TV movie sequel to a film about a Christmas prince to pursue. Amber has continued her “Royal Blog” she started in the previous film but the new fam aren’t all happy about how they’re coming across, causing friction. The film doesn’t do groundbreaking with this plot thread, other than remind us that even with good intentions, censorship can be bad. Still, it’s satisfying to see Amber doggedly refuse to give up on her career or her morals for a man, even if he is a king now.
Interestingly, part two also explores the modern concept of the detachment between well-meaning royals and the plight of the common man. A subplot is devoted to Richard trying to modernise Aldovia for the good of people but inadvertently pissing everyone off when his actions seem to be making things worse. However, foul play is afoot.
Sadly, the main focus of the film is, as you might expect, on the upcoming wedding. There are some giggles, though, with the introduction of manic, flamboyant wedding planner Sahil (Rajendra Bajaj) who entertainingly threatens to steamroller any chance Amber has of having a say in her own wedding. However, disappointingly, there are no wolf attacks in this one, though there is a mysterious corruption scandal plot. Yaay?
Naturally, the film delivers on the grand, gorgeous, decadent Christmas wedding, though I can’t ignore that Amber’s wedding dress is bloody hideous. As long as she’s happy, I suppose.
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