Are Mia And Nicholas Cousins In Princess Diaries? Unraveling Genovian Royal Ties

The world of Genovia, brought to life in Disney's beloved *Princess Diaries* films, has captivated audiences for decades. From Mia Thermopolis's initial discovery of her royal lineage to her journey towards becoming a queen, fans have been deeply invested in every twist and turn. One of the most persistent questions that arose from the sequel, *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement*, revolves around the romantic tension between Princess Mia and the charming Lord Nicholas Devereaux. Specifically, a common query that surfaces among fans is: is Ella and Nicholas cousins Princess Diaries? This question often stems from a mix of genuine curiosity about royal family trees and a slight confusion regarding Anne Hathaway's other notable roles.

In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the intricate relationships within the Genovian monarchy, explore the background of both Mia Thermopolis and Lord Nicholas Devereaux, and definitively answer the question of their familial ties. We'll also touch upon the broader context of cousin marriages, their historical significance, and why this particular query continues to pique the interest of fans worldwide. Prepare to revisit the enchanting kingdom of Genovia and uncover the truth behind Mia and Nicholas's connection.

Table of Contents

• The Enduring Charm of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
• Who is Lord Nicholas Devereaux? A Royal Contender
  • Chris Pine: Beyond the Genovian Prince
• Princess Mia Thermopolis: The Reluctant Royal
  • Anne Hathaway: From Genovia to Global Stardom
• Unpacking the "Cousin" Question: Is Ella and Nicholas Cousins Princess Diaries?
• Royal Succession and Genovian Law: A Tangled Web
• The Legality and History of Cousin Marriages
  • The Nuances of Consanguinity in Royal Lines
• The Romance That Almost Was: Mia and Nicholas
  • Did Mia Marry Her Cousin in Princess Diaries? The Final Answer

The Enduring Charm of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

*The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement*, released on August 11, 2004, continued the enchanting narrative five years after the original film. Directed by the legendary Garry Marshall, this sequel sees Mia Thermopolis, portrayed by Anne Hathaway, graduating from the Woodrow Wilson School of International Affairs at Princeton University. Her return to Genovia is not merely a homecoming; it marks the beginning of her true royal duties and the challenges that come with them. Upon her arrival, she is greeted by her beloved grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi, played by the iconic Julie Andrews, who is preparing to abdicate the throne in Mia's favor. However, an unexpected twist in Genovian law dictates that a princess must be married before she can assume the throne, setting the stage for a frantic search for a suitable husband and introducing the charming, yet initially adversarial, Lord Nicholas Devereaux. The film beautifully balances comedic elements with heartfelt moments, exploring themes of duty, love, and self-discovery, all while keeping the audience guessing about Mia's ultimate choice and whether she will indeed marry to secure her place as queen. This foundational setup is crucial to understanding the dynamics between Mia and Nicholas and addressing the question of whether **is Ella and Nicholas cousins Princess Diaries**.

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Who is Lord Nicholas Devereaux? A Royal Contender

Lord Nicholas Devereaux, introduced in *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement*, quickly establishes himself as a pivotal character in Mia's life. He is initially presented as the reformed secondary antagonist of the movie, primarily because he, too, is a descendant of the Genovian royal family. Portrayed with undeniable charisma by Chris Pine, Nicholas is the nephew of Viscount Mabrey, who actively attempts to assume the throne for his family line. With his uncle's help, Nicholas endeavors to prevent Mia from marrying and thus claiming the crown, hoping to secure it for himself. His strategy involves attempting to catch Mia's interest romantically, not out of genuine affection at first, but as a calculated move to disrupt her engagement plans. However, as the film progresses, their initial rivalry evolves into a genuine connection. Nicholas is depicted as a charming, intelligent, and ultimately honorable young man who, despite his initial machinations, eventually gives up his claim to Mia, recognizing her rightful place as the future Queen of Genovia. His journey from rival to love interest is a central romantic arc of the film, adding layers of complexity to the narrative and fueling the speculation about their relationship, including the intriguing question: **is Ella and Nicholas cousins Princess Diaries**?

Chris Pine: Beyond the Genovian Prince

Chris Pine's portrayal of Lord Nicholas Devereaux marked one of his early breakout roles, showcasing his ability to blend charm, wit, and a touch of roguish appeal. Born on August 26, 1980, in Los Angeles, California, Pine comes from a family deeply rooted in Hollywood. His father, Robert Pine, is an actor known for his role in *CHiPs*, and his mother, Gwynne Gilford, is a former actress. His maternal grandmother, Anne Gwynne, was a prominent Hollywood actress during the 1940s. Pine graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a B.A. in English. Before *The Princess Diaries 2*, he had appeared in several television shows and short films. His role as Nicholas Devereaux propelled him into the spotlight, paving the way for a diverse and successful career in film, including leading roles in major franchises like *Star Trek* as Captain James T. Kirk and *Wonder Woman* as Steve Trevor. Pine's ability to embody a wide range of characters, from romantic leads to action heroes, has solidified his status as one of Hollywood's most versatile actors. His performance as Nicholas remains a memorable part of his early career, contributing significantly to the film's enduring appeal and the discussions surrounding its characters.

Princess Mia Thermopolis: The Reluctant Royal

Mia Thermopolis, initially an awkward and ordinary teenager from San Francisco, undergoes an extraordinary transformation when she discovers she is the sole heir to the throne of Genovia. Her journey from high school student to a poised and capable princess is the heart of *The Princess Diaries* series. In *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement*, Mia faces her biggest challenge yet: assuming the throne. This requires her to navigate the complexities of Genovian law, which dictates she must marry before her coronation. Throughout the film, Mia grapples with the weight of her responsibilities, the pressure to find a suitable husband, and her own evolving feelings for Nicholas. Her character arc is one of growth, self-discovery, and ultimately, a redefinition of what it means to be a modern monarch. She learns to trust her instincts and stand up for what she believes is right, even if it means challenging centuries-old traditions. Anne Hathaway's portrayal of Mia has been widely praised for its charm, humor, and relatability, making Mia Thermopolis one of the most beloved Disney princesses. Her performance is central to the film's success and to the audience's investment in her relationships, including the one with Nicholas, which sparks the question of whether **is Ella and Nicholas cousins Princess Diaries**.

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Anne Hathaway: From Genovia to Global Stardom

Anne Hathaway's career truly took off with her breakout role as Mia Thermopolis in *The Princess Diaries* (2001) and its 2004 sequel. Born on November 12, 1982, in Brooklyn, New York, Hathaway quickly became a household name as the young girl who discovers she is a member of royalty, starring opposite the legendary Julie Andrews. Her natural charm and comedic timing made her an instant fan favorite. Beyond Genovia, Hathaway demonstrated her versatility in a range of roles across various genres. She had a notable role in *Nicholas Nickleby* (2002) opposite Charlie Hunnam and Jamie Bell, showcasing her dramatic abilities. Perhaps most relevant to the "Ella" part of the query, she also had a starring role in *Ella Enchanted* (2004), a fantasy romantic comedy where she played the titular character, Ella of Frell. This role, released in the same year as *The Princess Diaries 2*, likely contributes to the occasional confusion where fans might conflate her characters or wonder about connections between her different film universes. Hathaway's career continued to soar with critically acclaimed performances in films like *The Devil Wears Prada*, *Les Misérables* (for which she won an Academy Award), and *Interstellar*, cementing her status as a respected and sought-after actress in Hollywood. Her enduring legacy as Mia Thermopolis, however, remains a significant part of her public persona.

Unpacking the "Cousin" Question: Is Ella and Nicholas Cousins Princess Diaries?

Now, let's address the core of the popular fan query: **is Ella and Nicholas cousins Princess Diaries**? First, it's important to clarify the "Ella" part of the question. As discussed, Anne Hathaway starred as Ella in the film *Ella Enchanted*, released in the same year as *The Princess Diaries 2*. It's highly probable that some viewers, remembering Anne Hathaway in both roles, might mistakenly refer to Mia Thermopolis as "Ella" or wonder if the characters from different films are connected. To be clear, Ella (from *Ella Enchanted*) and Nicholas (from *The Princess Diaries 2*) are characters from entirely separate fictional universes and are not related. The question, therefore, should be rephrased as: "Are Mia Thermopolis and Lord Nicholas Devereaux cousins in *The Princess Diaries 2*?"

The answer, according to the lore established for the film, is yes, but not in a way that would be considered problematic or even particularly close. It is stated that Mia and Nicholas were probably 6th cousins of sorts. This means their common ancestor would be several generations back, making their familial connection extremely distant. In royal families, where bloodlines are often traced back centuries to establish legitimacy and lineage, it's not uncommon for individuals who are considered "unrelated" in a modern social sense to discover a very distant ancestral link. This distant cousinship adds a subtle layer to their initial rivalry and eventual romance, highlighting the intricate web of Genovian royalty without making their relationship taboo. The revelation that they are 6th cousins merely underscores their shared royal heritage, making Nicholas's claim to the throne, however tenuous, slightly more understandable within the context of Genovian succession laws.

Royal Succession and Genovian Law: A Tangled Web

The central conflict of *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement* revolves around Genovian royal succession law. Mia, as the direct heir, is expected to assume the throne, but an archaic law dictates she must be married before her coronation. This law is exploited by Viscount Mabrey, Nicholas's uncle, who aims to install his nephew on the throne. Lord Nicholas Devereaux, as a descendant of the Genovian royal family, initially attempts to assume the throne with his uncle's help. His strategy involves disrupting Mia's plans to marry Andrew Jacoby, the duke chosen for her. Nicholas's pursuit of Mia, initially driven by a desire to prevent her marriage and thus her ascension, gradually transforms into genuine romantic interest. However, in a pivotal moment of the film, Nicholas ultimately gives up his claim to Mia, recognizing her as the rightful queen and choosing love over power. This decision not only highlights his reformed character but also paves the way for Mia to challenge the outdated law itself. The film subtly hints at the complexities of Genovian law, with speculation that "maybe Genovian law meant that if the remaining direct heir refused the title, then the Renaldi name was no longer eligible for the crown and therefore Nicholas was not allowed to claim, even if he was more eligible than the Van Trokens." This suggests that Mia's refusal to marry for the throne, and her subsequent plea for the law to be changed, was a necessary step for her to rule on her own terms. Ultimately, Mia does not get married in the film, but Queen Clarisse spontaneously marries her bodyguard, Joe, showcasing a more modern interpretation of love and duty within the monarchy. This resolution reinforces Mia's independence and leadership, allowing her to become Queen of Genovia without a forced marriage, further distancing the narrative from any potential implications of a cousin marriage, even a distant one, as the primary path to the throne.

The Legality and History of Cousin Marriages

The question of whether Mia and Nicholas are cousins, even if distant, naturally leads to broader discussions about cousin marriages. It might surprise some to learn that, in the United States, it is legal in 26 states to marry your first cousin. While some states have provisions, such as requiring individuals to be past childbearing ages or to undergo genetic counseling, the practice is not universally prohibited. Furthermore, the Catholic Church still allows first cousins to marry, provided there are no other impediments. Historically, and even in many cultures today, cousin marriage has been a common practice for various reasons, including maintaining family wealth, preserving lineage, strengthening family ties, and ensuring compatibility. Recent genographic projects and anthropological studies further reveal that "humans are one cousin chasing, cousin catching, cousin kissing, and cousin mating species." This highlights that, throughout much of human history, marriage between cousins, particularly more distant ones, was a societal norm rather than an exception. The concern about genetic risks, while valid for close consanguineous unions (like first cousins), significantly diminishes with each degree of separation. For Mia and Nicholas, being 6th cousins means their genetic overlap is negligible, far removed from any concerns associated with closer familial marriages. This context helps demystify the "cousin" aspect of the **is Ella and Nicholas cousins Princess Diaries** query, demonstrating that even if they were to marry, their distant relation would not pose a significant issue by historical or even some modern legal standards.

The Nuances of Consanguinity in Royal Lines

Throughout history, particularly within royal and aristocratic families, consanguineous marriages—marriages between relatives—were not just common but often strategic. The primary motivations included consolidating power, maintaining dynastic purity, and preserving wealth and land within a select few families. While the most well-known examples often involve first or second cousins, which did lead to some documented health issues due to limited gene pools, the practice of marrying more distant cousins was even more widespread and generally carried fewer risks. For royal houses, tracing lineage back many generations was crucial for legitimacy, meaning that almost everyone with a claim to nobility could eventually find a common ancestor. This makes the idea of Mia and Nicholas being "6th cousins of sorts" entirely plausible and historically consistent with how royal families operated. Their distant relationship is merely a reflection of their shared, albeit far-removed, royal ancestry, rather than an impediment to their potential romance. It underscores the intricate tapestry of royal bloodlines where everyone is, to some degree, connected, and helps contextualize the "is Ella and Nicholas cousins Princess Diaries" question within the broader historical framework of nobility.

The Romance That Almost Was: Mia and Nicholas

The romantic tension between Mia Thermopolis and Lord Nicholas Devereaux is arguably one of the most compelling aspects of *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement*. Their relationship begins as a rivalry, with Nicholas actively trying to prevent Mia's ascension to the throne. He attempts to catch her interest romantically, initially as a calculated move to derail her arranged marriage. However, as they spend more time together, their witty banter and shared experiences lead to a genuine connection. The chemistry between Anne Hathaway and Chris Pine is palpable, making their "will they, won't they" dynamic a central focus for viewers. Nicholas's transformation from a self-serving antagonist to a supportive love interest is a key character arc. Despite their undeniable attraction and the passionate kiss they share, Mia ultimately chooses not to marry for the throne, asserting her independence and challenging the outdated Genovian law. This decision, while perhaps disappointing to fans hoping for a traditional royal wedding, highlights Mia's growth as a leader who prioritizes her principles over convenience. The film concludes with Mia becoming Queen without a husband, leaving the romantic future between her and Nicholas open-ended, a tantalizing possibility for a potential third installment. The fact that Mia does not get married in the film, despite the pressure, is a significant plot point that directly addresses any lingering questions about whether she would marry a cousin, even a distant one, to secure her crown.

Did Mia Marry Her Cousin in Princess Diaries? The Final Answer

To definitively answer the lingering question, "Did Mia marry her cousin in Princess Diaries?", the answer is a resounding no. Unshockingly, Mia Thermopolis does not get married at the end of *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement*. While she faces immense pressure to marry before her coronation, and she certainly develops strong feelings for Lord Nicholas Devereaux (who is, as established, her 6th cousin), she ultimately chooses a different path. Mia successfully advocates for the antiquated Genovian law requiring a princess to marry before becoming queen to be abolished. This allows her to assume the throne on her own terms, as an independent and capable monarch. The film concludes with Mia's coronation, a powerful moment of self-determination, rather than a wedding. Interestingly, Queen Clarisse spontaneously marries her bodyguard, Joe, showcasing that love can find a way outside of royal protocols, but this is Clarisse's story, not Mia's. Therefore, any concerns or curiosities about Mia marrying a cousin, whether close or distant, are put to rest by the film's narrative. Mia's journey in *Royal Engagement* is about finding her voice and her strength as a leader, not about finding a husband to fulfill a legal requirement. The question of "is Ella and Nicholas cousins Princess Diaries" is answered with a distant familial link, but their romantic storyline concludes without a marriage, leaving Mia's future open for further adventures.

Conclusion

The enduring appeal of *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement* lies not only in its charming characters and delightful storyline but also in the subtle complexities it introduces, such as the relationship between Princess Mia Thermopolis and Lord Nicholas Devereaux. We've thoroughly explored the question: **is Ella and Nicholas cousins Princess Diaries**, clarifying that "Ella" likely refers to Anne Hathaway's role in *Ella Enchanted* and that Mia and Nicholas are indeed very distant relatives, specifically 6th cousins. This distant familial tie is a common occurrence in royal lineages, far removed from any concerns associated with close cousin marriages, which themselves have a complex history of legality and cultural acceptance.

Ultimately, the film concludes with Mia choosing to redefine her destiny, successfully challenging the outdated Genovian law that mandated her marriage for the throne. She does not marry Nicholas, nor any other suitor, in the film, instead ascending to her rightful place as Queen of Genovia on her own terms. This resolution emphasizes Mia's strength, independence, and commitment to her people, solidifying her status as a modern and inspiring monarch. The romantic tension between her and Nicholas remains a beloved aspect of the film, leaving fans to dream of future possibilities for the Genovian royal family.

What are your thoughts on Mia's decision not to marry? Do you think Mia and Nicholas should have ended up together? Share your favorite moments from *The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement* in the comments below! And if you're curious about other royal narratives or cinematic connections, be sure to explore more articles on our site.