It's the time for fairy tales. Kids-at -heart love stories with princes or princesses. No point wondering why, in all of these far-away Kingdoms, everybody speak English and the plots are predictably repeated along the same theme. This time is Veronia, of which we only see a few angles around the royal palace and the palace interiors. The Prince, Brendan Fehr, appears a little uneasy in his role, maybe due to his efforts to speak with a British accent. Is it Amerish or Britican ? The American heroine, Jen Lilley, is, perhaps, a little too flirtacious in the attempt to create the impression of a real attraction. Yet, the entire production works well. The palace is impressively royal, the interiors are rich, all characters are essentially Christmas-nice, and kindness prevails in the core of the story. If you, righteously, feel it could have been done better, just see how much more horribly it could have been, when you try to watch "Christmas with a Crown", upcoming on Lifetime channel.
21 Reviews
Love and royalty
TheLittleSongbird5 September 2022
Christmas and royalty is a combination that has been seen many times with Hallmark over the years, at least once Christmas-themed royal film every year. This formula has been executed with variable success, some being surprisingly good, some average and some really not worth bothering other than completest sake. Brendan Fehr is a very watchable actor and while Jen Lilley is very hit and miss for me some of her work has been good, but it has always been dependent on the character.
'Royally Wrapped for Christmas' is neither one of the best or worst Christmas/royal films from Hallmark, and is a long way from being either with their royal films in general (not all their royal films are centered around Christmas). On the whole, it was watchable with some good things. It also felt rather average with some not very well done aspects and not really anything exceptional. As far as Hallmark goes, one can do with far worse than 'Royally Wrapped for Christmas' but they have certainly done better.
The best thing about the film is Fehr, who has a subtle easy going charm with no signs of being forced. Fiona Reid is suitably dignified and disapproving. The scenery is beautifully picturesque and has a really festive feel and the castle interiors and exteriors are enough to make one want to stay there. The photography is suitably slick.
Music puts one into the festive mood and gives off a cosy nostalgia. There is some charm and genuine sweetness here.
Lilley however didn't do it for me here, she tries too hard and her character is too sickly perfect. It was like the writers were trying to not exaggerate any character flaws but instead went too far the other way of overdoing the positive aspects of the character to the extent it feels affected. Most of the cast overact and most of the characters are too cartoony and typical Hallmark cliches, with clearly fake accents galore, Fehr's being the only one to rise above that a little.
It is hard to deny too that 'Royally Wrapped for Christmas', even for trying to take it for what it is, is riddled with clichés, non-stop predictability and contrivance. It also feels far too easily resolved and too quickly as well. The script is awkward sounding and sounds very cheesy and schmaltzy.
Concluding, watchable but also very average. 5/10.
'Royally Wrapped for Christmas' is neither one of the best or worst Christmas/royal films from Hallmark, and is a long way from being either with their royal films in general (not all their royal films are centered around Christmas). On the whole, it was watchable with some good things. It also felt rather average with some not very well done aspects and not really anything exceptional. As far as Hallmark goes, one can do with far worse than 'Royally Wrapped for Christmas' but they have certainly done better.
The best thing about the film is Fehr, who has a subtle easy going charm with no signs of being forced. Fiona Reid is suitably dignified and disapproving. The scenery is beautifully picturesque and has a really festive feel and the castle interiors and exteriors are enough to make one want to stay there. The photography is suitably slick.
Music puts one into the festive mood and gives off a cosy nostalgia. There is some charm and genuine sweetness here.
Lilley however didn't do it for me here, she tries too hard and her character is too sickly perfect. It was like the writers were trying to not exaggerate any character flaws but instead went too far the other way of overdoing the positive aspects of the character to the extent it feels affected. Most of the cast overact and most of the characters are too cartoony and typical Hallmark cliches, with clearly fake accents galore, Fehr's being the only one to rise above that a little.
It is hard to deny too that 'Royally Wrapped for Christmas', even for trying to take it for what it is, is riddled with clichés, non-stop predictability and contrivance. It also feels far too easily resolved and too quickly as well. The script is awkward sounding and sounds very cheesy and schmaltzy.
Concluding, watchable but also very average. 5/10.
I hate phoney "British" accents
biggdiamonds18 December 2021
Seeing "Jared Booth" (from the series BONES ) playing royalty and speaking in a PHONEY British accent is so bad. Why do all these movies on Up, Hallmark, Family etc. INSIST on every "phoney country or principality " they make up for these movies' have everyone speaking in a British accent. Why can't they use a Germanic or French or Italian phoney accent, or just have them speak good old English. Not every person in Europe was educated in England. Some went to France or EVEN the United States to be educated. Fake accents are DUMB.
Just my HBAO (humble but accurate opinion"!
Just my HBAO (humble but accurate opinion"!
GAC Family's first Royal movie
allmoviesfan7 October 2023
No surprises here in the first GAC Family royal Christmas movie.
Jen Lilley's Lindsey works for a charity foundation for the Kingdom of Valdonia - another kingdom where, for reasons I'm yet to understand, everyone speaks with a British accent - and is summoned there near Christmas to interview for the role of foundation director.
Whilst Lindsey isn't the only one in the running, but she is the only one who attracts the attention of Prince Aidan (played by Brendan Fehr, of Roswell fame), who enlists her to help find a Christmas gift for Dalia, the princess who he is to marry, sight unseen. Apparently arranged marriages are still a thing in Valdonia.
Decent acting. A storyline with developments you can see coming a mile away. Lilley and Fehr are pretty good together. It's Christmas fluff, and sometimes that's just fine.
Jen Lilley's Lindsey works for a charity foundation for the Kingdom of Valdonia - another kingdom where, for reasons I'm yet to understand, everyone speaks with a British accent - and is summoned there near Christmas to interview for the role of foundation director.
Whilst Lindsey isn't the only one in the running, but she is the only one who attracts the attention of Prince Aidan (played by Brendan Fehr, of Roswell fame), who enlists her to help find a Christmas gift for Dalia, the princess who he is to marry, sight unseen. Apparently arranged marriages are still a thing in Valdonia.
Decent acting. A storyline with developments you can see coming a mile away. Lilley and Fehr are pretty good together. It's Christmas fluff, and sometimes that's just fine.
That's a Wrap!
rebekahrox29 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This took the corny fairytale aspects of the heavily clichéd royal plot line to a new level. It was enjoyable. If you were 10. I checked this out solely because of Brendan Fehr who has had a lot of chemistry with his costars and lots of charisma on his own in the two other movies I have seen in him.
In this one Jen Lilley plays the head of the New York branch of the royal charity of Veronia. The prince visits one day incognito and they are both secretly smitten. Next thing you know, she is invited to Veronia along with the Dublin head and the Mumbai head to help with the 100th anniversary of the Christmas charity. Little do they know that they are being screened to see which one of these top performers get the big promotion to the worldwide director of the charity.
I won't go further into the plot, but rest assured it involves a disapproving Queen, an unwelcome arranged marriage, a cheating rival, a supportive friend, heartwarming interactions with commoner children, a Gala ball, and a public proposal of marriage despite not even a kiss. That's all fine. I didn't expect anything different. However, Jen Lilley and the character she played got on my last nerve. I am usually fairly neutral about her as an actress, but this one really highlighted why she is not a favorite. Her character was so humble and self effacing she came across as more of a spiritless victim who wouldn't say boo to a goose than an intelligent capable woman. I really can't be mean about the actress because that is the part she was playing, but let's just say she was perfectly cast. No one can do self deprecating and shy, with those huge goo-goo eyes, like she can. The character was so kind, so sweet, and so gentle that if I had been the prince I would have wondered what she was up to. She was so self-deprecating that at one point, her colleague says, "Stop making yourself so SMALL!" In a few scenes she comes across as disingenuous. GAC had a strong start this season, but as Hallmark is well aware, you can't win them all. The jury is still out.
In this one Jen Lilley plays the head of the New York branch of the royal charity of Veronia. The prince visits one day incognito and they are both secretly smitten. Next thing you know, she is invited to Veronia along with the Dublin head and the Mumbai head to help with the 100th anniversary of the Christmas charity. Little do they know that they are being screened to see which one of these top performers get the big promotion to the worldwide director of the charity.
I won't go further into the plot, but rest assured it involves a disapproving Queen, an unwelcome arranged marriage, a cheating rival, a supportive friend, heartwarming interactions with commoner children, a Gala ball, and a public proposal of marriage despite not even a kiss. That's all fine. I didn't expect anything different. However, Jen Lilley and the character she played got on my last nerve. I am usually fairly neutral about her as an actress, but this one really highlighted why she is not a favorite. Her character was so humble and self effacing she came across as more of a spiritless victim who wouldn't say boo to a goose than an intelligent capable woman. I really can't be mean about the actress because that is the part she was playing, but let's just say she was perfectly cast. No one can do self deprecating and shy, with those huge goo-goo eyes, like she can. The character was so kind, so sweet, and so gentle that if I had been the prince I would have wondered what she was up to. She was so self-deprecating that at one point, her colleague says, "Stop making yourself so SMALL!" In a few scenes she comes across as disingenuous. GAC had a strong start this season, but as Hallmark is well aware, you can't win them all. The jury is still out.
Great message
oksankadrobakha29 November 2021
Underwhelming and overacted
bishopclisa12 December 2021
Once again we have Jen Lilley as a self-deprecating woman who acts like a nervous Chihuahua. This time with Brendan Fehr, whom I normally like in every movie in which I have seen him; however, I could have done without the fake accent. By the way, why does every royal from a fake European country have a weird version of a British accent? ( As a side note to Ms. Lilley, I wouldn't normally comment on someone's appearance, but someone really needs to tell her that she looks better as a brunette. The blond washes her out, especially as she gets older.)
i like it
daeanarah7 December 2021
Just finished watching it. It is a tad different. It's still a good story. About a charity director first meet an incognito prince, then gets embarrassed after being summoned to the castle to learn, see, that he is actually a prince. Funny part, she had to re-wrap the presents he tried, lol, to wrap on that first meeting. Everyone loves a very happy ever after, me included.
Ugh why with the fake accents!
MoosesWin14 December 2021
Just, NO!
jkscarlett11 January 2022
I love Jen Lilley, but who cast her opposite this stoney, wooden, awful actor? The story was awful, the costumes were not appropriate for a royal setting, and there was just nothing romantic or believable about the whole thing. Barely made it to the end of the movie and will never watch again. Save your precious time and read a book.
Tug those heartstrings
Jackbv12330 November 2021
I'm not much of a fan of the "Royal" Christmas movies. I do love superheroes.
Lindsay is a true superhero. She doesn't fly like Supergirl. She can't deflect bullets like Wonder Woman. She doesn't have superstrength. But in the best traditions of those superheroes, Lindsay wants to change the world and her heart is almost big enough to do it.
First remember that rom/coms and Christmas movies often don't have much acquaintance with realism. They aren't supposed to. Especially so the "Royal" ones. So, if that's going to bother you, stay away from this movie. It probably pushes that envelope as much as any.
Lindsay doesn't have a selfish bone in her body. More than that, she understands as much or more than other movies' protagonists what the traditional movie sprit of Christ is. Lindsay wants to change the world by teaching orphans how much joy there is in giving. You see, orphans are lucky if they are in a position to receive one gift. They certainly don't have the resources to be giving them out right and left. So, what if Santa or whoever distributes gifts at the foundation gives them two? One to keep and one to give. (The grinch of realism tells me most of them will keep them both, but remember, we aren't supposed to care about realism.)
Meanwhile we have the prince and commoner story going also. It takes quite a bit of maneuvering by the writers to deal with the obvious cliche and predictability. But I have to give them credit. They walked that line better than most movies of this type. Most of those "that's blasphemy" moments which are usually ignored and done blatantly in the scripts are sidestepped instead.
This movie is verry upbeat. There's no mean antagonism between the leads on their first meeting. Her insult to him is said jokingly. The worst villain is the guy trying to take Lindsay's credit. Rival and mother have no meanness or arrogance.
For the circumstances, the acting is decent. There is real chemistry between Jen Lilly and Brendan Fehr (despite his fake royal accent). And there is a real Christmas message that comes through loud and clear. I might even start a tradition of giving two gifts at Christmas.
I've said it before - I love sappy.
Lindsay is a true superhero. She doesn't fly like Supergirl. She can't deflect bullets like Wonder Woman. She doesn't have superstrength. But in the best traditions of those superheroes, Lindsay wants to change the world and her heart is almost big enough to do it.
First remember that rom/coms and Christmas movies often don't have much acquaintance with realism. They aren't supposed to. Especially so the "Royal" ones. So, if that's going to bother you, stay away from this movie. It probably pushes that envelope as much as any.
Lindsay doesn't have a selfish bone in her body. More than that, she understands as much or more than other movies' protagonists what the traditional movie sprit of Christ is. Lindsay wants to change the world by teaching orphans how much joy there is in giving. You see, orphans are lucky if they are in a position to receive one gift. They certainly don't have the resources to be giving them out right and left. So, what if Santa or whoever distributes gifts at the foundation gives them two? One to keep and one to give. (The grinch of realism tells me most of them will keep them both, but remember, we aren't supposed to care about realism.)
Meanwhile we have the prince and commoner story going also. It takes quite a bit of maneuvering by the writers to deal with the obvious cliche and predictability. But I have to give them credit. They walked that line better than most movies of this type. Most of those "that's blasphemy" moments which are usually ignored and done blatantly in the scripts are sidestepped instead.
This movie is verry upbeat. There's no mean antagonism between the leads on their first meeting. Her insult to him is said jokingly. The worst villain is the guy trying to take Lindsay's credit. Rival and mother have no meanness or arrogance.
For the circumstances, the acting is decent. There is real chemistry between Jen Lilly and Brendan Fehr (despite his fake royal accent). And there is a real Christmas message that comes through loud and clear. I might even start a tradition of giving two gifts at Christmas.
I've said it before - I love sappy.
Unwatachable
johne-5595219 December 2021
I tend to like the Hallmarkish royal movie plots more than the event-planner-saves-Christmas ones that abound this time of year. That said, this one is the worst I've ever seen! Bad accents. Bad writing. Bad acting. Bad directing. Blame it on the pandemic I guess but this thing is embarassingly BAD.
Absolutely worth watching
timwest-6641225 December 2021
GAC has got to do better if they are to survive.
cincy-4798310 May 2022
This is the fourth or fifth recent GAC movie that I have watched (or, at least, was aware that it was a GAC production when watching), and they are universally uninspired, slow, lacking in creatiivity, lacking in realism, and just plain dull. Jen Lilly and some of the actors are fine it is just the junk they are given to deliver. GAC has hired away some of Hallmark's best talent, so maybe they should let the lead talent take charge of the story and how it is to be filmed and then fire whoever it is who is coming up with these lame scripts and mediocre directing.
Here we go again with movies like this during the Xmas period
lisafordeay28 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Oh Hallmark how I love your Christmas romance films. Why you may ask well because every single one of them have one thing in common a guy sporting a British accent and being a prince in a make-believe place that don't sport British accents as well as throwing in a Harry and Megan Markle romance.
A young woman named Lindsey,bumps into a handsome man who turns out his a prince and they fall in love. Judging by the trailer you can pretty much tell what's going to happen afterwards.
The minute I saw the guy who plays the prince I said to myself gosh this is the dude from that 2011 made for TV romance film A Christmas Kiss where he played this playboy who smooches a woman in the elevator.
If you love Hallmark royal Christmas themed films then check it out.
A young woman named Lindsey,bumps into a handsome man who turns out his a prince and they fall in love. Judging by the trailer you can pretty much tell what's going to happen afterwards.
The minute I saw the guy who plays the prince I said to myself gosh this is the dude from that 2011 made for TV romance film A Christmas Kiss where he played this playboy who smooches a woman in the elevator.
If you love Hallmark royal Christmas themed films then check it out.
Well worth watching
jagfannn2 December 2021
I enjoyed this movie very much, even though it was a classic "Hallmark" type movie even with fake royalty and accents. And let's face it, we all know and enjoy this type of movie no matter what some always seem to say.
That said, Brendan Fehr. Has come a long way from the "Roswell" days and does a good job as the Prince in this story, even though he has to do a fake accent (it's what we signed up for people).
Jen Lilley plays an idealist who wants to make the world a better place by influencing children to learn the joy of giving at a young age. She is fantastic in this role and it shouldn't be all that hard for her to play as she actually does the same thing in her REAL life. She took some pretty hard blows here in reviews from people who are accustomed to or more to the point, conditioned to seeing strong Women portrayed in a certain light. Lilley iis beautiful, dedicated, classy, positive and a little insecure all at the same time, but actually doing something positive every day to better the world. Nothing says strong independent Woman like that does.
Oh, her character in this movie does the same thing.
That said, Brendan Fehr. Has come a long way from the "Roswell" days and does a good job as the Prince in this story, even though he has to do a fake accent (it's what we signed up for people).
Jen Lilley plays an idealist who wants to make the world a better place by influencing children to learn the joy of giving at a young age. She is fantastic in this role and it shouldn't be all that hard for her to play as she actually does the same thing in her REAL life. She took some pretty hard blows here in reviews from people who are accustomed to or more to the point, conditioned to seeing strong Women portrayed in a certain light. Lilley iis beautiful, dedicated, classy, positive and a little insecure all at the same time, but actually doing something positive every day to better the world. Nothing says strong independent Woman like that does.
Oh, her character in this movie does the same thing.
A discredit to the actors in this film
csparrish30 August 2022
I have watched both of these actors in other productions. Whoever is writing and directing these films for GAC should find different jobs because I've now watched several GAC productions and they are poorly written, poorly directed and do the actors a discredit. In GAC's quest to show white, Christian movies with minimal diversity they are reaching to a level of ridiculous and almost stupid. If that's the audience you want so be it but it is an insult to anyone with a shred a intelligence. I watch this type of movie to escape the mixed up and crazy world we now live in but give me a break. At least show some intellect.
Heartwarming
kiwyftc26 October 2022
We have immensely loved this movie. We have accidentally catch it on the TV, but don't regret watching it at all, moreover, it was a present for us. Great story, super actors/actresses, fantastic atmosphere, spiced with spirit of Christmas. It teaches a lot about love, human relationships and emotions, kindness, selflessness and the magic of gifting. Gifting from our heart can change the people and the whole world. It ends a bit suddenly, but the happy end compensates it. I cannot say any negative about the film. This movie is one the best ones I have ever watched. I really recommend it to everyone.
Where to Start?
diddyh6330 November 2022
Well, as per the title- where on earth to start?
It's typical of it's type-is that good or bad-obviously opinions will vary!
You know within a few minutes who the "couple" are.
You could fall asleep in the middle and not miss anything.
The journey of them getting together isn't unique or even particularly entertaining in all honesty.
A theme throughout these "Royal" films though is the amusing depiction of "Royalty".
Guards dressed like toy soldiers permanently standing outside and doing the most ridiculous salute and sidekick.
Repeated curtseying to the Queen by the female lead within the same conversation.
Hilarious!
It's typical of it's type-is that good or bad-obviously opinions will vary!
You know within a few minutes who the "couple" are.
You could fall asleep in the middle and not miss anything.
The journey of them getting together isn't unique or even particularly entertaining in all honesty.
A theme throughout these "Royal" films though is the amusing depiction of "Royalty".
Guards dressed like toy soldiers permanently standing outside and doing the most ridiculous salute and sidekick.
Repeated curtseying to the Queen by the female lead within the same conversation.
Hilarious!
A mature masterpiece
taansen28 February 2023
I measure all stories and movies by their EQ - - Emotional Quotient. "Royally Wrapped for Christmas" has one of the highest EQs in the movie world. This is evidenced by the constant and uninterrupted heart radiance of the main actress, like the sun shining on a clear day. It is further evidenced by the high level of baseline consciousness exemplified by the prince. Beyond that, there is no villain in the move. The idea that every story has to have a villain or some kind of conflict is a tired worn-out old idea from the dark ages. The worst moment in the entire movie is when the contender from Ireland takes credit for one of Lindsey's good ideas. That's it. It only lasts for about a minute. And later, circumstances gently move him to return the credit to her. Other than that, every character in the movie is honest, kind, respectful, generous, and harmonious with each other. That shows a high level of maturity of the heart. And the idea that Lindsey had could actually make the world a better place. It is fantastic. I won't spoil it, but you'll see when you watch it. This production uses the vehicle of a supposedly fiction movie to display ideas of giving and generosity that could inspire the whole world to be better, just as Lindsey hopes. The ideas are gracefully shown with beauty in the story. The complete absence of negative characters, combined with the brilliant radiance of the main characters, makes this what I call an empyreal level production, endowed with sovereignty consciousness. How rare is it to find a movie anywhere where nearly every actor in it has risen to the dignity of heart maturity? Even the queen mother shows it. Rather than acting egoistic and disapproving of her son's love for a "commoner", she showed the great wisdom to support it and to get the parliament to change its rules about what qualifies the prince to become king. Most of the other movies about royalty have that tired old script about the parents disapproving, but this one is different. It is overflowing with refreshing new ascensions into more advanced stages of human evolution. One could only wish that the rest of the movie-making world could rise to that same plane of advancement.
Deserves much more praise
MickyG33328 December 2023
8.4 stars.
'Royally Wrapped for Christmas' should be considered an instant classic. I found it to be very fascinating and you might be surprised, because it checks all the usual boxes of Christmas royalty films.
The story is of an American woman in New York City who manages a branch of a charity organization called the Festive Heart Foundation, based in a European country. Prince Aiden (Fehr) of said country and his executive assistant Willard visit the different locations around the world and the three top managers are invited to spend the holidays at his royal palace. The New York City manager is Lindsay (Lilley), a kindhearted and talented philanthropist and she has come up with a variety of ways of giving, which makes her the perfect candidate. Two other candidates are also invited to stay at the palace, a man from Dublin and a woman from Dubai.
It happens that Lindsey catches Prince Aidan's eye immediately when they meet in NYC. That first scene is humorous, fun, and witty. She doesn't know he's the Prince and assumes he's an accountant or something similar by the way he acts and his apparent lack of common knowledge. He rolls with her misguided assumptions and proceeds to have fun at her expense. It's all very innocent and funny and the "accountant" jabs are craftily inserted throughout the movie.
I was caught off guard at how entertaining this was from the beginning. I won't go into great detail with the plot, because it's the same standard you've seen a hundred times. She goes to the castle and collaborates with the two other managers on a project. The Prince makes excuses to see and work with Lindsey, the workers in the palace soon become aware of their mutual attraction, the Queen mother is not happy about it, and oh yes, the Prince has already been arranged to marry a foreign Princess...like I said, repetitive.
What is original about this royal tale are the clever and entertaining details that add depth and life. Lindsey introduces everyone to gifting two gifts on Christmas instead of the usual one. The first gift is for the recipient to keep, the second is for them to give to someone else, akin to paying it forward. The way this concept is conveyed is brilliant and very moving. Next, the gift that her best friend from NYC leaves with her, telling her she will know who to give it to when the time is right, is perfectly interwoven into the plot. The impact is much greater than I ever would have anticipated. Next, Lindsey routinely talks to a painting on the wall of her quarters, a portrait of a previous Queen Lilibeth, great, great, grandmother of Aiden, confiding her wishes and frustrations. There is a rich history surrounding Lilibeth and some secrets about her are revealed, adding more intrigue. The concepts, the mood, the profound lavish ambience, it's almost like a fairy tale.
The writing and dialogue are amazing, one of the best screenplays for Hallmark I've seen. This intelligent script is lost to many, but it's not lost on me, and I will enjoy this virtually unknown hidden gem year after year.
'Royally Wrapped for Christmas' should be considered an instant classic. I found it to be very fascinating and you might be surprised, because it checks all the usual boxes of Christmas royalty films.
The story is of an American woman in New York City who manages a branch of a charity organization called the Festive Heart Foundation, based in a European country. Prince Aiden (Fehr) of said country and his executive assistant Willard visit the different locations around the world and the three top managers are invited to spend the holidays at his royal palace. The New York City manager is Lindsay (Lilley), a kindhearted and talented philanthropist and she has come up with a variety of ways of giving, which makes her the perfect candidate. Two other candidates are also invited to stay at the palace, a man from Dublin and a woman from Dubai.
It happens that Lindsey catches Prince Aidan's eye immediately when they meet in NYC. That first scene is humorous, fun, and witty. She doesn't know he's the Prince and assumes he's an accountant or something similar by the way he acts and his apparent lack of common knowledge. He rolls with her misguided assumptions and proceeds to have fun at her expense. It's all very innocent and funny and the "accountant" jabs are craftily inserted throughout the movie.
I was caught off guard at how entertaining this was from the beginning. I won't go into great detail with the plot, because it's the same standard you've seen a hundred times. She goes to the castle and collaborates with the two other managers on a project. The Prince makes excuses to see and work with Lindsey, the workers in the palace soon become aware of their mutual attraction, the Queen mother is not happy about it, and oh yes, the Prince has already been arranged to marry a foreign Princess...like I said, repetitive.
What is original about this royal tale are the clever and entertaining details that add depth and life. Lindsey introduces everyone to gifting two gifts on Christmas instead of the usual one. The first gift is for the recipient to keep, the second is for them to give to someone else, akin to paying it forward. The way this concept is conveyed is brilliant and very moving. Next, the gift that her best friend from NYC leaves with her, telling her she will know who to give it to when the time is right, is perfectly interwoven into the plot. The impact is much greater than I ever would have anticipated. Next, Lindsey routinely talks to a painting on the wall of her quarters, a portrait of a previous Queen Lilibeth, great, great, grandmother of Aiden, confiding her wishes and frustrations. There is a rich history surrounding Lilibeth and some secrets about her are revealed, adding more intrigue. The concepts, the mood, the profound lavish ambience, it's almost like a fairy tale.
The writing and dialogue are amazing, one of the best screenplays for Hallmark I've seen. This intelligent script is lost to many, but it's not lost on me, and I will enjoy this virtually unknown hidden gem year after year.
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