Anne Hathaway has revealed she lobbied hard for Julie Andrews to return as Queen Clarisse in "Princess Diaries 3", but the veteran actress declined the offer. Andrews, now considered retired, previously confirmed to Today that she turned down the role, saying she felt the new film would flourish without her involvement. The exchange highlights the affection between the two stars and underscores the sentimental weight the franchise carries for its long-time fans as Disney moves forward with the threequel.

Hathaway, who reprises her role as Mia Thermopolis, told Entertainment Tonight at D23 that the door remains open should Andrews change her mind, but that the team respects her decision. Andrews explained she had been asked repeatedly over the past year and found it hard to say no, but ultimately felt she'd had "a wonderful ride" and that the new instalment did not need her at her age. Hathaway said her priority is for fans who grew up with the original films to feel they can share the new one with their own children.