Boutique owner Bella Sparks (Danica McKellar) agrees to help Englishman Stefan (Damon Runyan), who comes into her store after losing his suitcase. Asked to help him with outfits for a busy week of engagements, Bella is surprised when Stefan also asks her to be his ‘plus one’ for the week. As she tries to understand Stefan’s tastes, Bella throws herself into the job but is surprised when she discovers that her new client is actually Stefan William Francis Brown aka the Duke of Tangford.
‘A Royal Date for Christmas’ takes a very familiar story and delivers a delightfully enjoyable film with it. There are plenty of other films and TV series that have been made about a woman not realising a new man in her life is part of royalty, and this story does seem to be a popular one with lovers of romance movies, particularly ones set at Christmas. I always wonder how believable it is when characters in movies don’t know they’re in the presence of royalty but I guess not everyone can know everyone right?
When Bella and Stefan first meet, it’s a classic case of brushing each other up the wrong way. Stefan needs Bella due to his lost luggage, and Bella needs the work, so the two enter into an uneasy relationship that’s mutually beneficial. Bella quickly finds her new client to be demanding, which means she has to leave the running of her store to a colleague. Of course, it’s not long before that friction between the two characters turns into something very different. Bella’s eyes are opened by being let into Stefan’s world and Stefan gets a lesson in what life is like for those who aren’t part of royalty.
Danica McKellar really is the highlight here. Always a magnetic presence on screen, she throws herself into the character of Bella ably showing off her comedic abilities and impressing with her dramatic skills too. McKellar plays Bella as an ambitious woman who wants to get more out of her life and business, something I’m sure many who watch the film will be able to identify with. Her perky personality shines through and she truly is the star of this film. Damon Runyan disguises his native Canadian accent with a convincing British one, and he leans into the stereotype that Brits – especially posh ones – can be a little brusque around the edges. I enjoyed the rapport he builds with McKellar and the two actors are believable as a couple.
‘A Royal Date for Christmas’ may not be the most original Christmas movie you seen this season but it’s still a good time. Fans of these kinds of films always love a romance that involves British royalty so there will be an audience ready and willing to add this to the collection. Punchy, full of delightful moments and with a romance you can believe in, ‘A Royal Date for Christmas’ is a solid festive watch.
Cast: Danica McKellar, Damon Runyan, Deanna Jarvis, Patrice Goodman Director: Bradley Walsh Writer: Cara J. Russell Certificate: Unrated Duration: 85 mins Released by: Great American Family Release date: 25th November 2023
Find out more about ‘A Royal Date for Christmas’ at https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/movie/a-royal-date-for-christmas/.
