Writer Olivia (Rhiannon Fish) and Prince Alexander (Mitchell Bourke) find their lives taking different directions when their work schedules pull them apart. Frustrated at the lack of time they’re getting to spend together, the couple promises to come together at Prince Alexander’s family palace for Christmas, with Olivia’s parents joining them. Both Olivia and Prince Alexander have marriage on their mind, but will either of them actually go through with a Christmas proposal?
A sequel to 2023’s ‘A Royal in Paradise’, ‘A Christmas Castle Proposal’ continues the love story of Olivia and Prince Alexander. In this second instalment, it’s fair to say that while the love is still there, the reality of a normal person dating royalty provides a significant hurdle. Olivia is ill-prepared for what life as part of a royal family is going to entail, and Prince Alexander is naïve in thinking that Olivia will be welcomed into his family with open arms. You could be forgiven for wondering if the film was inspired by the marriage of Prince Harry and Megan Markle.
After being swept away by their romantic connection in the first film, ‘A Christmas Castle Proposal’ finds Olivia and Prince Alexander dealing with the reality of their relationship. Both have packed schedules meaning they don’t get a lot of time together, or alone, and their families aren’t as sure about the couple’s future as Olivia and Prince Alexander seem to be. Olivia grows ever more frustrated at Prince Alexander’s lack of a proposal, while Prince Alexander has been planning to pop the question but doesn’t seem to be able to find the right time.
It's fair to say that ‘A Christmas Castle Proposal’ doesn’t particularly break any new ground. Audiences love a romance that involves British royalty, and that will sell the film on its own. How close any of this story is to reality is debatable but it’s not really the point is it? Christmas is a time to put the real world to one side and enjoy a bit of hope and optimism; that’s exactly what this film delivers.
What really carries ‘A Christmas Castle Proposal’ is the undeniable chemistry between Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourke. Viewers loved them together in ‘A Royal in Paradise’ and the two actors get to stretch their wings a little more in this sequel. Their scenes together fizz and individually they have likeable screen presences that encourage the viewer to root for their eventual happiness.
‘A Christmas Castle Proposal’ clearly leaves the door open for a third film in the franchise and honestly, I’d feel cheated if we didn’t get to actually see what happens next. These characters are enjoyable to watch and this film does a good job of broadening their world a little. If there’s not another film during ‘Great American Christmas’ 2025, I’ll be very, very surprised.
Cast: Rhiannon Fish, Mitchell Bourke, Kym Jackson, Dirk Hunter, Andrea Moor, Andrew Buchanan Director: Adrian Powers Writers: Caera Bradshaw & Adrian Powers Certificate: Unrated Duration: 82 mins Released by: Great American Family Release date: 26th October 2024
‘A Christmas Castle Proposal’ airs on Saturday 26th October 2024 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT on Great American Family. Find out more at https://www.greatamericanfamily.com/movie/a-prince-in-paradise-2-a-royal-proposal-wt/
