Reality television has a new entrant with The Princess Diaries, a show following the life of 17-year-old Princess Andre, daughter of Peter Andre and Katie Price. While the concept may seem appealing for fans of influencer culture, this ITV2 series lands somewhere between monotony and sadness, offering an insightful yet melancholic look at teenage life in the public eye.
A Glimpse Behind the Influencer Lifestyle
At its core, The Princess Diaries chronicles Princess Andre’s transition into adulthood as she navigates the challenges of being an influencer. With “content days” spent curating photoshoots and making plans for a future beauty line, much of the show highlights the tediousness of a profession centered around social media. Watching a 17-year-old girl roam around for Instagram-worthy shots underscores the repetitiveness of influencer life.
However, Princess’s upbringing adds a unique layer to her journey. Growing up in the tabloid maelstrom fueled by her famous parents, her life has been anything but ordinary. From the constant media scrutiny to events like her father’s cultural missteps and her mother’s bankruptcy controversies, Princess’s world is a far cry from relatable teenage experiences.
The Underlying Melancholy
Behind the curated Instagram posts and reality TV setups, there’s an undercurrent of sadness. Princess shares vulnerable moments reflecting on her challenging upbringing, feelings of being bullied at school, and struggles with self-esteem. Yet, these glimpses into her introspective side are quickly brushed away for lighter moments, like her dog drooling on her designer shoes, leaving audiences with a mix of empathy and detachment.
This subtle sadness makes The Princess Diaries an unexpectedly reflective show. It brings to light the pressures of growing up in the public eye, where every action is scrutinized and there’s little room for personal privacy.
Reality TV as a Way of Life
As Princess herself points out, reality television has been a recurring theme in her life. She’s been a part of or adjacent to numerous reality shows, including Katie & Peter: The Baby Diaries, Peter Andre: My Life, and Katie Price’s Mucky Mansion. For her, this world isn’t new—it’s all she’s ever known. However, this series raises the question of whether stepping into the spotlight at such a young age was the right move.
While Princess shows remarkable resilience and maturity for her age, it’s clear that she has yet to fully process the complexities of her unconventional childhood. Perhaps as she grows older and gains independence, she’ll be able to reflect on her experiences more deeply. For now, viewers are left with a four-hour series that feels like an extended glimpse into a teenager’s phone.
Final Verdict
The Princess Diaries offers a mix of relatability, celebrity fascination, and emotional moments. However, the show struggles to find its identity, teetering between a serious exploration of fame’s emotional toll and the mundane aspects of influencer culture. For reality TV enthusiasts curious about Princess Andre’s life, the series is worth a watch. For others, it may feel like just another addition to the reality TV landscape.
All episodes of The Princess Diaries are now streaming on ITVX.