Genovia
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The Principality of Genovia ("Kingdom of Genovia" in the films) (pronounced "zhä'no'vë'ä" in the films by native Genovians, but often as "jä'no'vë'ä" by outsiders) is a fictional country central to the plot of the novel The Princess Diaries and the films based on them (see The Princess Diaries (film)). Their author, Meg Cabot, made up the country of Genovia, but based it on Monaco. The sequel film, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, marks the first time Genovia is seen properly on screen. It was shown briefly in the first film from an airplane window.
The movie and book tell the story of Princess Mia Thermopolis, who is the unknowing future heir to the country's throne, as the only daughter of the crown prince. In the books Mia's father is infertile, due to testicular cancer and Chemotherapy. In the films, however, he is just deceased. The prince's American artist ex-girlfriend is Mia's mother. In the period the story is set, the prince's widowed mother, Dowager Princess Clarisse Marie Renaldo (Renaldi in the Film), serves as regent until Mia comes of age.
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[edit] History
The country's history dates back to the 500s when an Italian king was slaughtered by a warlord named Albion. He took Rosagunde, a daughter of one of the dead king's generals and made her drink wine from her dead father's skull. She was so infuriated that she strangled Albion with her braids while he slept on their wedding night. She then gave the throne to the king's son, and he made her Queen of a small land, now known as Genovia.
This story is apparently based on the murder of Albion, the Lombard king, by his wife Rosamund. She was the daughter of King Cunimund of the Gepids, who were at that time living in the area of Belgrade. Alboin did actually make Rosamund drink wine from her dead father's skull, and she arranged to have him murdered in bed (although not by strangling him with her braids). She then fled to Ravenna, in northern Italy.
Princess Diaries, Volume VI: Princess in Training contains the story of St. Amelie, the patron saint of Genovia, whom the dowager princess claims Mia Thermopolis Renaldo was named for. Born in 1070, Amelie was a peasant goatherd who miraculously lulled an invading Italian count and his entire army of mercenaries to sleep with her beautiful singing voice. She then cut off the count's head with an axe. This terrified the mercenaries so much that they fled, and Amelie was hailed as her country's savior. The petrified heart of St. Amelie has been preserved as a relic, and only members of the Renaldi royal family are permitted to touch it.
[edit] Geography
Genovia is a tiny country situated between France and Italy (France and Spain in the films, which would make it nearer to Andorra). In the book series it is stated that it is approximately a mile long and the population is around 50,000.
Genovia is likely based on the country of Monaco, which is also subject to a founding treaty. In Genovia, the throne will be turned over to other rulers such as Lord Nicholas Devereaux or the Von Trokens if certain obligations of the royal family are not met, which is also the case in Monaco, where the nation will remain independent from France if the ruling house were to fall.[1]
Genovia has a prime minister named Daniel Hofileña who currently lives in the country called Philippines.
[edit] Government
Genovia's form of government is a constitutional monarchy, headed by the House of Renaldo (Renaldi in the films). Genovia's royal family is related to the House of Grimaldi in Monaco.
The seat of government is Pyrus, the capital of Genovia. Architectural cues in Genovia are similar to its neighboring nations.
The country has a small parliament of approximately 50 seated members, in which all the members wear long British Empire-style robes and gray-toned wigs. Membership in parliament is likely acquired through peerage rather than election judging by the styles of its members. Parliament is held in session within the royal palace. Prime Minister Sebastian Motaz presides over the body, and one noted senior parliamentarian is Lord Palimore, and another member Lord Harmony. Untitled members include Hiller and Bishop.
The Captain of the Guard is the zealous Kip Kelly. The royal guard uniform is a military-styled navy blue with white helmets.
The seated monarch is styled "Her Royal Highness" formally, and occasionally "Your Highness" in the more familiar by those in a social station who dare. The monarch of Genovia is currently (as of the last film, that is) Queen Amelia Migonette Thermopolis Renaldo (Renaldi in film), having succeeded her grandmother, now-Dowager Princess Clarisse Marie Renaldo (Renaldi in film). Mia is the latest ruler in over 150 years of rule by House Renaldo (Renaldi). She was briefly engaged to His Grace the Duke of Kenilworth, Andrew Jacoby, as part of the 300-year-old statutory requirement of parliament that a princess of Genovia could not ascend to the throne until wed. This statute is reversed prior to the wedding.
Dowager Princess Clarisse married King Rupert Renaldo (Renaldi in film) of Genovia, and they had one son, Philippe, who is Mia's father. Clarisse is later involved with Joseph, her former head of security.
Mia was also briefly challenged in her right of ascent by Lord Nicholas Devereaux, great-great-great grandson of King Chevalier and grandson of a senior Lord Nicholas. Devereaux's uncle is Viscount Arthur Mabrey. (More properly "vicomte" given the French language heritage in Genovia.) Nicholas turned twenty-one on the 20th of October of 2003. (If we assume the events of the second film to be contemporary to its release.)
[edit] National Flag
The Genovian flag is a tricolor of green, white, and blue bands with the royal coat of arms in the white section.
[edit] National Anthem
The Genovian National anthem (which sounds alot like Oh Canada!, the Canadian National anthem) is as follows:
Oh Genovia,
Our Home and Native Land,
Although its always snowing,
I swear its never boring,
Genovia, Genovia,
Goats Boat is our lord,
Genovia, Genovia,
Forever,
Will your banner wave!
[edit] Exports
Genovia is famous for its pear, and the Genovian Pear is a major export. It is also well known throughout Europe for its olives. (In the book it was olive oil.)
[edit] Delicacies
One delicacy of Genovia is popcorn that tastes like pears. The foie gras consumed by Genovians with wine is a delicacy as well. The baby back ribs from Chillis are in season now
[edit] Names/Puns
The name "Genovia" is based on the name of a city in Italy called Genoa.
