Genovia
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Genovia is a fictional country used in the Princess Diaries books, written by Meg Cabot, which were later developed into films. The Genovia portrayed in the books differs in many ways from the Genovia shown in the films.
The article is divided into two sections, each discussing separately the Principality of Genovia portrayed in the books and the Kingdom of Genovia in the films.
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[edit] The Principality of Genovia (books)
This story is apparently based on the murder of Albion, the Lombard king, by his wife Rosagunde. She was the daughter of King Cunimund of the Gepids, who were at that time living in the area of Belgrade. Albion did actually make Rosagunde drink wine from her dead father's decaying skull, in northern Italy.
[edit] Geography
Genovia is a small kingdom, which lies between Southern France and the West of Italy.
[edit] The Royal Family
Genovia, in the books, is ruled by Clarisse Renaldi, the dowager princess. The royal family also consists of her son Prince Phillipe, and his daughter Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi.
[edit] Exports
In the books, Genovia is best known throughout Europe for its olives, while the main import is tourists, due to the tropical climate and casinos. Also in the movies, Genovia is known for its "Famous Genovian Pears"
[edit] Delicacies
Foie gras consumed by Genovians with wine is a delicacy in Genovia and at Genovian weddings a ten course meal - olives, pasta, antipasto, fish, meat, salad, cheese, bread, fruit, and a dessert - is served. Also Grappa, a very strong form of alcohol is commonly served around Christmas. Genovian Foie Gras, like its real world counterpart, is often considered an acquired taste.
[edit] Names
The name "Genovia" is based on the name of a city in Italy called Genoa (Italian Genova). This was probably chosen as the House of Grimaldi is associated with the history of the Republic of Genoa and of the Principality of Monaco, upon which the country is based. The Grimaldi family descends from Grimaldo, a Genovese statesman.
[edit] The Kingdom of Genovia (film)
The Kingdom of Genovia is pronounced /ʒə'noʊviə/ in the films by native Genovians, but often as /dʒə'noʊviə/ by outsiders. 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 tells the story of Princess Mia Thermopolis, who is the unknowing future heir to the country's throne, being the only daughter of the crown prince, who died about two months before the start of the film. The prince's American artist ex-wife is Mia's mother. In the period the story is set, the prince's widowed mother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi is serving as regent until Mia comes of age and is ready to assume the role of queen.
[edit] Geography
Genovia is a small English-speaking country situated between France and Italy along the Mediterranean according to Clarisse.
[edit] Political Structure
Genovia is based on the country of Monaco, which is also subject to a founding treaty. In Genovia, if there is no Renaldi heir, the throne will be turned over to other rulers such as Lord Nicholas Devereaux or the Von Trockens 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 unless the ruling house were to fall.
[edit] Government
Genovia's form of government is an absolute monarchy, headed by the House of Renaldi. The seat of government is the capital of Genovia, Pyrus. Architectural cues in Genovia are similar to its neighboring nations.
It has an independence day, though its date is unknown. Based on the banners in the Genovian Independence Day Parade they gained their indepence in 1704. Also because of the culture and location of the country, they most likely gained their independence from France.
The country has a small unicameral parliament of approximately 50 seated members, in which all the members wear long British Empire-style robes and gray-toned wigs. The Prime Minister is Sebastian Motaz, who presides over the parliament.
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 "His/Her Majesty".
[edit] The Ruler
At the end of the second film, the monarch of Genovia is currently Her Royal Majesty, Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi, Queen of Genovia . Having succeeded her grandmother, Her Majesty, Clarisse Renaldi, Queen Regent of Genovia . She is the widowed-queen who rules the country until Mia the Princess becomes queen.
Mia is the latest ruler in over 150 years of rule by the House of Renaldi. She was briefly engaged to His Grace, Andrew Jacoby, Duke of Kenilworth . This engagement was part of the 300-year-old statutory requirement of parliament that an unmarried woman could not ascend the throne of Genovia. This statute is repealed prior to the abortive wedding.
Queen Regent Clarisse was married to deceased His Majesty, Rupert Renaldi, King of Genovia. They had two sons, His Royal Highness, Eduard Christoph Philippe Gerald Renaldi, Crown Prince of Genovia(known as Philippe), who is Mia's father, and Philippe's older brother, Prince Pierre, the first born who renounced the crown to join the church. Queen Regent Clarisse later has a romance with Joseph, her soon to be former head of security. In the days before Mia's coronation, she marries him.
Mia was also briefly challenged in her right of ascent by The Honorable, Lord Nicholas Devereaux of Genovia (later her love interest). He is also the great-great-great grandson of His Majesty, Chevalion, King of Genovia. He is also the grandson of the senior Lord Nicholas (who he was named after). Lord Nicholas's uncle is The Honorable, Viscount Arthur Mabrey of Genovia. If the events of the second film are contemporary to its release, Nicholas turned twenty-one on 20 October 2003.
[edit] Exports
Genovia is famous for its pears and hand made lace, and the Genovian Pear is a major export.
[edit] Delicacies
The famous Genovian dessert is pears and cheese. Popcorn that tastes like pears is another unique Genovian delicacy.
[edit] National Anthem
The Genovian National anthem:
Genovia, the land I call my home,
From the green clear summer,
to blossoming pear trees;
Magnificent her mountains and seas.
Genovia, Genovia,
You're noble, proud, and brave.
Genovia, Genovia,
Forever
Will your banner wave!
[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. The Latin in the Genovia coat of arms is best translated as "The whole body works."
[edit] Differences between the books and the films
- Genovia is a principality and that in the novels Mia would never have to be married to ascend the throne.
- Since Genovia is not a kingdom, but a principality, when Mia does rule, she will not be styled Her Majesty the Queen Amelia, but rather Her Royal Highness Sovereign Princess Amelia Mignonette of Genovia.
- In the films, Genovia is English-speaking, but in the books, the official language is French.
- In the books, Mia attends school in Manhattan, but in the films, she attends school in San Francisco.
- In the books Mia has blonde hair, in the movie she has brown.
- In the books Mia only has one friend; Lilly, in the books she has many friends.
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