Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Princess Stacy Wyndham of Belgravia and Queen Margaret Delacourt of Montenaro are gearing up for the grand international Christmas festival set to take place in Montenaro, where the event’s highlight is none other than the “Star of Peace,” a revered relic graciously loaned by the Vatican for the occasion. However, shortly after the Star’s arrival, the palace falls victim to a brazen heist as thieves break in and make off with this priceless treasure.
In a twist of fate, Stacy and Margaret find themselves turning to the rather unconventional Lady Fiona Pembroke, portrayed by Vanessa Hudgens, who is currently serving time on probation and working as a custodian at a local orphanage. In a surprising turn, Fiona agrees to assist in recovering the Star, but not without an exchange: she seeks Margaret’s help to speak favorably on her behalf when her case is brought before the disciplinary board post-Christmas.
To tackle this formidable challenge, Fiona turns to her ex-boyfriend, Peter Maxwell, a character played by Remy Hii, who once held the prestigious position of an Interpol investigator but now operates his own private security firm. Peter’s investigation leads him directly to the culprit: Hunter Cunard, the billionaire art thief, portrayed by Will Kemp, known for his obsessive quest to hoard the world’s most invaluable artworks into his private collection.
Using her charm and wit, Fiona manages to secure an invitation to Hunter’s opulent Christmas party. To ensure success, Peter enlists the help of Fiona’s quirky assistants, Mindy and Reggie, rehearsing various escape maneuvers to infiltrate Hunter’s heavily guarded estate during the festivities while Fiona keeps Hunter occupied at the party.
However, an unforeseen twist occurs when Reggie injures himself during the rigorous training phase. Faced with this setback, Margaret steps in to impersonate Fiona at the gala. Meanwhile, Peter and Fiona take over Reggie’s role with the sole aim of retrieving the Star from Hunter’s security vault. As this daring plan unfolds, Fiona finds herself reflecting on her long-standing feelings for Peter, which trace all the way back to their childhood.
As the plan goes underway, everything initially proceeds as outlined until Peter accidentally triggers a pressure plate alarm while attempting to secure the Star. In a flurry of panic, Reggie and Mindy hasten to disable the misleading security footage that Peter had cleverly set up, which subsequently alerts Hunter to the theft. Leaving Fiona with the Star in a bag, Peter remains behind to deflect Hunter’s henchmen, while Margaret makes her escape with the aid of a coat-check attendant.
Simultaneously, Stacy gets news from the orphanage’s head that the hearing regarding Fiona’s case has been rescheduled to coincide with the heist. Taking matters into her own hands, she decides to dress up as Fiona and appear before the committee, with Prince Edward, played by Sam Palladio, attesting as a character witness. As Stacy convincingly portrays a remorseful Fiona, the board is swayed into granting a commutation of her sentence.
As everyone regroups at the palace after the chaotic escapades, Fiona soon realizes that the bag she carries is nothing but a deceptive decoy. Upset and feeling betrayed, both Margaret and Stacy contemplate revealing the unsettling truth to the Vatican while Fiona and her friends, Mindy and Reggie, consider making a hasty exit from the kingdom despite Margaret’s invitation to linger for Christmas festivities.
However, pivotal moments unfold when Peter seeks out Fiona to explain his motivation for taking the Star—it was to draw her attention. He implores her to connect with her estranged mother, Bianca, showcased by Amanda Donohoe, who has come to Montenaro seeking reconciliation with her daughter. Fiona, at first stubborn and unwilling to forgive, has an epiphany—by refusing her mother, she’d replicate the mistakes of her own past. She embraces Bianca, choosing the path of forgiveness, and together they return the Star just in time.
As the festival culminates with the lighting of the majestic Christmas tree, Margaret candidly reveals to Kevin, portrayed by Nick Sagar, that she has provided the police with crucial evidence pertaining to Hunter’s transgressions. Meanwhile, even as Fiona rejoices in her reintegration into her cousin’s family, a pang of sadness strikes as she considers sharing this holiday alone. Just then, Peter reappears, despite their previous conflict, and they share a tender kiss as the Star of Peace illuminates the night, signaling a beautiful start to the new year.
Follow the complete movie timeline of The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Preparation for the Festival
Princess Stacy Wyndham and Queen Margaret Delacourt are busy organizing an international Christmas festival in Montenaro. The highlight of the festival is the 'Star of Peace', a sacred relic that arrives from the Vatican to symbolize goodwill.
The Theft of the Star
As the festival preparations are underway, thieves break into the palace and steal the 'Star of Peace'. This shocking event leaves both Stacy and Margaret frantic as they search for a way to recover the priceless artifact before the festival.
Seeking Help from Fiona
Stacy and Margaret decide to enlist the help of Lady Fiona Pembroke, who is currently serving at an orphanage. Fiona agrees to assist them on the condition that Margaret helps her with an upcoming disciplinary hearing regarding her probation.
Consulting Peter Maxwell
Fiona consults her ex-boyfriend, Peter Maxwell, a former Interpol investigator now running a private security firm. Peter quickly deduces that Hunter Cunard, a billionaire known for stealing art, is behind the heist.
Infiltrating Hunter's Party
Fiona charms her way into an invitation to Hunter's extravagant Christmas party. Meanwhile, Peter recruits Fiona's friends Mindy and Reggie to help train for the heist, preparing to infiltrate Hunter's estate.
Margaret's Impersonation
After Reggie injures himself during training, Margaret agrees to impersonate Fiona at the party. This allows Peter and Fiona to access the security vault and retrieve the Star while the plan unfolds.
The Heist Begins
As the heist begins, the team successfully manages the party environment with Margaret distracting Hunter while Peter and Fiona stealthily try to secure the Star. However, tension builds as Peter accidentally triggers an alarm.
Caught in the Act
With the alarm sounding, Reggie and Mindy rush to disable the fake security footage. As panic ensues, Peter hands Fiona the Star, deciding to stay behind to distract Hunter's men while the others make their escape.
Stacy's Impersonation at the Hearing
Meanwhile, Stacy learns about Fiona's imminent hearing and decides to attend in her stead. Accompanied by Prince Edward, she impersonates Fiona in front of the board, advocating for her cousin's character.
The Revelation of the Decoy
Everyone returns to the palace only for Fiona to discover that the bag she carries contains a decoy instead of the real Star. Feeling betrayed, Margaret and Stacy contemplate revealing the truth to the Vatican.
Peter's Confrontation with Fiona
Peter confronts Fiona and reveals that he took the Star to get her attention, suggesting she speak with her estranged mother, Bianca. Fiona initially refuses but soon grapples with her feelings and the cycle of forgiveness.
The Forgiveness Moment
As Fiona reflects on her past, she ultimately decides to forgive her mother. This poignant moment strengthens her character as she moves toward reconciliation and returns the Star to Stacy and Margaret just in time.
Festival Tree Lighting
At the lighting of the Christmas tree, Margaret discloses that she provided crucial evidence of Hunter's criminal activities to the police. This act sets the stage for a joyful but complex conclusion as relationships evolve.
Unexpected Reunion
Despite the festive atmosphere, Fiona feels lonely until Peter reappears despite their earlier conflict. Their unexpected reunion culminates in a romantic kiss just as the Star of Peace lights up in celebration of the New Year.
Explore all characters from The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Stacy Wyndham
Stacy Wyndham is the dedicated and resourceful Princess of Belgravia, determined to ensure a successful Christmas festival. She is put in a position where she must juggle royal duties and personal friendships, showcasing a blend of strength and vulnerability. Her innovative thinking and loyalty to family are instrumental in resolving the crisis surrounding the 'Star of Peace'.
Fiona Pembroke
Fiona Pembroke is a strong-willed character who finds herself in a precarious position, balancing her own troubles with her loyalty to family. Her journey involves dealing with unrequited love and personal redemption, making her growth relatable and poignant. Fiona's charm and wit are key to navigating complex situations, highlighting her resilience.
Peter Maxwell
Peter Maxwell is a former Interpol investigator turned private security expert. He exhibits a blend of intelligence and resourcefulness, often acting protectively towards Fiona. His feelings for Fiona deepen the narrative, as he struggles to regain her trust amidst the chaos of the heist. Peter's determination to set things right amplifies the central conflict.
Hunter Cunard
Hunter Cunard is portrayed as a wealthy and sophisticated antagonist, obsessed with acquiring priceless artifacts. His obsession leads him to orchestrate a high-stakes theft, revealing his cunning nature. However, beneath his charm lies a deeper greed, driving the conflict that unveils the importance of trust and betrayal among friends.
Learn where and when The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
Modern Day
The movie takes place in contemporary times, focusing on modern issues and relationships while intertwining traditional holiday festivities. The character's actions reflect modern challenges, such as balancing personal desires with familial duties during the Christmas season.
Location
Montenaro
Montenaro is a picturesque kingdom known for its enchanting castles and festive celebrations, particularly around Christmas time. The annual international Christmas festival is a highlight, featuring the sacred relic, the 'Star of Peace'. The palace serves as a central hub for royal events and gatherings.
Discover the main themes in The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
💔
Forgiveness
The theme of forgiveness plays a significant role in the movie, as characters grapple with their past relationships. Fiona's journey toward forgiving her mother mirrors her romantic troubles, ultimately leading her to mend broken bonds. The film emphasizes that forgiveness is vital for personal growth and to strengthen connections with loved ones.
🎉
Family
Family is a central theme in the story, showcased through the dynamics between cousins and their journeys toward reconciliation. The holiday spirit highlights the importance of togetherness, showing how familial support can overcome past grievances. As characters navigate their relationships, they learn that family is often the source of both conflict and comfort.
Unravel the ending of The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
Fiona arrives at the palace, only to realize that the Star of Peace is missing from the bag she thought contained it. With everyone convinced that Peter has run off with the relic, Margaret decides to tell the Vatican the truth, choosing honesty over cover-ups. Meanwhile, Fiona confronts Peter, who reveals that he only wanted her attention because he hoped she’d reconnect with her mother and that his actions were motivated by a desire to help her. Fiona, haunted by her troubled past with her mother, initially reacts with anger and storms out, clutching the jewel. However, she has a moment of self-awareness and recognizes that her reaction resembles her mother’s past abandonment. This realization prompts her to turn back and embrace her mother warmly, healing some of the emotional wounds that have defined her life.
As the relic is finally recovered and returned to the Vatican, the festive atmosphere is restored with the Star of Peace shining brightly at the Christmas celebration. Margaret informs everyone that Hunter Cunard has been arrested while trying to escape the country, bringing the story’s conflict to a close. Fiona, feeling remorseful for how she has treated Peter, begins to understand she has fallen in love with her best friend. On Christmas night, Peter appears at the party, leading Fiona to apologize and open her heart. They share a heartfelt kiss as the Star of Peace illuminates the Christmas tree, symbolizing hope, reconciliation, and new beginnings. The film ends on a joyful, warm note, emphasizing that love and honesty can heal even the deepest wounds and bring about the true spirit of Christmas.
Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.