AllDonuts2006
Just before Christmas, aspiring American journalist Iris Nakamura travels to the Nordic country of Thessara to cover Crown Princess Diana's press conference. Diana, set to take the throne after her father's death, is known as an irresponsible socialite who may abdicate.
When Diana fails to appear, Iris refuses to leave and is mistaken for young Princess Ophelia's new American tutor. She assumes this identity to investigate the abdication rumors. Ophelia, who has juvenile arthritis, warms to Iris after she doesn't treat her with kid gloves. Iris discovers Diana is the woman she argued with over a taxi at the airport.
As she gets to know Diana, Iris realizes the princess is compassionate and responsible, though reluctant to rule. Ophelia reveals that Diana's envious cousin Laurent desperately wants the throne, while Diana's calculating ex-girlfriend Vivienne seems only interested in the royal title.
When Ophelia discovers Iris's deception, she agrees to stay quiet if Iris writes a positive story about Diana. During a horseback ride, Iris falls into an icy lake and Diana saves her. At the late king's hunting cabin, they almost kiss. While Diana tends the horses, Iris discovers documents proving Diana was adopted.
At the Christmas Eve Ball, Vivienne and Laurent expose both Diana's adoption and Iris's true identity. Laurent claims the throne while Diana storms off and rejects Iris's apologies.
Queen Katarina reveals she adopted Diana before having her biological daughter Ophelia. Diana forgives her mother and vows to fight for the throne. Iris deciphers the late king's poem and finds a hidden proclamation declaring Diana the rightful heir in a Christmas ornament. She delivers it just as Laurent is being crowned.
Diana is crowned queen instead. Back in New York, Iris quits her job and blogs about Diana, gaining the princess's attention. On New Year's Eve, Diana surprises Iris at her father's diner and proposes. Iris accepts.