Where was A Christmas Prince filmed?
2017
City Locations
Bucharest, Sinaia (Romania)
Location Types
Airport, Castles, Museum, Mansion, University
Location Styles
Castle/Chateau, Building Dated/Retro, Gothic/Victorian, Foreign, Greek/Neoclassical
About A Christmas Prince
Unwrap the magic of love and royalty with the 2017 heartfelt holiday film “A Christmas Prince”. Directed by the genius Alex Zamm, this American Christmas romantic comedy has a star-studded cast featuring Rose McIver, Tom Knight, Ben Lamb, Sarah Douglas, Alice Krige, Daniel Fathers, and Tahirah Sharif.
The film tells the enchanting yet hilarious love story of Amber Moore (Rose McIver), an ambitious American magazine journalist. With Christmas around the corner, Amber finds herself in the elusive realm of Aldovia, covering the story of the soon-to-be king, Prince Richard (Ben Lamb). A series of unexpected events lead Amber to masquerade as the American tutor for Princess Emily (Honor Kneafsey). As she dives further into the palace's rumors of possible abdication, she finds herself unexpectedly falling for Richard.
The true essence of Richard brings a heartwarming twist to Amber's adventure in Aldovia. However, the budding romance faces its toughest challenge at the Christmas Eve Ball when Amber's true identity is brought to light. Although A Christmas Prince did not bag any specific awards, it made a royal entrance into the hearts of viewers across the globe, casting a charming spell of love, laughter, and Christmas magic!
A Christmas Prince Locations
A Christmas Prince was primarily filmed in the picturesque regions of Romania; Peleș Castle in Sinaia, a grand and majestic structure, was the primary filming site. The castle is tucked away in the Carpathian Mountains, situated approximately at an equal distance from Bucharest and the historically rich city of Brasov; its entrance and courtyard, adorned with striking statues, were prominently featured.
In addition to Peleș Castle, other locations in Romania played a crucial role in bringing the film to life. These included the grandiose Bragadiru Palace, the Cotroceni National Museum, and the Carol Davila Medicine and Pharmacy University, all situated in Bucharest, the capital of Romania.
The Romanian Athenaeum, an elegant government building, was the site for several scenes, including a press conference. Bucharest's Aurel Vlaicu Airport also appeared, doubling as the Aldovia International Airport. Though it now mainly serves private flights, it still retains its original charm.
Given these locations' stunning beauty and rich history, a trip to the filming sites of “A Christmas Prince” would undoubtedly be worthwhile. Here, you can immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the film while exploring some of Romania's most remarkable landmarks and areas of interest.
Fun Fact
The gown donned by the queen at the Christmas ball bears a striking resemblance to the attire worn by the Queen of the Netherlands at her 2013 coronation.
The arrival scene in A Christmas Prince
Bucharest Băneasa - Aurel Vlaicu International Airport, Șoseaua București-Ploiești 40, București 013695, Romania
The movie revolves around Amber Moore (Rose McIver), an ambitious American magazine journalist who lands in Aldovia to cover a press conference by Prince Richard (Ben Lamb). One iconic scene that fans might remember vividly is when Amber, fresh off her flight, tries to hail a taxi at the airport, only for a man to jump ahead and snatch it from her. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the man was none other than Prince Richard himself.
This memorable sequence was filmed at Bucharest's Aurel Vlaicu International Airport, which doubles as Aldovia International Airport in the film. The airport's grand central dome, a stunning example of late 1940s architecture, is a fitting backdrop to this pivotal scene. This airport, once the central hub for the city, now primarily serves private flights.
To reach Bucharest's Aurel Vlaicu International Airport, one can take a flight to Henri Coandă International Airport, the leading international gateway to Bucharest, and then take a cab or a shuttle bus service to Aurel Vlaicu Airport. The entire journey will take about 16 minutes.
Emily's pranks at the castle scene in A Christmas Prince
Peleș Castle, Aleea Peleșului 2, Sinaia 106100, Romania
Amber (Rose McIver) goes undercover as a tutor for the prince's younger sister, Emily (Honor Kneafsey), who has spina bifida. One unforgettable scene that fans may recall is set in the castle's garden; initially cold towards Amber, Emily attempts to scare her off with pranks. However, when Amber treats her like any other student and not as a disabled person, Emily starts to warm up to her. The prank goes awry when Amber accidentally shoots an arrow through the castle window, almost hitting a royal advisor.
This remarkable sequence, along with many others in the film, was shot at Peleș Castle in Sinaia, Romania. The castle, constructed between 1899 and 1902 during King Carol I's reign, was intended as a residence for the Royal Heirs to the Romanian throne. The castle reflects Queen Marie of Romania's romantic and mysterious personality with its Art Nouveau interior decoration. It is situated along the beautiful Peles River's valley, adding to its charm.
For those wishing to visit this iconic location, tickets can be purchased from the ticket desks at Peles and Pelisor castles or online. To get to Sinaia, you can fly into Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest and take a train to Sinaia. The journey takes about three hours.
Emily found out Amber's secret at the palace scene in A Christmas Prince
"Cotroceni" National Museum, Bulevardul Geniului 1-3, București 060116, Romania
Amber (Rose McIver) forms an unlikely friendship with Emily (Honor Kneafsey), the prince's younger sister, who uncovers Amber's true identity. However, Emily promises to keep Amber's secret on one condition — that Amber writes a story portraying Prince Richard (Ben Lamb) as the good man he truly is.
One of the pivotal scenes revealing Emily's discovery was filmed at the Cotroceni National Museum in Bucharest, Romania’s capital city. This location was used extensively for the interior shots of Richard's palace in the movie. While it is no longer a royal residence, the Cotroceni Palace, where the museum is, still holds significant importance as it houses the President of Romania.
The Cotroceni National Museum, founded in 1991, operates within the Cotroceni Palace, which is a magnificent example of late 19th-century Romanian architecture that harmoniously blends with the medieval architecture of the Serban Cantacuzino-founded monastery from the late 17th century. The museum's rooms and apartments hold tremendous memorial power, focusing on the inherent value of the various artifacts and their connection with the personalities who have resided in the palace over many years.
For fans wishing to visit this historic and cinematic location, the Cotroceni National Museum is open to tourists. From the Bucharest center, the museum is easily accessible by taxi or public transportation. Moreover, the Romanian Athenaeum can be reached within a 30-minute bus ride or a 50-minute walk.
The dancing scene in A Christmas Prince
Bragadiru Palace, Calea Rahovei 147-153, București 050892, Romania
One of the film's most memorable scenes unfolds during the Christmas Eve Ball. Amber (Rose McIver), the undercover journalist, descends the grand staircase in a breathtaking gown, catching the eye of Prince Richard (Ben Lamb). As classical music fills the air, they share an enchanting dance reminiscent of a fairy tale.
However, the magical moment is shattered when Sofia (Emma Louise Saunders) exposes Amber's true identity and reveals Richard's adoption certificate. Simon (Theo Devaney) seizes the opportunity to claim the throne as the next in line. Richard, feeling betrayed, rebuffs Amber's apologies and leaves the ball in a storm of emotions. Heartbroken, Amber tearfully departs the palace.
This pivotal scene was filmed at the Bragadiru Palace, an early 20th-century leisure complex in Bucharest. Built in 1894, the palace's original design was intended to function as a beer factory while providing recreational facilities, including a restaurant, concert hall, and ballroom. Its architectural style is a blend of various influences, embellished with elaborate decorations on its exterior and interiors, embodying the elegance and charm of the Belle Époque period.
For those wishing to visit this cinematic location, the Bragadiru Palace is open to the public. You can take a taxi or public transportation from the city center to the palace. It's also not far from the Cotroceni National Museum; fans can take bus #136, and in 25 minutes, you will reach the site.
The coronation scene in A Christmas Prince
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bulevardul Eroii Sanitari 8, București 050474, Romania
Amber (Rose McIver) stumbles upon a hidden proclamation that identifies Richard (Ben Lamb) as the rightful heir to the throne. As Simon (Theo Devaney) is about to be crowned king, Amber interrupts the ceremony with the document, allowing Richard to claim his rightful place as king. After the coronation, Amber silently leaves Aldovia.
This significant scene was filmed at the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest. Established in 1857, the university is one of Romania and Eastern Europe's oldest and most prominent institutions. The institution houses two major libraries built in 1869, boasting neoclassical and neo-baroque architectural styles, which tie in beautifully with the royal, historical aura of the film.
If you wish to visit this historic location, it's crucial to contact the administration of the University beforehand to inquire about potential tours or visiting hours. You can reach the university from the city center by taxi or by utilizing public transit options such as the bus or train. The metro also services this area, making the university a 25-minute journey away.
Conclusion
A Christmas Prince is a charming, uncomplicated homage to the innocent princess fantasies many individuals embraced during the Disney Renaissance. The film's narrative unfolds in the fantasy country of Aldovia, reminiscent of a quaint German castle nestled in Disneyland’s Fantasyland. It gently nudges the audience into suspending disbelief without pushing the narrative into uncomfortable reality.
The film's performances were generally well-received, with actors delivering decent enactments of their respective roles. While not groundbreaking, the script was fitting for a feel-good holiday film. It presented a straightforward idea: a work opportunity leading to an unexpected romance with a handsome prince, complete with agreeable inlaws and financial security in a picturesque castle.
The film was primarily shot in the scenic regions of Romania, with Peleș Castle in Sinaia serving as the primary filming site. Other locations included the grand Bragadiru Palace, the Cotroceni National Museum, and the Carol Davila Medicine and Pharmacy University in Bucharest. These beautiful settings contribute significantly to the film's aesthetic appeal.
A Christmas Prince is worth watching if you enjoy heartwarming, feel-good holiday films. The stunning filming locations in Romania also make for a worthwhile visit, offering a chance to explore some of the country's most remarkable landmarks and areas of interest.