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WhenThe Princess Diaries was first released in 2001, it was instantly a feel-good, classic hit that charmed audiences everywhere. Twenty years later, there's still so much to love about this movie—and plenty of reasons to dream about being the next Princess of Genovia. To celebrate this heartwarming flick that taught us all about how to become a princess, practice public speaking and yes, prepare the perfect M&M pizza, we compiled the most iconic quotes.

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

Image: Ariane Faro

Mia's bodyguard and confidante Joe always has the best quotes, and this one definitely doesn't disappoint. Although words can hurt, try not to let other people get to you. Love your new summer sundress, but your best friend doesn't? So what—you adore your personal style, and that's all that matters. This is definitely a quote to tape to your bathroom mirror, save as your phone background and repeat to yourself whenever you feel down.

"Wait up, wait for me! Not you, I don't even know you."

Mia's BFF Lilly Moscovitz is daring and outgoing—enough that she'd yell down a crowded San Francisco street for her brother and bestie to wait up. The best part is when other students think she's talking to them, and Lilly corrects the confusion in the most *hilarious* way possible. Try and channel a little of Lilly's effusive energy when you need a happiness boost!

"A queen is never late. Everyone else is simply early."

Image: @spaceshipearthdesign

Not only is Mia's grandmother Clarisse the queen of Genovia, but she's also the queen of amazing quotes. Delivered in her usual dignified tone, Queen Clarisse uses this phrase to put everyone in their place in the most polite—and iconic—way. Definitely try this excuse the next time someone accuses you of tardiness!

"My mom always told me I couldn't cry and told me to be a big girl. But you've been hurt, so you just cry, okay?"

Remember when Mia got her heart broken by bad boy Josh Bryant? She was devastated, and we *totally* felt for her. When comforting Mia after the party, Mia's mom Helen told her it was okay to cry—which is so true. Letting out your emotions and being honest about how you feel is not only important, but totally normal. Sometimes, you'll feel a lot better after a good long cry and chat with a parent, sib or friend.

"'Wow' is having the power to affect change, make people listen. How many teenagers have that power? What more of a miracle do you want?"

Image: Ariane Faro

Though The Princess Diaries came out 20 years ago, quotes like this are why the movie will stay relevant forever. Think about how teens' voices have been amplified since 2001 with the rise of Instagram and TikTok. Do you have a cause you care deeply about? Think about who you interact with on social media and how you can make your voice heard. Whether you're showing your friends a new environmentally-friendly life hack or sharing informational videos about how to support the Black Lives Matter movement, you have the power to make a difference in the world.

"If I cared about the other seven billion out there, instead of just me, that's probably a much better use of my time."

At the beginning of the film, Mia has no intention of accepting the throne—but by the end, she's singing a different tune. With Lilly's advice, she recognizes the importance of making change in the world and thinking about other people. Instead of viewing the role of Princess of Genovia as a burden, she sees all the available opportunities before her instead. Her new outlook on life is *so* inspiring and an excellent reminder to consider the greater good.

"Because you saw me when I was invisible."

Image: @birdies.everafter

We love Michael Moscovitz for many reasons—he fixes cars, he plays guitar *and* he saw Mia when she was invisible. Michael was one of the few students at Grove High who didn't treat Mia any differently after she found out she was a princess. His ability to recognize her kind personality and appreciate her from the start makes him a prince in our book. 

"So this morning when I woke up, I was Mia Thermopolis. But now I choose to be, forevermore, Amelia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi, Princess of Genovia."

Another iconic quote from Mia's closing speech, this allows us to see just how far Mia has come since the start of the film. Remember when her stage fright prevented her from giving a speech in front of her debate class? Mia's journey in discovering herself leads up to this culminating moment, where she makes a crucial decision about her future. Her poise and ability to articulate herself so clearly—in front of people she doesn't even know!—is so admirable, and proof that she'll be an *amazing* princess of Genovia. You rule, Mia!

"Thank you for being here today!"

If you're a huge fan of The Princess Diaries series, you *definitely* know how to wave like a princess—sort of like you're saying "Thank you for being here today." As part of Mia's princess lessons, Queen Clarisse and Mia pretend to be waving to a crowd, with Joe playing the part of driver, ofc. This phrase definitely helped Mia—and us—figure out how to master the wave. You never know when you might need it!

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all." 

Image: @nerdivabr

This inspiring piece of wisdom is what The Princess Diaries is all about: facing your fears even if you're scared. There's always going to be a time in your life when you have to do something that makes you feel a *little* afraid, whether you're leaving home for college or giving a presentation in front of the whole class. The point here is that you have to be brave in order to have a fully enriched life—even if that means doing something you don't think you're 100% ready for. Definitely make sure you're not doing anything dangerous, but trying new things is the only way you'll grow!

What are your favorite quotes from The Princess Diaries? Tag us on Insta @girlslifemag and let us know!

Top image: @ohmydisney. All GIFs via GIPHY.

by Ariane Faro | 8/3/2021