(There are spoilers throughout this review)
The kingdom of Aldovia is in a crisis – Prince Richard may
choose to renounce rather than to assume the throne, and it is uncertain what
will happen if he does. Struggling New York writer Amber Moore takes the journalistic
assignment of covering the situation. When a scheduled press conference is
cancelled, Amber decides she cannot leave empty handed. She ingratiates herself
to the Royal Family by posing as a tutor. She starts to fall in love with the
Prince, and to care for his younger sister. While she conceals the truth about
herself, she does find a surprising truth about Prince Richard, that not even
knows – and it will threaten his claim to the throne, much to the delight of
Richard’s power-seeking cousin Simon.
The Adoption
Connection
SPOILERS IN THIS SECTION
Richard was adopted as an infant, nearly 27 years ago, but
he does not know about this. His parents, the King and Queen of Aldovia, had
talked about disclosing the adoption to Richard, but they had never done so.
When Richard’s adoption is made known, it is declared that he cannot inherit
the throne, as law says that it must remain with the King’s bloodline. Richard
is not bothered by the loss of the throne, but he is distressed that his
parents had lied to him. Still, he tells his mother that she is his mother, and
he assures her that she will not be leaving. Before Simon can take the throne,
Amber discovers that the King had hidden a secret decree which changes the law,
allowing Richard to inherit the throne. He accepts, and is crowned King Richard
II of Aldovia.
Strong Points
Richard declares that he loves his parents, even though they
kept the truth of his adoption from him.
Richard’s father changed the law so that Richard was not
limited by being adopted.
The truth does eventually come to light, and it is evident that
Richard’s father intended to “light the shadows of the past,” leaving in
writing that “my blood is not in his veins, but he is my son.”
Challenges
Richard’s parents kept his adoption secret from him. The
Queen acknowledges that this secrecy was for their own benefit, not Richard’s.
Richard’s cousin discovers the truth of Richard’s adoption, and surprises
Richard publically with it, in an attempt to show Richard to be an illegitimate
heir to the throne. They refer to him as a “fraudulent prince” and say that he “is
not of the blood of the late king; he is in fact adopted.” This film does show
that secrecy with regard to adoption can be painful, can be exploited, and can
have negative consequences, but the theme – and the presentation of an adopted
son as being thought of as less legitimate – could be hard for some viewers. It
is important to note that the King did change the law to make it clear that
Richard is not less legitimate, but that his adoption is a “love far greater
than blood.”
Richard’s cruel relatives refer to his adoptive birth certificate
as “fake.”
Recommendations
A Christmas Prince is a stereotypical Christmas love story. The
plot is direct and shallow. And then there’s a surprising adoption connection
upon which the whole of the story hangs. Richard’s adoption has been kept
secret by his parents; when it is discovered, it is used against Richard and
causes him grief. Eventually, the discovery leads to a conversation between
Richard and his mother, where they find that their relationship can endure this
discovery, and we also see that Richard’s father intended to break the secrecy,
but died before he was able to. Richard’s full status as a Royal is affirmed.
In the end, A Christmas Prince tries to be affirming of adoption, and it
briefly shows the trouble that secrecy can cause, although Richard’s surprise,
anger, and grief at the discovery seem very muted. I wouldn’t recommend this
one for kids. For parents, as you watch it, think about how much better Richard’s
life could have been had his parents not kept the adoption secret from him, and
whether you think Richard’s reaction is realistic.
Questions for
Discussion
Why did Richard’s parents keep his adoption secret from him?
How might Richard’s life have been better if he had known about his adoption
all along?
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