When Anna offers a stranded mother and son shelter in a blizzard, she learns that they are the Royal Family of Galwick. Anna shows the Prince how they do Christmas in her hometown, encouraging him to open his heart and be true to himself. -Synopsis (Hallmark)

[1] ...despite the predictability of the final outcome, the writing is fresh, with plot twists and surprises that add layers of emotional depth.

[2] Finally a prince who acts like a prince! This was a sweet coincidental love story. Thank you Hallmark!

[3] Surprisingly fun and trope-filled royal holiday movie is packed with Broadway greats.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

I came across this Hallmark Xmas movie last month by chance; you can rent it on Amazon Prime. I noticed that it stars (surprise) Broadway/theater actors/singers: Laura Osnes (who plays cheerful cardiac nurse Anna Jordan) and Aaron Tveit (who plays serious/grumpy Prince James Gallant). Some of y’all MAY recognize Tveit from the 2012 adaptation of Les Miserables; he played the friend/fellow rebel to Marius. Here he uses a British accent and has slightly longish hair; the actor has the handsome looks of a prince. This movie as shot in June 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic); it was the 1st movie to go into production in Connecticut (and the East Coast) at that time.

Anna is NOT intimidated/nervous in the presence of the royals; she pokes fun at James (in a sweet/harmless style). James is a BIT arrogant and acts entitled (at first), BUT he has real worries. As they are snowbound, Anna and James (who seem like opposites) get to know each other. There are cute/funny references to Jane Austen novels and The Sound of Music. Osnes and Tveit have good onscreen chemistry; you can see their relationship develop.

Unlike a LOT of other Hallmark movies, the supporting characters get stuff to do. Queen Gabriella (Victoria Clark) is V supportive of her son; she is BOTH down-to-earth and elegant. Anna’s widowed father, Ed (Tom McGowan- a Canadian character actor), is a jolly innkeeper who is close w/ his daughter. Anna’s childhood friend, Sarah (Krystal Joy Brown), is the mayor of the small town; she has a side plot w/ romance. There are 2 scenes where Xmas carols are sung to showcase the actors’ FAB voices.