A new documentary provides a stark look at the personal cost of royal life through the experience of a European princess who chose to step away from her official duties. The film chronicles her journey from a life bound by palace protocol to a self-determined existence, culminating in her marriage to an American spiritual guide.
The production, which had full cooperation from the couple, revisits the princess’s decades-long struggle with her position within the institution. It details the profound cultural clashes and intense scrutiny that arose from her relationship, including instances of racism her partner encountered from within aristocratic circles. A source associated with the film stated it removes the facade of royal fantasy, illustrating how confining the system can be and the significant price paid by those who deviate from its traditions.
The princess, the daughter of a reigning king and queen, formally renounced her royal duties several years ago, stating a desire to create a clear separation between her business ventures and her role within the family. She had previously given up her formal royal title two decades prior to pursue a career in the arts. In the documentary, she reflects that leaving her role was bittersweet but necessary, acknowledging a capacity to accept circumstances she cannot change.
Her partner’s integration into the family introduced significant tension. He is a spiritual practitioner whose clientele has included well-known figures in the entertainment industry. He recounts a jarring experience at a formal royal dinner where he was subjected to racially charged comments. The princess observed that her partner was often prejudged from the moment he entered a room, a dynamic she described as utterly exhausting.
The film also highlights the palpable discomfort of his initial meeting with the monarchs. The princess admitted her mother was apprehensive about her relationship with a shaman, a choice she recognized as highly unconventional. Her partner recalled an encounter filled with silence and disapproving stares, noting that his attire was criticized and the welcome was far from warm.
The princess’s three daughters from her previous marriage initially had their own misconceptions about their mother’s new partner, but they quickly grew to appreciate his vibrant personality.
The couple describes their narrative as one of resilience, expressing a hope that their story will encourage others to live authentically and without apology, a message they deem particularly vital in the current era.
