Genovia

The principality of Genovia is a fictional country referenced in the Princess Diaries series, written by Meg Cabot, which were later developed into films starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews. The Genovia depicted in the films differs significantly from the Genovia described in the books. In the books, Genovia is referred to as a principality between France and Italy that is ruled by Mia's father, Prince Phillipe Renaldo. In the movies, Genovia is located between France and Spain and is a full monarchy ruled by Mia's grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi.
Principality of Genovia (Books)
The early history of Genovia is apparently based on the murder of Alboin, the Lombards king, by his wife Rosagunde. She was the daughter of King Cunimund of the Gepids, who were at that time living in Belgrade. Alboin did actually make Rosagunde drink wine from her dead father's decaying skull, in northern Italy. It is said that after Rosagunde strangled her oppressor with her hair, she was given the principality of Genovia as a reward for her bravery.
Geography
The fictional Genovia is a small kingdom that lies between France and Italy, and resembles Andorra. The capital of Genovia is Pyrus, which means "pear" in Latin.
Royal family
Genovia was ruled by Prince Eduard Cristoff Phillipe Gerard Renaldi until his death. The ruler is now his mother, Clarisse (however in the book, he remains alive). The royal family also consists of the dowager princess, and his daughter . Clarisse has another son, Pierre, who gave up his right to the throne in order to join the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church. The next person in line to the throne is a young fashion designer named Sebastian, whose grandmother was the sister of the late prince (Phillipe's father and Clarisse's husband), which makes him Mia's second cousin.
Delicacies
Foie gras consumed with wine is a delicacy in Genovia, and at Genovian weddings, a ten-course meal - olives, pasta, antipasto, fish, meat, salad, cheese, bread, fruit, and a dessert - is served. Genovian foie gras, as with its real-world counterpart, is often considered an acquired taste. In addition, grappa, a very strong form of alcohol, is commonly served around Christmas. During meals, true Genovians use a mint ice cream to cleanse the palate between courses.
Names
The name "Genovia" is based on the name of a city in Italy called Genoa (Italian Genova). This was probably chosen, as the House of Grimaldi is associated with the history of the Republic of Genoa and of the principality of Monaco, upon which the country is based. The Grimaldi family descends from Grimaldo, a Genovese statesman.
Kingdom of Genovia (Films)
The Kingdom of Genovia is pronounced in the films by native Genovians, but often as by outsiders. The sequel film, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, marks the first time Genovia is seen properly on screen. It was shown briefly in the first film from an airplane window.
The film tells the story of Mia Thermopolis, who, unbeknownst to her, is the future heir to the country's throne, being the only daughter of the crown prince, who died about two months before the start of the film. The prince's American artist ex-wife is Mia's mother, Helen Thermopolis. It is told in the film how the prince gave up Mia's mother for the sake of his kingdom. In the period in which the story is set, the prince's widowed mother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi, is serving as regent until Mia comes of age and is ready to assume the role of queen.
Geography
Genovia is a small country situated between France and Spain according to a newscaster in the first film, resembling Andorra. It is also purported to be located by Monaco, the geographical impossibility of it being located both between France and Spain and 'by' Monaco notwithstanding.
The nation has several farms of assorted sizes. Many farms are used as grazing area for the cattle that produce the milk used to make famous Genovian cheeses. Many of these farms are pear orchards, which supply not only food and wealth, but also shade and beauty.
The capital and largest city is Pyrus, which has a population of approximately 50,000 people.
Culture
Genovia has a very rich culture. As a result of its history and geographical position, its culture contains much French influence, but ever since its official independence, it has been busy at work to create a national culture that is independent and different from France. So far, Genovia has made great progress towards this goal.
Family is one of the greatest pillars of Genovian society. Families (including the royals) regularly attend Sunday Roman Catholic masses, and there are very few divorces, runaways, or extramarital affairs.
The well-being of children, specifically orphans, was one of the goals that Queen Amelia Thermopolis strived for.
The cuisine of Genovia, since the nation's independence has developed into an amazingly unique Western European style, which at times even rivals the cuisine of its nearby neighbors. Genovian cuisine is undoubtedly ranked as some of the best in the world.
On Genovia's independence day, it is traditional for public feasts to be held throughout the country, in places like plazas, courtyards, fields, homes, and gardens.
Roman Catholicism is Genovia's official religion, but the right to practice any religion, without infringement, is enshrined in the nation's constitution. The second largest religious group is the Jewish faith. During World War II, Jews escaping the Holocaust used Genovia as a secret safe haven, and were kept hidden from enemies by the predominantly Roman Catholic Genovian people. At the end of the war most of the Jews emigrated to places like the United States or Israel, however, a few small Jewish families made Genovia their home. There are currently three Hebrew members of parliament.
Pyrus: the capital
In the capital city are the Grand Avenue, the Palace, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Cathedral, the Palace Gardens, the two art galleries and the Royal Genovian Opera House.
Political structure
Genovia is based on the country of Monaco, which is also subject to a founding treaty. In Genovia, if there is no Renaldi heir, the throne will be turned over to other rulers such as Lord Nicholas Devereaux or the Von Trockens, if certain obligations of the royal family are not met. Due to the small size of the country, issues are usually dealt with quickly and efficiently, and also because of this small size, corruption in Parliament is almost non-existent. The Genovian people are happy with their government.
Royal family
The royal family consists of Queen Clarisse, the widow of King Rupert Goudreau Renaldi. They had two sons, Crown Prince Eduard Christoph Philippe Gerard (Mia's father) and his brother Prince Pierre. While Philippe was killed in an automobile accident in 2001, Pierre gave up his right of succession in order to join the Church. With Philippe gone, his daughter, Amelia (Mia) Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi is heiress to the throne in the movie. In the book he is still alive and gets cancer and can't have any more children. Leaving Mia as heiress.
Government
The ruler of Genovia is Queen Amelia Renaldi-- affectionately known as "Queen Mia" by her subjects. Genovia's form of government is a constitutional monarchy, headed by the House of Renaldi. The seat of government is the capital city of Genovia, Pyrus. Architectural cues in Genovia are similar to its neighboring nations.
It has an independence day, though its date is unknown. Based on the banners in the Genovian Independence Day Parade, they gained their independence in 1704. It is is a fair guess to say that because of the culture, location, and strong diplomatic ties of the country, Genovia most likely gained their independence from France.
The country has a small unicameral parliament of approximately 50 seated members, in which all the members wear long British Empire-style robes and gray-toned wigs. The current Prime Minister is Sebastian Motaz, who presides over the parliament.
The Captain of the Guard is the zealous Kip Kelly. The royal guard uniform is a military-styled navy blue with white helmets. It is the responsibility of the royal guard to protect the sitting monarch and the royal family at all costs.
The seated monarch is styled "Her Majesty Son Altesse Royale, Sa Grace" ("Her Royal Highness, Her Grace").
Exports
Genovia is famous for its pears, cheese (especiallly its string cheese), olive oil, and handmade lace.
Delicacies
The famous Genovian dessert is pears and cheese. Popcorn that tastes like pears is another unique Genovian delicacy. Also, a mint ice cream used to cleanse the palete in between courses.
National anthem
Genovia, the land I call my home,
From the green clear summers,
from blossoming pear trees;
Magnificent her mountains and seas.
Genovia, Genovia,
You're noble, proud, and brave.
Genovia, Genovia,
Forever
Will your banner wave!
National flag
The Genovian flag is a tricolour of green, white, and blue bands with the royal coat of arms in the white section. The Genovian motto is best translated as "The whole body works".
Differences between the books and the films
*In the novels, Genovia is a principality and thus, Mia would never have to be married to ascend the throne.
*Since Genovia from the books is not a kingdom, but a principality, when Mia does rule, she will not be styled Her Majesty the Queen, but instead Her Serene Highness Amelia Mignonette, the Sovereign Princess of Genovia.
*In the films, Genovia is English-speaking, but in the books, the official language is French.
*In the films, Mia's father has died, but in the books, her father is alive but no longer able to have children, leaving Mia next in line for the throne.
*In the films, Clarisse is referred to as "Grandma" and she is kind and warm hearted; however, in the books, she wants Mia to call her "Grand-Mère", and she is not very nice to be around.
*In the second film, Michael and Mia have split up, however, in the third book and onwards, they remain a couple, with the exception of books eight and nine.

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