This fictional subgenre typically involves a commoner falling in love with a royal, often a prince, during the Christmas season. Narratives frequently feature festive settings, royal traditions, and a journey of self-discovery for the protagonist. A typical example might present an American journalist assigned to cover a European royal family’s Christmas celebrations, leading to an unexpected romance with the prince.
Such stories offer escapism and wish fulfillment, capitalizing on the romantic idealization of royalty and the heartwarming spirit of the holiday season. The popularity of these narratives demonstrates a continued interest in fairy-tale romances and provides a comforting and predictable narrative structure. Emerging alongside the rise of streaming services, this specific niche has become a contemporary holiday entertainment staple.