Original subtitles

Look at it, Mom.

It's beautiful.

You think there's a place like this somewhere?

For real?

I don't know. Maybe.

I'd like to go there, just you, me, and Daddy. But we wouldn't tell anyone where

we were.

No? Why not?

Then no one would find us, and we wouldn't have to be so busy all the

That would be nice, wouldn't it?

But you know, Katie, Daddy and I have a very important job.

I know.

But we love you more than a million Christmases all wrapped up into one.

And no matter what, you will always be our little princess.

I'm glad we get to come here for Christmas.

Me too.

Oh, speaking of which... An early Christmas gift.

Something to help you stay awake during all those boring speeches today.

It's a camera!

Well, it's not an antique, but it was my first camera, and it still takes great

pictures.

It's so perfect.

Okay.

Time to go now, honey.

Okay.

Princess Catherine, we must review your itinerary.

It's just as I remember it.

I feel like there was... no fun.

The Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the consulate begins promptly at 8

tomorrow morning.

The staff children will sing one or two carols, you'll hand out gifts, and time

permitting, the ambassador will introduce you to his staff. Here's the

names and positions.

Have fun, let them take their selfies, but you mustn't dawdle, we have a full

day. I mustn't dawdle.

Catherine, this is important.

Yes, I am to meet privately with the ambassador.

He will ask how things are back home. I will ask about his wife. Her name is

Clara.

You have brunch at 10. They'll ask you to say a few words. I've had the media

office prepare a brief speech.

So when are we going to the gallery?

I tried.

Aunt Margaret, I'm sorry, Catherine, but look at your schedule.

Besides the commitments of State and the Christmas concert, now you have George

Holt on his way for a visit.

But we only have three days. We need to be home for the Christmas festival.

There's just... No time to waste on galleries. It's not a waste of time.

Of course it's not.

All I'm trying to say is, well, it was fine while you were at school.

Your father and I were raised to believe that the study of art is perfectly

respectable.

Well, it also happens to be something that I love. And in your position, you

be a patron to museums, galleries, to your heart's content.

But you also have more important responsibilities.

It's past time for you to accept that.

I just want one hour.

George!

Margaret! Good to see you again. You too. I trust you're well.

Oh, yes, I'm well. Thank you. How was your flight?

Plane trouble.

So aggravating. All that recycled air, you never know what you're inhaling.

Well, still, the city's beautiful during the holidays. I'm sure you'll enjoy

your stay.

That's what we hope.

You remember my knee?

Oh, of course.

So nice to see you again, Your Royal Highness.

Good to see you, too.

I haven't been in a long time.

Your aunt tells me that you have an incredibly busy schedule during your

I sure do, but I have been looking forward to seeing you.

Well, then are you going to give me a hug or not?

I thought you forgot about me.

Not a chance, kiddo.

You look fantastic.

Thank you.

I hope this is good news.

Oh, Freddy, you're killing me. I got to have those skylights tomorrow.

No.

Uh -huh.

No.

I'm pretty sure I said tomorrow, because if I don't have them by tomorrow, I'm

going to tell Santa I've been a bad boy this year.

Well, listen, I'd hate for you to get a lump of coal in your stocking, too, but

what choice do I have? Freddy, I gotta get these skylights in before my crew

disappears for the holidays.

All right. Thanks, Freddy.

Mm -hmm.

Oh, yeah, absolutely.

No, Santa will hear all about it.

All right, you too.

Merry Christmas.

Jack?

Ed! Hey, shouldn't you be at the airport?

I'm on the way. I just wanted to drop these off. I'm thinking they'd look good

in the kitchen.

For the countertop.

Beautiful.

This is looking so good already.

Yeah, it's coming.

Okay, any questions? Just give me a shout on the Maui number, okay?

Excuse me.

See you after the holidays.

This is Jack.

Harry?

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on. What plug?

No, no, no. Smoke is definitely bad.

Harry.

Harry. All right, Harry. Harry, I'm on my way.

I remember you stood and gazed out the window at my office just like that when

you were a little girl.

I remember it so well.

A visit to your mother's attorney's office at Christmas.

How festive.

No, really, though. My mom and I, we had this game that we'd play.

and I would pick out the lights or a tree or some sort of display, and that

would be the start of it all. And then we would go exploring the city, looking

at all the decorations to find the most perfect fit.

I look forward to those visits, too.

I knew your mother since she was a little girl, and we were at school

And once she married the prince, those visits, it was the only time I got to

you both.

Well, it's been far too long, George.

No need to make any excuses. I'm sure the princess of Montserrat has plenty

important things to keep her busy.

Yeah, so busy they can't even get by for an hour without me.

What's the deal? Montserrat is such a small country anyway. Why do they even

need a princess, huh?

You know, I remember your mother asking the same question when she married your

father. Well, that was a different story. She fell in love with a prince.

All I ever do is stand here and wave and flash a smile and give speeches to a

bunch of people that don't listen to me anyway.

What you do is very important. People depend on you.

Maybe I'd like to be undependable.

What is going on with you, Katie?

This.

I didn't ask to be a princess.

You know, it never stops, by the way. There's always...

Someone there trying to tell me how to talk, how to look, how to smile, just

to be.

It comes with the territory.

I can take care of myself.

Thank you.

I'm sorry, George.

You know, being in the city

reminds me of how much I miss her.

Yeah, well, especially at Christmas.

It was her favorite time of the year.

She gave me this.

This was the last Christmas present she gave me.

Let me see.

Wow. Look at that.

It's beautiful.

It was the same year she gave me my favorite camera.

I take it with me everywhere I go.

Your mother loved the idea of you growing up to be a photographer.

Oh, look at me now.

I have studied with the finest teachers at the best universities, and I can't

get one hour to myself.

What do you think your mother would say if she were here right now?

Right now.

I think she would tell me what she said when

she gave me this.

She said, the kingdom.

And castles vanish and fade, but our love lasts forever.

Jack! It's freezing in here.

All right.

Now, what have you got going on here?

Uh -huh.

Well, Harry, these old circuits, they can't handle the juice. That's tinier

to take.

Sorry, Jack. I forgot I was in the back making breakfast, and all of a sudden...

The power goes out.

Yeah, well, we're not careful. You're going to go up in a puff of smoke.

Well, I always wanted to go out that way.

All right.

Presto.

Danger.

Alakazam.

Now that's magic.

I gotta get down here and rewire the whole place. Well, since when did you

the time?

I'll make time.

Can't have you living without heat.

Speaking of which, check the apartment, make sure the heaters are fired up.

Don't touch anything.

Hands off.

Bring the car around.

Always a pleasure, George.

Come along, Catherine.

Margaret, if I could have a word. I'll only take a moment.

Very well.

So, um, I'm wondering, do you think that... I'll

meet you downstairs.

Princess is on the way down.

Her ETA is around 15 minutes.

Perfect.

Catherine, we need to leave.

Need I remind you of the schedule?

Did she say anything, George?

You know, it's only been a few minutes, Margaret. I'm sure she just went for a

walk. The 17th Princess of Montserrat does not go for a walk.

Certainly not alone.

No, Cyberman.

Well, just stand here.

Go find her.

What's wrong with that girl?

She has responsibilities.

Who knows?

All right.

Well, that should hold you for today.

I'll come back tomorrow and fiddle around with it a little more. Hey,

Everybody's coming over tonight. We're having our big Christmas potluck,

our Santa gear all ready.

Why don't you drop by?

It's very kind of you, but I'm having dinner with Emma tonight.

Well, how's your sister doing? She's good. You know, I saw her boyfriend Ross

TV the other night. He was reporting on this nutty polar bear jumping the ocean

thing.

That sounds about right.

I gotta go.

Well, they come by after dinner and say hi.

Everybody's been asking about you. All right, let me see. So I'll tell them

you're coming.

What's going on, Harry?

What? Nothing.

Hey! Look at what I found in your ear.

All right.

When you start pulling stuff out of my ear, I know something's up. No, it's

just, you know, Mike, he's got a niece visiting, and he's a nice girl, and I

thought maybe you'd like to...

What did I tell you about trying to set me up?

Maybe it's time for you to get back in the game. I don't want to get back in

game. It's a stupid game.

Changing the rules.

Okay, okay.

No uses.

But why don't you come over tonight anyway?

Everybody's asking about you.

Okay. Yeah.

And I believe this is for you.

Save it for me.

No.

It is wonderful.

Excuse me, miss.

Would you take my picture? Oh, yes.

I'm just visiting for the holidays with my grandmother. She grew up in this

building. Oh, wow.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. The family used to gather around. She told me stories. I

figured she'd get a kick out of a picture.

That's a great interview.

Oh, yeah. She's a sweetie.

Family, you know.

That's all there really is to it, especially around the holidays.

Do my part. Make my mom proud. Okay, great. Thank you so much. Merry

And a Happy New Year to you!

Okay. Hey!

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!

Stop those guys! Stop those guys!

Hey!

Sorry.

I lost him.

I got a pretty good look, though. I could... I could complete the

You gotta look out for these guys. I mean, they're all over the city.

You gonna call the cops?

Excuse me?

You know, file a report. I mean, these guys are gone, but you might be able to

catch them.

Catch them?

The guys that stole your purse.

Oh!

Oh, no.

Oh, my camera. My camera's gone.

Oh, this man said he wanted to take a picture that it was a present for his

grandmother. What a liar.

Where are you going? I'm going to get him. You're going to get him? What,

really?

What's the plan? You're going to run him down?

Look, call the cop.

The cop? Yeah, I mean, it's kind of their thing. Well, I'll call them at my

hotel room. What are you talking about? Call them right now. They're still in

the neighborhood.

Besides, you've got to win it. Oh, I don't want to bother you.

Don't bother.

Thank you.

Thank you. All right, well...

Now, listen, my van is right over here. At least let me give you a ride to the

hotel. No, it's not far. Thank you, though. Thank you.

So you have no phone. You got no money. I'm assuming you're all alone, and you

don't want to call the police? I am perfectly capable of taking care of

okay? Of course you are.

Thank you.

All right.

Fine. Hey, good luck with that.

Hey. Here.

Oh, I can't. Come on.

You can't be alone in the city without money.

Okay, thank you.

I'll pay you back, I promise.

Consider it a gift.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Hey, Merry Christmas.

Everything's fine. It's just that Catherine mentioned she might drop by to

hello.

No?

Oh, well, another time then.

Oh, yes, we're looking forward to the Christmas festival, too.

Oh, well, of course the princess will be there.

Tradition. No member of the royal family has missed it in over a hundred years.

I will, you too.

Bye.

Well, that's it.

I've called everyone. It's only been a few hours. Have a little tea, relax.

She'll be back. She's my niece, George.

She's my brother's only child.

Suppose she's lost or hurt.

Katie is not helpless.

She's a smart, young, resourceful girl. She's been all around the world. She can

take care of herself.

She's also a princess.

She's never been alone on the street. She's never even carried money.

She can't just be running around.

Why not?

What's wrong with a little running around?

With Christmas only four days away.

You have no idea what it would mean to the people of Montserrat if she isn't

there to celebrate with them.

No, I can't let that happen. I have to find her.

All right. Would you like me to call the police?

Oh, we never involve the police.

I've called Simon.

And who is Simon?

And we've been pledged to protect Princess Catherine's family for

You don't stay on the throne for 300 years trusting to luck, George.

Now, we're fully accredited with the local law enforcement agencies. Now,

gives us a free hand to move around the city as much as we need to. If anyone

can find Catherine quietly, Simon can.

Does Katie know about this?

Of course she knows.

She just doesn't especially like it.

You know, I don't think she's that far.

Her mother used to do this all the time.

Stayed within a few block radius.

Find her, son.

I will.

Can we stop here in the park for a topic?

$40 to go to the Shelton.

Plus tip. Okay, well, I can pay you when I get there.

Are you... Really?

Okay.

That's great. I guess I will just walk.

Then...

Merry

Christmas.

All I'm saying is you could have warned me that he was going to be here. If I

had, you wouldn't have come.

Yeah, I would have.

Probably.

Maybe.

Come on, Jack.

Ross is not a bad guy once you get to know him. He's your boyfriend.

Why do I need to get to know my sister's boyfriend?

He likes you. He wants to hang out, you know, be friends.

What, we're in eighth grade now? I'm like, oh, I'm one of the cool kids.

You are one of the cool kids. You always were.

Yeah, when my skinny little sister wasn't following me around.

It's enough.

Careful.

Hey, come on.

Jack, it's almost Christmas.

Just talk to him, please.

Jack, it's on.

All right, fine. I'll talk to him.

Go. Go.

Take care of dinner.

Come on. Sit down.

I'm Ross Hargrave with another Christmas stocking stuffer from WVBC Channel 6

News, Wally Simter.

Hey, tell me, Wally, you've been dancing in front of this barbershop every

Christmas for over 40 years.

What makes this barbershop so special?

Wally. And why only at Christmas?

No.

Wally Sifter. Singer.

Dancer. Christmas Enigma.

This is Ross Hargrave reporting.

Back to you, Stan.

No? Jack?

Tell me the truth. What'd you think?

It was heartwarming. Yeah!

Yeah. That's what I was going for.

You know, between you and me, this is just a means to an end. Sure. Get my TV

queue up, some good exposure.

I'm ready to, you know, break out.

I see that one big story.

Get my ticket punched for a network gig, my friend.

Oh, yeah. I mean, that's what it's all about.

Mm -hmm.

You guys hungry?

Oh, starving. Yeah.

You sure I can't help you. I'll take care of it. Go relax.

Talk to Ron.

Yeah, I think I'm going to take off. How come? I told Harry I dropped by. Hmm.

Thought maybe you had a hot date.

Right.

So, are you dating anyone?

Why do you want to suddenly interested in my personal life?

Because you're a nice guy and you shouldn't be alone at Christmas.

Are you kidding me?

Look at me.

I'm doing great.

I'm dancing.

Jack, I'm serious.

All you do is work and take care of everyone else. You need to get out and

some fun.

It's been a year since you and Gretchen. Thanks for dinner, sis.

Don't leave. He's going to think you're avoiding him.

I'll call you tomorrow.

Hey, Jack.

Jack.

Where'd he go?

Hey.

Oh. We meet again.

Yes, we do.

What are you doing way over here?

Oh, I'm just taping in the light.

In the dark?

I like Christmas lights, and it's more Christmassy at nighttime.

Yeah. Are you lost?

No. Oh. The weather is just lovely, so I thought I would take this scenic route.

Back to your hotel. Exactly.

Which is actually where I'm headed now, so I'm going to go to my hotel, which

is...

This way.

But it was really nice to see you. Yeah.

You too.

Any word on your purse?

Yes.

No, well, kind of. I mean, the cops, you know, they're all over it. They said

they were going to crack this case wide open. So that's good.

Yeah, you told them you had a witness.

Mm -hmm.

Yeah, and they were like, we got this.

So you're good.

But thank you.

So are those your friends inside?

Yeah. Yeah? Yeah.

Yeah.

Well, it seems like you're missing all the fun, so you should go back inside.

No, no, they look forward to this all year.

It's kind of a Christmas tradition.

The night is young. They will make the most of it. It seems like they already

are.

Yep.

Do you want to come in?

No, no, no, I wouldn't want to.

Oh, no, it's potluck. There's always way too much food, and it's warm.

Oh, really?

Yeah, but I mean, if you have somewhere to be... Well, I could come in for a

minute. Oh, really?

Yeah. Oh, okay.

Here's this cute little kid, sharper than tacky. He's going down to list me.

just trying to keep up.

Your friends are going to be so jealous.

Hey,

Jack!

You made it. I'm a man of my word. Oh, Dixie.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. Look,

Eddie brought a friend.

Well, Jack, aren't you going to introduce your friend?

Oh, of course, yeah. This is, um... Katie.

Um... Katie Holliday.

Katie Holliday, it's a pleasure to meet you.

And Merry Christmas. I'm Harry Valentine, the great...

Matriondo. I have a view on the poster.

Are you really a magician?

Well, I dabble.

Well, thank you, Mr.

Santa Claus.

Jackie, you can bring her by any time.

Hi, honey, I'm Dixie. I've been Carrie's assistant for almost 40 years.

And still as beautiful as the day I hired her. Oh, quite the charmer here.

You look hungry.

Let's get you a plate. Okay.

All right.

So, how long have you known Jack?

Who?

Jack. Oh, Jack.

Not long.

He has never brought anybody before.

I guess it was kind of one of those brilliant moments.

I think.

But he seems really nice.

He's a sweetie.

So what's going on here? Why is everybody dressed up like Santa Claus?

Because they are Santa Claus.

What do you mean?

Retired police officer, accountant, dentist, history professor.

But when this time of year rolls around, all they want to do is make those

children smile.

It's a Christmas tradition.

Wonderful. Just don't get them started on their stories, honey.

We'll be here all night.

We checked all the hospitals. We monitored all the police activity.

There's no one in the system who matches the princess's description. And we

found her phone.

She ditched it in the basement.

Why would she get rid of her phone?

Well, her phone has RFID with GPS.

I can track this phone almost anywhere.

I just didn't think she knew about it.

She's a smart girl.

Simon, my niece is alone in a strange city at night. We have to find her. Yes,

ma 'am, I understand. We will find her. It's almost impossible to disappear

these days. Between all the surveillance cameras and the computers out there,

there's no place left to hide.

And then we have another problem.

Her schedule.

She has so many important commitments tomorrow.

She can't just not show up.

George, I hate to ask, but I could use your help.

And it was so funny because then it was the next day, the very next day, that I

answered the door and who's standing there? Harry.

And I thought, who is this?

Well, if he didn't have me laughing.

So, what's the story with you two?

There's no story.

Who is she?

I have no idea.

What, like you just found her wandering the streets?

Well, as a matter of fact.

You're serious?

A couple guys swiped her purse, her camera was inside.

She didn't want to call the cops. You think she might be in some kind of

trouble? I don't know.

She was wearing that raggedy coat over some pretty nice clothes.

What are you going to do?

I already tried to help her. She wanted no part of it. You can't just put her

back out in the street. I'm not going to put her anywhere. She's a grown woman.

Besides, I hardly even know her. So get to know her.

What? She's a nice girl. I don't think she's from around here. So find out

what's going on.

And if she's in trouble, maybe you can help.

Hello?

Really? You're gonna let me do that?

No, no, no, absolutely.

I understand.

Yeah, I got it covered.

Thanks, Ray.

I won't let you... Ray?

Hey.

What was that about?

Fantastic news. My editor just gave me a story, like a real story, like the kind

I deserve, you know?

Wow, just like that?

Well, when I've done the puff piece I'm on now, but yeah.

princess something or other string quartet or from europe in town for a

or something i don't know never heard of her but it's got to be covered yeah

she's from some country uh some little country montessori montessoris or not

sure i can't remember ray was talking like really fast

Oh, no.

Hi. Hi.

Oh, I'm so sorry that I fell asleep. You should have, you should have woken me.

Yeah, I know. I told Harry to toss you out in the middle of the night, but he's

funny like that.

Coffee?

I have to go.

I'm here.

You don't have time for a cup of coffee?

Will you tell everybody thank you? That was honestly the best Christmas party

I've been doing in such a long time. Wait, wait a sec. I'm sorry about

yesterday.

I'm not really used to people helping me like that.

I don't know what I would have done without you.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Katie, hey.

Is that yours?

Thank you.

Thank you. I don't know what I would have done without this. Thank you so

Come on.

Let me give you a lift.

This is not far. Yeah, I've heard that before.

Look, I'll take you where you want to go, and then I'll get out of your hair.

Jack, it's okay. Hey, if I make you feel any better, you can blindfold me,

though I don't know where we're going.

Can you tell me this?

Uh, yeah.

Boyfriend?

No. Husband?

No.

It's my mother.

All right, Miss Holliday, where to?

Batcave? Fortress of Solitude? North Pole?

Can I show you something special?

Yeah.

The art gallery.

Yeah. They just opened this new photography exhibit. One of the best

ever. Robert Capa, Brissidae, Ansel Adams.

I've actually heard of a couple of those folks.

Have you?

Yeah? Well, most of the pieces are from their private collections, and none of

them have been put on public display before.

Um, hey, I'm starving.

Want to go get some food?

Is there a problem? No problem.

Just hungry.

Okay. What about Brissidae?

Thank you all for coming today. As you know, Princess Catherine had planned on

introducing the members of Monster Eyes National Quartet in preparation for

tonight's concert.

Unfortunately, the princess won't be attending at all. How come?

She's a bit under the weather.

You mean like a cold or what?

Nothing serious, but with her back -to -back schedule celebrating the holidays

when she returns home, we don't want to take any chances.

Who cares?

Just operate the camera. Let me ask the questions. I thank you all for coming

again.

Thanks, Trish.

Good job.

Hey, you know, whatever's going on, obviously it's none of my business, but

you're in some kind of trouble...

It's not like that.

Oh, I'm just saying, if you need to arrive somewhere, or if you want to make

phone call, you just say the word.

You don't even know me.

Like Christmas photography, what more do I need to know?

Oh, this song.

My mother used to sing it to me all the time.

Used to come in for the holidays, run around the town together, just the two

us. It was the best part about Christmas.

And so yesterday, you were just having a nice little stroll down memory lane,

and those jerks took your purse?

Yeah.

And now you're all alone for Christmas? This is unacceptable.

I'll be fine.

Give me two big apple dogs with the work.

I trade.

Thank you.

I hope you canceled your credit card.

What?

Otherwise, those guys are on one heck of a Christmas shopping spree.

Oh, I don't have any credit cards.

Come on, everybody has credit cards.

Not me.

So, just... Get in there. Mmm.

Mmm.

Mmm.

It's delicious.

What, you never had a hot dog before?

Yeah, well, I mean, you know, like they say, everything's better in New York.

Mmm. It's all right.

Freddie, what's up?

You kidding me? I gotta take it.

No, no, I'm coming.

Ready.

Jack! You want skylights today? You got skylights today.

Delivered personally. It's a Christmas miracle.

Yeah, yeah, enough sweet talk. Come on, give me a hand. We'll bring him up.

All right, let me just handle this. Take a look around. It's a beautiful New

York space.

It is beautiful.

It's going to be even more beautiful when we're done with it.

Langdon Restoration and Renovation, is that it?

That's you?

Start rolling. Ross, we've got to get this footage back to the station.

Stay tight on me. Oh, excuse me, sir. Can I help you? Is that the princess in

there? Sir, please step away from the car. I just want to ask her a couple

questions. I understand. Please step away from the car. Take it easy, man.

just doing my job. I'm just doing mine, too.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you.

You just got so totally punked.

Smell that, Trish?

Something's fishy.

I love the light in this room.

It's got a... It's got a color.

I don't even know what to call it.

Gold?

Ochre, maybe?

And a hint of umber.

There's a photograph in this gallery in Milan from the 40s, just after the war.

First time they could put up Christmas lights.

Almost identical.

Milan?

Uh... I see I saw it in a book.

You like photography.

This is why you wanted to go to the gallery.

Okay. I just wanted to think, you know, something about an art gallery. It

always helps me clear my head.

So why did you want to take off so quickly?

I don't know.

Because it seemed to me like you didn't want to see those guys you saw. Or maybe

you didn't want them to see you.

I should go.

Hey, look, if you're in trouble, if someone's trying to hurt you. No.

Uh, you don't understand. What I understand is that whatever you're

from, you don't have to go back if you don't want to. It's not up to me, Jack.

Isn't it?

It's your life. You can do whatever you put your mind to.

You sure that easy?

Trust me.

It's a lot easier than spending the rest of your life being someone you don't

want to be.

How can you be so sure?

Hmm?

Look, I was thinking, if you need a place to crash, you know, for a couple

stay here.

Here? Yeah.

The owner's a good friend. He's in Hawaii for Christmas.

You know, if the place is empty, you'd have it all to yourself.

It's up to you.

Why are you doing this for me?

I know what it's like to need a little help.

It's not always easy to ask.

Besides, we have authentic Christmas trees in every room.

May I help you?

Ross Hargrave to see the princess.

Excuse me?

Sorry.

Ross Hargrave, WVBC Channel 6 News.

To see the 17th princess of Montserrat.

You know, Catherine, Sophia Lenore, Marta Louise, Ariane Hollington.

Family's been on the throne for 300 years.

You've never heard of her?

There's no one by that name staying at the hotel.

Of course not.

Of course not. But if you could inform Her Highness that I'm here for our

exclusive interview, that would be great. Are you sure you have the right

address, sir?

Never mind.

Jack?

Hey, Jack.

Tim, hey.

Things are coming.

Oh, this is great.

You were a little vague on the phone. Who are these for?

Uh, she's in the bedroom.

Who's in the bedroom? Katie. Great.

Who's Katie?

She's... I... Just see

if any of them fit.

Uh -huh.

Good? Good?

Hi.

All right, guys. Let's take an early lunch.

I called a...

My sister has a consignment store, and I thought you might want to change

clothes. I know. She told me.

Thank you.

Doesn't she look great, Jack?

Uh, yeah.

Yeah.

I told Katie that if she didn't like these, you'd bring her by the store

to pick out something else. These are fine.

Yeah, no, this is... Good.

Looks good.

Speaking of Christmas, I need you to go pick out a Christmas tree. I know it's

last minute, and I would do it myself if I could, but I have to be at the store

because everyone else is on holiday, and even if I could, my car is so small.

Can you just help me, please?

Em, I would love to, but I'm on a tight enough schedule as it is.

It's three days before Christmas. Why don't you have a tree? You ask me that

every year. I don't decorate until Christmas Eve.

You know that.

Look, I can't pull guys off this job, and I can't do it by myself.

You always want the biggest treat. It's a two -person job. I'm sorry.

Well, what about me?

What about you?

I don't know.

I thought you had somewhere to be. I do, but she brought me all these amazing

clothes, so I would love to return the favor.

Do you have any idea how heavy it'll be?

What? Okay.

Oh, Katie! Thank you. Thank you.

I knew we were going to be best friends.

I've got to call them, let them know.

Okay, I'm going to go.

I would say,

can you call around 4 o 'clock, just to let me know what's going on, okay?

Thanks, guys.

She didn't say anything.

Who? The Queen of England.

Katie.

About what?

You know, about who she is, where she's from.

Wait, you don't know who she is? No.

I mean, I... You didn't ask her anything? Well, I didn't know it was

mystery.

Katie!

Katie?

What are you doing for Christmas?

Come with Jack, dinner at my house.

Um...

Want to get the cheese?

Yeah.

Oh, no.

No, no, no. Just a case of the sniffles, Ambassador.

Well, naturally, she wants to attend the concert. I had to insist she stay in

bed.

Well, of course she'll be back in time for the festival. How could Monstera

celebrate Christmas without its princess?

I'll tell her you called.

Thank you for standing in a concert.

Bye, Neil.

Where are you, Keith?

I'm pulling it. No, no, no. Don't pull it. Push it. Are you sure? Here, let me

grab it. No, no, no. Hold on.

Okay. What are you trying to kill me?

No.

Okay. Sorry.

That's the heavy end, by the way.

You're welcome.

You want me to take the pointy end?

No.

Yeah,

take the pointy end. There you go.

Is that better?

Okay.

Let's go.

Let's get her down.

What?

Get in the house.

George Holt.

Hi, I'm Ross Hargrave, WVBC Channel 6 News.

What can I do for you, Mr. Hargrave? Mr. Holt, I don't know if you remember me.

I was at the press conference this morning. I remember you. I was hoping

Princess might feel up to an interview. Just the two of us?

Princess won't be doing any interviews while she's here. Well, I suppose then

I'll have to run with my other story.

And what story is that? The rumors that she's disappeared. I'm afraid you've

been misinformed.

The princess is upstairs right now, resting in her suite.

Look, we can dance around like this all day, but I've done my research, and I

know for a fact that the princess has never missed a Christmas event.

Ever. I find it hard to believe that a little case of the sniffles is going to

change that. Well, I find it hard to believe that your station is in the

of airing rumors.

We live in such a litigant society.

Well, if it's just a rumor, prove me wrong.

Let me see the princess.

George!

She is just like her mother.

Margaret. Catherine Hollingston. They always run away.

The Runaway Princess.

Exclusive story at six.

Thank you.

Well, thanks again for your help. It means a lot to Emma.

Oh, I thought it turned out to be kind of fun.

Maybe I should hire you on full time. I can use someone around to do the heavy

lifting, snowball throwing.

I'm going to take you up on that.

You know, Emma meant what she said before about Christmas dinner.

Oh, Jack. I know, I know. Got a lot of stuff up in the air, but it's Christmas.

I shouldn't be alone.

Thank you.

Still here.

I don't believe it.

I was here with my mother when I was a public girl.

You're kidding me.

Yeah. I used to come here all the time when I was a kid. Did you really? Yeah.

Goodness.

Exactly.

Exactly the same.

It's just unbelievable.

I sat on Santa's lap here.

Look at this. Oh, my goodness.

Watch out for the porch.

Look at this right here. This is exactly the same.

You know, I thought that I was going to be here forever.

I really did. Just her, my father, and I.

That's it.

Where are you folks now?

Yeah, I was really young.

And it's a plane crash.

Sorry. Yeah.

Hey.

Are you ever afraid that everything you've ever imagined for so long

can't possibly be real?

That's why you're in New York.

To believe it's real.

I miss you so much.

Yeah.

Come here. You've got to see this. Come here.

Sit down.

Now, I know you love coloring.

Oh, but it's not colored.

Tap your magic wand.

You are a magician.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Oh, have some soup, dear.

Jack, soup's ready. Two minutes.

Man never stops.

Well, not since I've known him.

Oh, thank God. It is. Don't you guys need...

Jack and I met a couple of years ago. I had just retired the act.

Didn't know what to do with myself.

I told him, I said, Harry, why don't you open a store or something, you know, so

you don't get rusty.

I found this place to rent.

I came out to talk to the owner.

Grumpiest young man I ever set my eyes on. Jack? He was this hot shot real

estate broker back then.

Man, all this money. And smart as a whip.

He got an MBA from one of those big schools.

So, Jack.

The guy that has a van and renovates old buildings, really. The point is he

hated every minute of it. All he really wanted to do was to work with his hands.

The word gets around, this guy is like a magician with his hands. Well, no pun

intended. Next thing you know, he quits real estate, buys himself a van.

Which did not sit well with Gretchen.

Who's Gretchen?

Well, they were supposed to be married. She shows up one day, tells him she

didn't sign on for some guy who works with power tools.

And that, as they say, was that.

So she just left.

It wasn't pretty.

When was this taken?

This afternoon. I just got this from one of my men.

My niece was at the gallery this afternoon, and you and your men missed

I'm not sure how that happened.

Who's that with her?

Well, evidently she's got a contact in the city who we don't know about, which

would explain how she's been able to evade our men. But don't worry, we'll

a name.

Thanks for walking me home, Harry.

So what have you been doing back there?

Ah, those old circuits are on their last legs. I'm just patching them up until I

can find the time to get down here and rewire the whole place.

How's that going for you?

I'd probably be better off with one of Harry's magic spells.

Oh, come on.

I see what you're doing to that building. It's like you're bringing it

life.

Yeah. Well, some days it feels like I'm banging my head against the wall.

Well, I just can't believe you ever used to do anything else.

Somebody's been talking to Harry.

Apparently, he used to be really grumpy all the time.

Well, you know, kind of hard to be chipper when you stop looking forward to

getting up in the morning.

Hey, when you decided to start over and try something different, how did you

know it's what you wanted?

I... I guess I always...

Kind of new.

I had to make up my mind to do something about it.

Do you ever look back and miss all the things that you had?

No.

I don't see the point in looking back.

It's kind of just about being the present, you know?

Jack?

Em! Hey!

Hey!

Katie, hi.

Jack. Ross.

Glad to find you here.

Katie, this is my boyfriend Ross. Ross, this is Katie.

Nice to meet you. Hi.

You look familiar.

Really?

Weird. Come in. Have some soup.

Oh, no, no, no. We can't. I wanted to bring these by.

I thought you could use the change of clothes after the day you put in.

Thank you.

Are you kidding?

Thank you.

I don't know what I would have done without you.

Are you guys all dressed up?

Ross is taking me to dinner.

And then we have tickets to see a concert by the National String Quartet

Montserrat.

Concert? Have you heard of them? Yeah, I've heard they're lovely.

What's the difference?

I got their tickets free from work. The important thing is we are celebrating

tonight.

What's the occasion?

I finally found it, Jack.

My big score that's going to get me that network gig.

Ross is a television reporter. He's working on a big story, but he can't

talk about it. Well, I can't say that.

A certain member of a certain royal family is on the loose in a certain city

tonight, right now. Isn't that exciting?

It's exciting. All right,

we better scoot.

See you guys later.

Royal family.

Harry was right.

You never stop working, do you?

Sorry, was the music too loud?

I like it.

Yeah, I do this at night sometimes.

When it's quiet, you know, helps me think.

What are you thinking about?

Lately, you.

I don't know you.

Would you do? Where are you from?

You just show up all of a sudden, wondering if you're going to leave the

way.

You know, my entire life, I have always wanted to make my own decisions.

And here I am, no one to tell me what to do, and I can't decide.

Because either way...

You're somebody I care about.

Well, I was going to give you this tomorrow, but I suppose you should open

now in case you decide to go and run off on me.

Kind of an early Christmas gift.

Nothing fancy, but I mean, a photographer shouldn't be going around

camera, right?

Thank you.

Hey, uh, do me a favor. Huh?

Don't just disappear on me.

Come with me to the art gallery tomorrow.

We'll talk then, okay?

Okay.

Night.

Night.

Do you have to keep looking through those things?

Nobody else has them.

Hey.

Hello, Peter.

I'm peeing. I'm peeing.

Your leg.

Sorry. Yeah.

Well,

art is inspirational.

I need to make a phone call.

Okay.

Thank you.

I'm coming. Hold your horses.

Oh, you're an early bird. Come on in.

Harry, right? Yeah, and you're Ross.

I love that thing you did on the dancing elf. It was very illuminating.

Yeah, thanks.

Listen, there was a woman here the other night. Friend of Jack?

Katie, sure. Right, Katie. I think I know her from somewhere.

Any idea where I might find her?

Oh, well, she'll be back later. She likes to hang around while Jack works on

place. Great.

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

Yeah.

Hello? George.

Oh, my God.

Katie, are you all right? I'm fine, George, really. Just tell Aunt Margaret

be back soon. I promise.

She is very worried about you. We all are. I know. I know. I'm sorry. I didn't

mean to worry you. I hope you know that.

I just really needed some time to myself.

Okay, I understand.

But don't you think it's time you come home now?

I can't.

Something happened.

What happened?

Well, I'm not really sure.

Does this something have a name?

Jack.

I see.

I just, if you could hold Aunt Margaret off a little while longer, that would be

great.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

Look, I can hold her off, but there's another problem. There's this local TV

reporter that's been asking a lot of questions.

I know, it's Bob.

You know, if he spins us the wrong way...

You've got a lot at stake here, Katie.

More than you know.

I gotta go. I gotta go.

I'll call you. I'll call you.

Ma 'am?

Okay.

Okay. Are you sure?

Well, find out and get back to me.

Ma 'am, two of my men made contact with the princess this afternoon.

Do they have her? Is she safe? Well, apparently she recognized them and

into a van to avoid them. A van?

With whom?

The man from the surveillance photo?

Now we know who we're looking for.

Langdon Renovation and Restoration.

Who were these guys?

I don't know, but they look like they meant business.

Ross is on his way over.

Yeah, he keeps coming around.

What's important is, why would anyone want to kidnap you? Yeah, that's a good

question.

I'm sorry. I should have told you.

Told us what?

The reason this all started was because I wanted...

To find a way for Christmas to feel the way I used to, the way I remember it

with my family.

And then I met you guys.

And you made me feel so welcome, like I belonged, like I was part of your

family.

And it felt really good.

And... For the first time in a really long time, I didn't have to worry.

You were being nice to me because of who I am.

Who are you?

Well, you know me as Katie Holliday.

Well, my real... My full name is Katie. Where is she?

I know she's in there.

I demand to see her right now.

Ross?

Hey, Trish, I want a gentle pan off the sign and find me in three, two... This

is Ross Hargrave with another exclusive story from WVBC Channel 6 News. Ross,

what are you doing? And where did you go last night?

While this may be a time of Christmas miracles for most of us, the true

this holiday season is the amazing story of the young woman who vanished among

the light and tinsel of our own city. What are you talking about? Jack, are

aware of the true identity of the young woman currently hiding inside this magic

shop? Ross, get that thing out of my face. You can't hide the truth. What the

heck is going on out here? Sir, what my viewers want to know is what the heck is

going on in there. In here?

Well, see for yourself.

Chris!

Where is she?

Where's who?

Your friend Katie.

What do you want with her? Oh, come on, Jack. We all know who she really is.

What? Just stop. What are you doing?

You getting this?

Every word.

Aha!

Ta -da.

Do any of you have any idea how long I've been waiting for a story like this?

you think it's every day that Ross Hargrave gets an exclusive interview

runaway princess?

Wait. Who's the princess?

Katie?

You really didn't know? I think I would have mentioned it. That was your big

story? The one that you had to keep secret?

Well, I couldn't risk my exclusive.

But you knew that Katie was my friend. You should have told me. Come on, babe.

You know how important the story is to me. More important than that? Yeah.

Nothing personal, you know?

You're right.

Nothing personal. Hey, whoa! No, babe, babe, babe!

You get that?

Oh, yeah.

Oh, it's all right.

Where... Actually, shift's over anyway.

Yeah.

You okay?

I can watch the other channels.

It's a really small country.

What?

So she's a princess. What's the big deal? It's not like Katie lives in a

or something.

Actually, really?

Wow.

What's it like?

Later.

So who are those guys chasing you?

They technically work for me.

At home in Montserrat, we celebrate Christmas every year with a national

festival. Very old tradition.

The whole country looks forward to it. And for hundreds of years, the royal

family, my family, has always presided over it.

And now you've got to go home.

Hey, I'm happy you got the chance to come back and see Christmas again the

you remember it.

Jack, I... I gotta... I gotta go to work.

Have a safe trip home.

Thank you for everything.

Keep in touch.

I'm

sorry,

I'm going to miss the Christmas dinner. Next year.

I thought you'd be gone.

It's beautiful work in here.

I hate for you to lose it.

Thank you.

You never did get to the gallery.

All I ever wanted was one hour.

Just one hour?

I think we might need some Harry's Christmas magic.

How did you do that?

You know the place I'm working on? Yeah? So the owner is a friend of mine. He's

a stockbroker, very successful.

Happens to be on the board of directors.

Called him up in Maui. He owes me a favor.

Here we are.

Wow. Yeah.

Okay, well, my turn.

I want to introduce you to my friend.

All right. Just to be clear, you are a princess, right? Because if you're a

duchess or countess or any of those things, deal's off.

I'm just a princess.

Just? Yes.

Okay.

Uh -oh.

You gotta go.

You're gonna want this.

Thank you. Enjoy.

Jack Langdon.

Well, call me crazy, but I had a feeling you guys were going to show up, fellas.

Where's the princess?

Oh, she's hanging out with some friends. I need to see her.

Okay, come on, Jack.

Neither of us want to get the police involved.

That's true.

Although, if you were going to call the police, you probably would have done

that already.

The point is, you know who she is.

And you know she has to go back.

I'd say that's up to her.

Jack, if the princess isn't back home on Christmas morning, a lot of people are

going to be very disappointed.

And these people truly love her.

You know, that's the first thing you've said that I understand.

All she wanted was to experience a Christmas the way she did with her

How could you not love that?

Jack, I understand.

I used to come with him on those trips.

Now it's gotten very complicated.

Oh, it's about to get a lot more complicated.

What do you mean?

Cliff?

Are you

serious?

Which one is she?

Which one is she?

Stop those Santas!

Elevator?

Thank you, Jack.

It's called the power of suggestion.

Learned a few things hanging out with Harry.

I have to thank you, too.

You have no idea how much this means to me.

Everyone should get what they want for Christmas.

Seven Santas, and there's no princess.

Well, there's got to be a mistake. Keep searching.

Where is she?

Oh, uh, we're on top of this.

There were a lot of Santas.

my mother gave this to me she told me to wear it close to my heart because

kingdoms and castles vanish but love lasts forever

i think i would have liked your mom

It must arise a beautiful place this time of year.

Magical.

We're here. I know.

You look absolutely beautiful.

Thank you, Margaret.

Catherine, don't forget to smile.

After all, it is Christmas Day.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Wow.

I just couldn't stop thinking about you.

You know, I wonder if after 300 years, Montserrat would mind if you started a

new tradition.

Well, that'd be...

But we spent all of our Christmases together for the rest of our lives.

And every day in between?

Merry Christmas, Katie.

Very cool, Jack.