Tiaras, castles and fairy tales have captured children's imaginations for generations. National Princess Day, on November 18, is a playful day for dress-up, storytelling and celebrating the qualities we admire most in the heroines of our favorite tales: kindness, courage, curiosity and leadership. It's a favorite with young children, but it's also a fun excuse to explore real princesses from history, many of whom led remarkable and surprising lives.
History of National Princess Day
The word 'princess' comes from the Latin 'princeps', meaning 'first' or 'leader', through the Old French 'princesse'. In history, a princess is usually the daughter or wife of a monarch or prince, and royal women have played important political roles for centuries, sometimes ruling in their own right.
Princesses also have a long life in storytelling. Folk tales collected in Europe in the 1600s to 1800s, including those gathered by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm, featured princesses who faced curses, quests and wicked rivals. Many of these stories were later adapted into children's books, ballets, films and theme parks, turning princesses into global pop-culture icons.
In recent decades, storytellers have reimagined princess characters as adventurers, problem-solvers and leaders rather than simply characters waiting to be rescued. National Princess Day's founder is not documented, but it reflects that more modern spirit: a day about imagination and character as much as sparkle.
Why National Princess Day Matters
Pretend play helps children develop language, creativity and social skills. Dressing up as a character lets them try on new roles and stories.
The day can also be a gateway to history. Real princesses, queens and royal women have been scientists, diplomats, warriors and reformers, and learning their stories can be just as exciting as any fairy tale.
How to Celebrate National Princess Day
- Host a dress-up party: invite children to come as their favorite princess, prince or hero of their own invention.
- Read a fairy tale: compare a classic story with a modern retelling.
- Learn about a real princess: research a royal woman from history and share one surprising fact.
- Craft a crown: make tiaras or crowns from cardboard, foil and stickers.
- Celebrate kindness: challenge everyone to do one 'royal' act of kindness.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, princess day is mostly a family and classroom celebration, but offices with a playful culture can hold a 'royal' morning tea or crown a 'royal helper of the day' for someone who goes above and beyond. In preschools and early-grade classrooms, teachers can run a crown-making craft, read two versions of the same fairy tale and ask children which they prefer, or let students invent their own princess or prince who solves a problem in their community. At home, set up a dress-up corner, host a tea party with stuffed animals as guests, and build a blanket-fort castle. Encourage children to make up a story where their character is brave, clever and kind.
Fun Facts About National Princess Day
- 'Princess' comes from the Latin 'princeps', meaning 'first' or 'leader'.
- Many classic princess stories were collected by Charles Perrault and the Brothers Grimm.
- Several historical princesses later ruled as queens in their own right.
National Princess Day FAQs
When is National Princess Day?
It's celebrated on November 18 each year.
Is National Princess Day only for girls?
No. Anyone can join in, and many families celebrate princes, knights and heroes too.
What are good princess party ideas?
Crown-making, a dress-up parade, a tea party, fairy-tale storytime and a castle-building activity are all popular.
What does the word princess mean?
It comes from the Latin 'princeps', meaning first or leader.