History of Princess in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 24, 2026

Princess, written by Jean Sasson, is a biographical account based on the true story of Princess Sultana, a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family. The narrative offers a harrowing, behind-the-scenes look at the extreme oppression faced by women in a society governed by strict patriarchal traditions and Sharia law. Despite her immense wealth and status, the Princess lives in a gilded cage, deprived of basic human rights and freedom. She courageously documents the systematic abuse, forced marriages, honor killings, and profound isolation endured by women of all classes within the kingdom. Through her testimonies, the book serves as both a memoir and a powerful social critique, aiming to expose the harsh reality of gender-based inequality to the outside world while highlighting the resilience of women fighting for autonomy in a deeply conservative society.

August 1996: Issuance of Letters Patent on Royal Titles

On August 21, 1996, Queen Elizabeth II issued letters patent establishing that women divorced from a Prince of the United Kingdom would forfeit the title of "Royal Highness," an act that directly affected Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sarah, Duchess of York.

1997: Portrayal of Term of Endearment in Life Is Beautiful

In 1997, the film Life Is Beautiful depicted the protagonist Guido using the term 'principessa' (Italian for princess) as a term of endearment for his beloved, Dora.

Loading Video...

December 2012: Queen Elizabeth II issues Letters Patent

On 31 December 2012, Queen Elizabeth II issued letters patent that extended the right to hold the title of Prince or Princess and the style of Royal Highness to all children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales, rather than limiting it only to the eldest son.