Julie Andrews, 90, announces her retirement from acting as she confirms that she won't return for Princess Diaries 3

By CAROLINE PEACOCK, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER Published: 19:47, 12 August 2026 | Updated: 23:35, 12 August 2026 Julie Andrews has announced her retirement from screen roles as she confirmed she won't be returning for Princess Diaries 3. The actress, 90, has had a stellar career spanning over eight decades, during which she has been handed many accolades, including an Academy Award for Mary Poppins, seven Golden Globes, and three Tony nominations. In 2000, she was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II. Now, in a new interview, Julie has addressed the highly anticipated Princess Diaries sequel after years of questions about her possible return. But after starring in the first two films – released in 2001 and 2004 – as Queen Clarisse, she revealed that she has 'passed' up the chance to reprise the role. She told The Hollywood Reporter: 'I think I'm retired, really, would be about the best description for that.  Julie Andrews has announced her retirement from screen roles as she confirmed she won't be returning for Princess Diaries 3 After starring in the first two films - released in 2001 and 2004 - as Queen Clarisse, she revealed that she has 'passed' up the chance to reprise the role (pictured alongside Anne Hathaway) '[The film's creative team] asked me all last year if I would be keen to do it.  'It was very very hard to say 'no,' but I did because I thought I had a wonderful ride, and this one I felt would flourish very well and wouldn't need Granny going in there at my age.' However, she added that she is not 'completely' retired, as she is still busy with writing books, podcasts, and voiceovers. Last year, the actress reached a major milestone as she celebrated her 90th birthday in October. 'I probably feel like in my 50s, honest to God,' she shared during an episode of the Wiser Than Me With Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast back in 2024. 'As long as the brain holds out, I'm doing okay,' she further added. The star explained that she now lives a 'quieter' life as she has gotten older, but it has been something she has come to enjoy. 'I don't go out as much, and I love being home. But I kind of enjoyed that, pulling back a little bit now.' The actress gained recognition when she made her film debut in the 1964 movie Mary Poppins alongside Dick Van Dyke (seen above)  The Disney film raked in positive reviews and critical acclaim upon its release, and earned Andrews her first Oscar for Best Actress; seen above with her Oscar alongside Audrey Hepburn In 1965, she took on another leading role in The Sound Of Music which also garnered her an Oscar nomination Julie's most recent role includes her voicing the character of Lady Whistledown in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton; seen in 2022 in Hollywood  How do you think Julie Andrews’ decision to retire will impact the legacy of beloved film franchises like The Princess Diaries? What's your view?Julie continued, 'And of course I've got a million thoughts and ideas and hope that I can keep going for a great deal longer. But who knows? And I'm just pleased that I've arrived here.' The actress gained recognition when she made her film debut in the 1964 movie Mary Poppins alongside Dick Van Dyke. The Disney film raked in positive reviews and critical acclaim upon its release, and earned Andrews her first Oscar for Best Actress. For some time, the star had kept her award out of sight in an attic. 'It does seem rather ridiculous - and I do proudly display it now - but at the time I was in such a new crowd. I didn't want to boast,' she explained during a past interview with Glamour. 'I didn't want to be like, "Come see my Oscar!" So it was hard. There was a part of me where I felt worthy, if I felt I'd done a good performance.' She recalled jumping from New York City and then over to Hollywood, which had been 'an even bigger pool'. Julie expressed to the outlet, 'Then after that find myself in an even bigger pool than that, which was Hollywood - it is hard to know that you are worthy.' In 1965, she took on another leading role in The Sound Of Music, which also garnered her an Oscar nomination. During the Academy Awards, the movie raked in a number of honours, including Best Picture and Best Director for Robert Wise. The actress appeared in other projects such as Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967), Darling Lili (1970) and Victor/Victoria (1982). In 2001, she played Queen Clarisse Renaldi in The Princess Diaries, before reprising her role three years later in its sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). Julie's most recent role includes her voicing the character of Lady Whistledown in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. Back in 2022, the star revealed to Today that she had yet to meet the other cast members in person. 'You know I've never met the company in person. Of course, I see them on the show sometimes. But I do all my recording far, far away from them.' Last year, the actress notably won Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance during the 2025 Creative Arts Emmys.