What We Loved the Most About Red, White, & Royal Blue
By Christine Siamanta Kinori
Unless you really avoid social media, you have definitely heard of Red, White & Royal Blue. The film is adapted from the 2019 queer romance novel by American author Casey McQuiston. The movie is led by the gorgeous Taylor Zakhar Perez, who plays the role of Alex Claremont-Diaz, the first son of the United States. He is joined by the drop-dead handsome Nicholas Galitzine, who portrays the role of Prince Henry.
At its core, the movie is a modern, quintessential enemy-to-lovers story that has given us butterflies and brightened our summer. We smiled and giggled as we watched Henry and Alex embark on a journey of uncertainties as their feelings for each other deepened. Here are some of our favorite moments from the film. Beware of spoilers; kindly proceed with caution if you are yet to watch the movie!
The Cakegate Scandal
It was supposed to be the biggest royal wedding of the year when Prince Philip married his childhood sweetheart, Lady Martha. It was quite the affair as dignitaries worldwide came together to celebrate this day. Unfortunately for them, they witness quite the spectacle as the wedding cake falls on Alex and Henry.
This was a nightmare. But, the interviews that followed to try and salvage the mess created by the Cake Gate scandal only pushed Alex and Henry closer. Their sense of humor definitely made it fun to watch the evolution of their relationship.
The first Kiss
These two exchanged messages for months and were unknowingly falling for each other. Well, at least Alex was un-knowing, but he finally caught on when Henry planted an intense, memorable kiss on his lips.
Some viewers could relate to Prince Henry at this moment. The weight of the royal blood in him burdens him. He is not allowed to be gay or live as he wishes. It is not lost on us that many queer individuals are forced to stay in the closet because of family expectations of them.
We also have to mention the other kiss in the red room. It finally dawns on Henry that Alex feels the same; it is almost like his prayers have been answered. It is exhilarating when our crush returns our feelings, and of course, they gave us some flirty lines to gulp over. Everything about these two scenes was on point.
The Emails, Calls & Messages
As these two get close, they keep in touch as much as possible. They unknowingly tell each other random facts about themselves, and slowly, they start falling in love. They discussed almost everything there is to discuss, and once again, their humor kept things entertaining.
The Paris Scene
The relationship between Henry and Alex, by this point, had evolved. They were no longer enemies who couldn’t bear the sight of each other. They were in love and wanted to act on their feeling for each other. While Henry was still not open to coming out publicly or even dating openly, he was ready to commit to Alex.
Everything Zahra
We love a queen with a sharp mouth and the confidence to back it up. Our girl Zahra gave us some of the best lines in the movie. Her wit was refreshing, and she said what most of us wanted. We also love her because she helps the love birds most when they need it. She is a true G, and we stan!
The Relationship between Alex and his Mom
Coming out to one’s parents can be scary for anyone; and it certainly was for Alex. However, Alex’s mom was ready to hear him out and offer her support. This is the kind of parenting we wish most queer kids could experience. It doesn’t matter if they disagree on different matters; she is ready to take a break and be there for her son. She might be the president, but she understands her duty to her son, too.
The Love Confession
Talk about making our relationship standard skyrocket! Alex is nothing if not a romantic, and he wants to tell Henry the minute he realizes he is in love. Unfortunately, Henry had already warned Alex not to fall in love with him. Henry had so many walls up, but Alex managed to break them down and win his heart. For Henry, this was a scary thing, and he decided to flee.
However, Alex chased him across the ocean to tell him he loved him. We cried as they came to a heated conversation about what their feelings for each other mean for their future. Ultimately, love wins over fear, and these two made the best decision.
The press conference
All hell broke loose when the relationship between Henry and Alex became public.
With Henry sequestered away by his family, Alex takes the reins and stands up for their love. He holds a press conference and speaks on their right to come out when they want, which was stolen from them. His speech is profoundly moving and resonating. He wanted the world to know how he feels about Henry and assure Henry that he would be there through the bad and the good. We felt so proud of him while watching this scene.
Baby
We can’t explain it, but every time Alex called Henry “Baby,” we swooned.
Coming Out to Face a Supportive Public
The King had no idea that Alex and Henry’s love story would not die down quietly. He tried to keep him locked in the closet, but Henry came out and was supported by the public. If this scene didn’t make you cry, you must watch it again. All his life, Henry lived in fear of the public turning against him when he came out. This proved to be baseless because they welcomed and supported him.
There you have it, our favorite moments from Red, White and Royal Blue. If you are looking for a great movie to enjoy this summer, this should be added to your watchlist. We promise you won’t regret it.
About the Author:
Christine Siamanta Kinori grew up in a little village in Kenya known as Loitoktok near the border of Kenya and Tanzania. All she wanted to do when she grew up was to explore the world. Her curiosity led her to join Nairobi University to pursue a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She later got a job with an amazing travel magazine Nomad Africa which gave her the opportunity to explore Africa. She also writes for numerous travel websites about Africa and tries to create a new narrative in the media about our aesthetic continent.
Christine claims to have somewhat unhealthy addiction to TV and reading, as it is a fun way to keep herself occupied during the long journeys for her travel writing. She is also a believer of letting people be their beautiful selves. To her, love is love and it is the greatest gift we have as humans.
