At just 18, Princess Andre is speaking with a maturity far beyond her years — and at the heart of her story is a woman she credits with giving her something she once lacked: safety, stability and unconditional care.
In her ITV docuseries The Princess Diaries, Princess opens up about the extraordinary bond she shares with her stepmother, Emily MacDonagh, describing her as “the perfect mother figure” and someone she “respects and admires deeply.”
A Childhood Marked by Instability
Princess, the daughter of Katie Price and Peter Andre, has grown up in the public eye. But behind the headlines, she reveals a childhood that was far from easy.
On the show, Princess admits she was exposed to experiences “children shouldn’t have to see,” explaining that she is still healing from what she describes as her mother’s “dark times.”
Speaking candidly, she says:
“I saw things kids shouldn’t. I’m still healing from that.”
While she expresses love for her mother, Princess also acknowledges the emotional toll of growing up amid unpredictability.
“She’s unpredictable and lives life like she doesn’t care,” Princess reflects.
“I love that about her — but deep down, I cry about it.”
The Woman Who Stepped In — Quietly and Consistently
Emily entered Princess’s life when she was just three years old, after marrying Peter in 2015. At the time, Emily was juggling medical studies with family life — yet she quickly became a constant presence for both Princess and her brother Junior.
Friends of the family say Emily never sought recognition for the role she played.
“She stepped up without complaint,” one insider explains.
“She carried a huge responsibility but never made it visible. Princess understands that now.”
Today, Princess credits Emily with creating a “safe and happy home” — a place where she could finally feel grounded.
“She’s a doctor, she’s calm, she listens,” Princess says.
“She made our home feel safe.”
A Relationship Built on Trust
One of the most striking moments in The Princess Diaries sees Princess turning to Emily — not her parents — following a painful breakup.
Confiding through tears, Princess admits she couldn’t “picture being with anyone else.” Emily responds not with judgment, but reassurance.
“Spend time on yourself,” Emily tells her gently.
“You’re a big catch.”
The exchange captures the depth of their relationship: open, honest and rooted in trust.
Princess later reveals she sought counselling to process her emotions, explaining why she couldn’t simply lean on her parents.
“I couldn’t just go to Dad,” she admits.
“My parents don’t like each other.”
Respect, Admiration — and Gratitude
As Princess grows older, she says she has gained a deeper appreciation for everything Emily did behind the scenes.
“She knows how hard it must have been,” a family source says.
“But Emily never showed it. That’s why Princess respects her so much now.”
In interviews and on-screen moments alike, Princess repeatedly returns to the same sentiment — gratitude.
Last year, she summed it up simply:
“She’s the perfect stepmother. I couldn’t have asked for better.”
Looking Forward, Not Back
Today, Princess is building a successful career of her own, signing lucrative fashion and beauty deals and attracting interest from TV executives keen to push her future forward — firmly on her own terms.
Those close to her say she is determined to carve out a path defined by stability, independence and emotional clarity — values she credits Emily with instilling.
While her past remains complicated, Princess is no longer defined by it.
Instead, she is choosing to honour the woman who helped her survive it.
And in doing so, she’s telling a story that resonates far beyond celebrity — one about resilience, healing, and the quiet power of showing up when it matters most.
