You know that feeling when you're watching a holiday flick and you just know you've seen the lead actress somewhere before? It's usually a "wait, was she in that one legal drama?" moment. If you've sat down with a mug of cocoa to watch the cast of A Christmas Castle Proposal, you probably had that exact experience. This isn't just another cookie-cutter romance. It’s got that specific blend of "royalty in hiding" tropes and genuine chemistry that makes these movies a guilty pleasure.
But let's be real. The real draw isn't just the snowy European vistas or the inevitable misunderstanding in the second act. It's the actors. They carry the weight of making a castle-based romance feel even remotely grounded.
Rhiannon Fish as Olivia
Rhiannon Fish is basically the queen of this genre lately. Honestly, she has this way of playing "relatable commoner" without making it feel like a caricature. In this movie, she plays Olivia, a commoner (obviously) who finds herself entangled in a royal whirlwind.
If she looks familiar, it’s probably because you’re a fan of The 100. She played Ontari, which was a way darker, more intense role than anything you’ll see in a castle at Christmas. It’s actually pretty impressive to see her go from a brutal warrior in a post-apocalyptic wasteland to a woman worrying about whether a prince is actually into her. She’s also a staple of the Australian soap Home and Away, which is where most of her longtime fans first fell in love with her acting style.
Mitchell Bourne as Prince Alexander
Then there's the prince. Mitchell Bourne takes on the role of Prince Alexander. He’s got that specific "stiff but secretly soft" vibe that every royal romance needs. He’s relatively newer to the leading man scene compared to some of the Hallmark or Great American Family veterans, but he fits the mold perfectly.
Before he was donning a crown for the cast of A Christmas Castle Proposal, Bourne was popping up in various television projects and shorts. He brings a sort of earnestness to Alexander that keeps the character from feeling too entitled. You actually want him to get the girl, which—let's be honest—isn't always the case in these movies. Sometimes the princes just come off as kind of annoying.
Why this specific cast works for the "Royal" trope
Look, we've seen the "average person meets a royal" story a thousand times. The Princess Switch, A Christmas Prince, the list goes on forever. So why does this one stand out? It’s the chemistry.
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Rhiannon and Mitchell actually look like they’re having fun. There’s a scene where they’re decorating—because there is always a scene where they’re decorating—and the banter feels surprisingly unscripted. It’s those little moments of genuine connection that stop the movie from feeling like a cardboard cutout of every other holiday film released in the last decade.
The supporting players
You can't have a royal movie without the people who make the castle feel "castle-y." While the focus is heavily on Olivia and Alexander, the surrounding cast fills out the world. Usually, in these films, you have:
- The stern parent who thinks the commoner is a disaster.
- The quirky best friend or sister who encourages the romance.
- The "villainous" ex-fiancée or socialite who wants to keep the bloodline pure.
In this case, the casting choices stay true to the spirit of the genre. They provide the necessary friction that keeps the plot moving toward that inevitable final kiss under the mistletoe.
The reality of filming a "Castle" movie
Sometimes people think these movies are actually filmed in the heart of Europe during a blizzard. Kinda true, mostly not. While many of these productions do head to places like Romania or Ireland to get those authentic stone walls and rolling hills, a lot of the "snow" you see is just soap suds or shredded paper.
The cast of A Christmas Castle Proposal likely spent long days in relatively chilly locations, trying to look warm in evening gowns and suits while the production crew moved light reflectors around. It’s a grind. These movies are often shot in three weeks or less. When you realize how fast they have to move, you start to appreciate Rhiannon Fish’s ability to deliver a heartfelt monologue on the first take even more.
Did they actually film in a castle?
Usually, these productions find a historic manor or a specific wing of a European castle that allows for filming. They don't need the whole thing—just a grand staircase, a dining hall, and a courtyard. By reusing the same four or five locations, they make the scale feel massive. It’s a clever trick of cinematography.
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If you pay close attention to the background, you'll see the same hallway appearing in different scenes, just lit differently. It’s part of the charm.
What people get wrong about these holiday romances
A lot of critics dismiss movies like this as "filler." They say the plots are predictable. And yeah, they are. But that’s the point. People don't watch a movie about a castle proposal because they want a gritty, subversive thriller with a twist ending where everyone dies.
They watch it for the comfort.
The cast of A Christmas Castle Proposal understands the assignment. They aren't trying to win an Oscar; they're trying to give you 90 minutes of escapism. There is a real skill in playing a character who is fundamentally good. It’s much easier to play a "broken" or "edgy" character than it is to play a sincere one without it feeling cheesy.
Rhiannon Fish’s career trajectory
Rhiannon is a great example of an actress who has found a very specific, successful niche. After The 100, she could have gone any direction. By leaning into the romantic lead roles, she’s built a massive, loyal following. Fans know that if her name is on the poster, the movie is going to have a certain level of quality. She’s become a bit of a "seal of approval" for holiday movie enthusiasts.
The technical side of the production
Behind the scenes, these movies are logistical puzzles. You have to coordinate a cast, find a location that looks "royal" but doesn't cost a fortune, and pray for good weather (or at least weather that looks good on camera).
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The director’s job here is to keep the energy high. If the actors get bored, the audience gets bored. Thankfully, the leads here keep the pacing tight. There’s a specific rhythm to the dialogue—quick, light, and always leading toward a moment of realization.
How to actually enjoy these movies (the pro way)
If you're going to dive into the filmography of the cast of A Christmas Castle Proposal, you have to do it right.
- Don't overthink the logic. Why is a prince wandering around a village alone? Doesn't matter. Just go with it.
- Watch for the tropes. Spotting the "fake dating" or "mistaken identity" plot points is half the fun.
- Follow the actors on social media. A lot of these cast members post "behind the scenes" photos that show the reality of filming in the cold, which adds a whole new layer to the viewing experience.
Honestly, the chemistry between Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourne is what saves this from being just another title in the streaming library. They make the stakes feel real, even when we all know exactly how the story ends.
Actionable ways to explore more
If you liked this cast, your next steps are pretty simple. You don't need to go on a deep-dive research mission, but checking out their other work gives you a sense of their range.
- Look up Rhiannon Fish’s filmography on IMDb. Specifically, check out A Prince in Paradise or A Royal in Paradise (the titles get confusing, I know). She’s done several of these, and they’re all solid.
- Check out Mitchell Bourne’s earlier work. It's interesting to see a lead actor before they hit their stride in the romance genre.
- Search for the filming locations. If you're ever planning a trip to Europe, many of the castles used in these films are actually open to the public for tours.
The world of holiday cinema is huge, and the cast of A Christmas Castle Proposal is just one piece of the puzzle. But as far as pieces go, they're pretty great. They bring a level of professionalism and heart to a genre that sometimes gets a bad rap. Next time you see Rhiannon Fish on your screen, you'll know exactly why she’s there: she’s the best at what she does.