"Princess Principal: Crown Handler" is a sequel to the 2017 anime series "Princess Principal," continuing the story set in an alternate steampunk-inspired version of 20th-century London, where the city is divided into two factions: the Kingdom of Albion and the Commonwealth. The narrative centers on a group of young female spies operating under the guise of students at the prestigious Queen’s Mayfair School. These spies, known as Team White Pigeon, work for the Commonwealth to destabilize the Kingdom’s oppressive regime.
The main characters include Ange, a skilled spy with a mysterious past; Princess Charlotte, the heir to the Albion throne who secretly opposes her own kingdom’s policies; Dorothy, a sharpshooter with a sharp wit; Beatrice, a former noble with a tragic background; and Chise, a samurai from the distant land of Zipang. Each member of the team brings unique skills and personal motivations to their missions, which often involve espionage, sabotage, and political intrigue.
The "Crown Handler" films focus on the aftermath of the events in the original series, delving deeper into the political machinations of the divided Albion. The first film, "Crown Handler Chapter 1," sees Team White Pigeon tasked with protecting a key figure in the Commonwealth’s plans to reunify Albion. As the story progresses, tensions rise between the Kingdom and the Commonwealth, with the team navigating complex alliances and betrayals. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the moral ambiguities of espionage, as the characters grapple with their roles in a larger, often ruthless political game.
The sequel films maintain the series’ signature blend of action, intrigue, and character-driven drama, while expanding on the world-building and political stakes. The storylines are tightly woven, with each mission revealing new layers of the overarching conflict and the personal struggles of the protagonists. The films also delve into the relationship between Ange and Princess Charlotte, whose bond is central to the narrative, as they navigate their shared goals and conflicting loyalties.
Overall, "Princess Principal: Crown Handler" builds on the foundation of the original series, offering a continuation of its intricate plot, rich character dynamics, and steampunk aesthetic, while further exploring the political and emotional complexities of its world.