Royal Return for Princess Diaries 3; But Where's Anne Hathaway's Con-Artist Ex, Raffaello Follieri?

As Disney gears up for the much-awaited Princess Diaries 3, excitement is building among fans who are looking forward to Anne Hathaway reprising her role as Mia Thermopolis, the relatable teenager who becomes the queen of Genovia. Hathaway’s career is still flourishing, but many fans might remember her previous relationship with Raffaello Follieri, who gained notoriety after his dramatic downfall was covered in the news around the world. While Hathaway has moved forward in her life, curiosity lingers about Follieri's current situation and what he has been doing since the scandal that captured so much attention.

Princess Diaries 3: A Royal Return

Princess Diaries 3 is officially in the works, and Adele Lim, recognized for her roles in Crazy Rich Asians and Joy Ride, will be directing this new chapter of the well-loved series. In an interview with Variety, Lim expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "As a huge fan of the original Princess Diaries, I can't contain my excitement about being involved in creating the third installment of this cherished franchise." Anne Hathaway, who rose to fame as Mia Thermopolis, is set to reprise her role and will also be a producer on the project.

Ever since the news broke, anticipation has been growing for the next chapter in Mia's story, which started in 2001 and was followed by the sequel, Royal Engagement, in 2004. As attention shifts back to Hathaway's success in her career, some fans can't help but recall her previous relationship with Raffaello Follieri. He once appeared to be the perfect prince charming, much like the characters she portrayed on screen, but ultimately, his world came crashing down in a dramatic fashion.

The Rise And Fall Of Raffaello Follieri

For a while, Hathaway's romance with Follieri seemed reminiscent of the fast-paced life of her character in The Princess Diaries. Follieri, a charming Italian entrepreneur, swept Hathaway off her feet with extravagant acts, lavish trips, and pricey presents. The Daily Mail reported that Hathaway used to call Follieri "a god," enchanted by his allure and seemingly impressive accomplishments. Follieri, who boasted of having strong ties to the Vatican, quickly earned the confidence of investors, allowing him to maintain an opulent lifestyle while Hathaway accompanied him.

In 2008, the dreamy love story took an unexpected turn when Follieri was taken into custody on various charges, including fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering. His deceitful activities, referred to as the "Vati-Con" scandal, involved misusing funds from investors, such as billionaire Ron Burkle, all while pretending to buy properties owned by the Catholic Church in the U.S. As Follieri's world came crashing down, Hathaway chose to end their relationship just before his arrest, and they never communicated again. Follieri ended up receiving a four-and-a-half-year sentence in federal prison for his offenses, as reported by The Daily Mail.

Follieri's New Chapter After Prison

After completing his prison term, Raffaello Follieri was sent back to Italy in 2012, where he largely disappeared from the spotlight. However, his journey didn’t stop there. In recent times, Follieri has made a comeback in the business scene, working to restore both his wealth and reputation. As reported by NY Weekly, he has transformed himself into an innovative entrepreneur, especially in the green energy sector. As the head of F Holding UAE/Follieri Capital Limited, Follieri has led important projects in renewable energy, concentrating on electric vehicle charging stations and hydrogen technology, which positions his company at the leading edge of sustainability efforts. His endeavors in this industry have not only helped him regain a positive professional image but have also brought him considerable success, with his company's market value reaching 150 million euros.

Follieri currently has business interests in Italy, Greece, and the Middle East, featuring a varied selection of projects within the energy industry. His emphasis on innovation and sustainable practices highlights a significant change from his earlier work in real estate, showcasing his skill in adjusting and succeeding in a constantly evolving market. According to NY Weekly, under Follieri's guidance, his company has become a significant participant in the shift from fossil fuel dependency to renewable energy, reinforcing his dedication to fostering positive transformation.

A Leader In Business And Sustainability

Growing up in Italy, Follieri started his education at the renowned University of Roma La Sapienza, which set the stage for his future pursuits. In 2002, he teamed up with his father to establish the Follieri Group, gaining recognition in the American real estate market. Yet, it was his foray into the green energy industry that truly signified the next chapter of his professional journey.

As the leader of Follieri Energy, he has guided the company in embracing new ideas in electric vehicles and eco-friendly technologies. His dedication to sustainable practices is evident in the company's emphasis on renewable energy, tackling urgent climate challenges while establishing Follieri as a front-runner in this important field.

In 2022, Follieri hit the news once more when he sold his minority stake in BLS LTD for an impressive 1.5 billion euros, reinforcing his reputation as a powerful player in the business realm. Moreover, his activities in the trading of rare metals, especially in the rare earths market, have bolstered his standing in the global commodities arena. As reported by NY Weekly, Follieri holds a substantial portion of the rare earths sector, estimated to be worth about 30 billion euros.

A New Chapter: The Past Still Echoes

Even with his achievements in business, Raffaello Follieri's history still looms over him. In a conversation with Page Six, Follieri stated that he was in talks to acquire half of the Italian football club Foggia Calcio. However, representatives for former investor Ron Burkle promptly refuted his claims, insisting he had no part in such negotiations. Follieri's statements were regarded as untrue, sparking doubts about whether he can truly leave his past controversies behind as he navigates his current success.

Despite the challenges, Follieri is not slowing down in his quest for new business opportunities. As reported by NY Weekly, he is actively working to grow Follieri Energy's presence across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and he aims to get the company listed on the London Stock Exchange soon.