20 Women. One Crown. It's Going To Be a Royal Showdown!

20 Women Vie to Become Royalty as WE: Women's Entertainment Kicks-Off Nationwide Quest for The First American Princess Premiering August 7 at 10:00pm ET

NEW YORK, NY, July 11, 2005 - What if you had a dream to become someone other than who you are... and it came true? Beginning this August, twenty young women will compete to make their childhood fairy tale dream a reality in WE: Women's Entertainment's addictive new original series American Princess, premiering on the network August 7 at 10:00pm ET.

With behavior ranging from ladylike to scandalous, the twenty hopefuls will participate in a variety of challenges designed to test their skills, character, and suitability for a princess lifestyle. From etiquette to equestrianship, these women are tested on the simplest tasks such as walking, talking, and setting a proper dinner table as well as more difficult challenges such as public speaking and playing polo. The pressure rises with each week's tasks, and as strengths and weaknesses become more apparent, the incredible transformation of the young women makes for fascinating television viewing.

The American Princess judging panel consists of major influencers in the world of royalty, including Paul Burrell, best known for his position as Royal Butler to Diana, Princess of Wales, and his book "In the Royal Manner;" Jean Brooke-Smith, who served as Principal of London's prestigious Lucie Clayton finishing school for 30 years and trained many high-profile debutantes in traditional etiquette; and James Whitaker, the UK's most sought-after royal columnist and author. Peppered throughout the series are appearances by other celebrity judges matched to specific challenges in their areas of expertise, such as actress and Yugoslavian royal Catherine Oxenberg, equestrian Princess Tamara Czartoryski-Borbon of Poland (and granddaughter of Princess Dolores of Spain) and aristocratic glamour girl/model Jodie Kidd (and granddaughter of Lord Beaverbrook).

WE: Women's Entertainment's American Princess contestants come from all walks of life and from all over the country. The remarkably varied group includes a deer hunter, an Air Force cadet, a substitute teacher, a tattooed tomboy, a trailer park resident, a mother, a sorority girl, a bank manager, a women who equates royalty with being spoiled, a professional clown and an actual descendant from Russian royalty who currently lives in a tenement, among others. The competition begins in New York where the twenty contestants face their first challenge: making a proper first impression. They undergo lessons in appropriate behavior, embark on a shopping spree where they must follow careful instructions (and many neglect to do so!) and attend a cocktail party where the women have just a few minutes to impress the panel of judges in a social setting. Selections will be made by the judges, and the field will be narrowed to ten who will be brought to London, where the serious battle begins for the prize of $50,000 and a genuine British title.

"American Princess offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to women who have dreamed their whole life of becoming a princess," reflects Kim Martin, General Manager of WE: Women's Entertainment. She added, "Along the way these unique women, along with our viewers, will discover that becoming someone of stature doesn't always require a designer outfit or celebrity friends. American Princess' underlying lessons of confidence, grace-under-pressure and self-respect are important, accessible traits which make every woman majestic -- with or without an actual crown."

During their amazing journey the hopefuls are introduced to many high-profile members of British society such as Richard Branson and World Cup Polo's Malcolm Borwick who give them advice and guide them into the royal ways. Straight out of "My Fair Lady," the future American Princesses attend Ladies Day at Ascot where Queen Elizabeth will be present, and where their every action will be carefully scrutinized.

And what would a fairy tale be without a handsome prince? The women also compete for the attention of three young, attractive aristocrats (James Cook, Philip Lewis-Turner and Lachlan "Lachy" Monro) where budding young romances blossom and heightened rivalry amongst the contestants ensues.

By the end of the six-part series, the women have received thorough training of the most important elements to mix with upper class society, including style, grace, speech, presentation and good manners. Although it is important for the contestants to blend the knowledge that they have acquired into their own personalities, it's equally critical that they showcase them to the best of their ability at all times.

American Princess culminates in the last episode with an exquisite Final Ball where the last two contestants compete for their coveted title - and the chance to wear a $1 million Harry Winston tiara - by passing as royalty. Even down to the last few minutes, the remaining women face unexpected hurdles and tests of patience as only one is named this first-ever American Princess.

WE: Women's Entertainment is the only cable network dedicated to helping women connect to one another and the world around them. With quality original programming including the hit series "Bridezillas," unique movie packages like "Three Men and A Chick Flick," topical specials and its public affairs initiative WE Empowers Women, the network supports women and appeals to their interests in pop culture, relationships and personal style. WE: Women's Entertainment is a subsidiary of Rainbow Entertainment Services and is currently seen in over 55 million homes.