Exclusive Interview: Jen Lilley & Dan Jeannotte on ‘A Royal Setting,’ Romance, and Finding Your Own Path

Some love stories are written in the stars—others are cut a little deeper. A Royal Setting invites audiences into a world where tradition and self-discovery collide, following Ruby (Jen Lilley), a world-renowned gemologist whose latest commission places her at the heart of a royal legacy. Tasked with restoring the crown jewels and designing a new crown for Prince Luca (Dan Jeannotte), what begins as a professional endeavor soon unfolds into something far more personal, challenging long-standing expectations and redefining what the future could look like—for both of them.

Beneath the regal backdrop, it’s the emotional core that gives A Royal Setting its brilliance. Ruby’s instinct to recognize value—in both gemstones and the people around her—mirrors a deeply relatable journey of learning to see that same worth within ourselves. For Luca, the path forward is shaped by legacy, responsibility, and the quiet pull to honor the past while still forging something of his own. Together, their connection feels effortless and lived-in, striking a balance between vulnerability and levity that allows each moment to land with intention.

That sense of ease is no coincidence. Reuniting on screen, Jen Lilley and Dan Jeannotte bring a familiarity that translates effortlessly into their performances, elevating every interaction between Ruby and Luca. Their dynamic feels grounded and genuine—something that comes from a shared history rather than something created overnight. Pop Culturalist caught up with the duo to talk about bringing Ruby and Luca to life, the themes that make this story resonate, and the moments that make A Royal Setting truly shine.

PC: Jen, I love Ruby’s evolution in the film—how she’s always been able to recognize the value in gemstones and in the people she encounters, and how her journey becomes about seeing that same worth in herself. It’s such a relatable arc that allows audiences to see themselves reflected in her. What initially drew you to this character, and how did you create the space to explore her vulnerability and growth?
Jen: That’s such a thoughtful question—I really appreciate that. There were a lot of things that drew me to this project. First, I was so excited to work with Hallmark and Dan again. Bradley Walsh directed this, and I’ve worked with some of the crew on multiple films now—it almost felt like coming home. It was a very easy yes.

What I loved most about Ruby is that she doesn’t just see value in gemstones—she sees it in people. That’s something I try to live by in my own life, making sure I truly see others and honor them, even when we don’t always agree. At the end of the day, we’re far more alike than we are different, and there’s so much more to celebrate when you lead with that perspective.

She’s also like a lot of us in that sometimes the hardest thing is seeing your own value. That really stood out to me. It’s such a grounding and human perspective, and it was something I was really drawn to exploring—not just as an artist, but through the character as well.

PC: Dan, both of these characters share such a strong desire to carve their own path outside of their family’s expectations, and for Prince Luca, that’s deeply tied to embracing change. What was it about his journey that spoke to you? And were there any choices or discoveries you made in your process for this character or this project that surprised you?
Dan: One of the things that stood out to me right away about this character is that, yes, he’s struggling and chafing against his royal expectations, but what’s so different—and what I really appreciate about his arc—is that he has a lovely relationship with his mother. It’s not the typical dynamic where they don’t understand each other and he’s simply searching for independence. Instead, it’s about the two of them moving forward together in the aftermath of losing their father/husband, which happens before the story begins. You realize they’re both grieving and finding their way in different ways, yet they remain deeply connected.

There were also a lot of lovely scenes that I got to do with Sarah Orenstein, who plays the Queen, and she was so wonderful to work with. We had never met before, but she’s an incredible scene partner. Family is really important to him—even as he’s trying to carve his own path, become his own man, and create change. He wants all of that, but he also wants to bring his family along with him.

PC: Jen, as you were saying earlier, A Royal Setting brings you back together with a team you’ve collaborated with both in front of and behind the camera. How does that sense of familiarity and trust inform the choices you make with this character and her dynamics, particularly as it leans into the comedic elements?
Jen: It really opens up the comedic elements in a big way because they know what I’m capable of, especially when it comes to physical humor. Our Director of Photography, Jonathan Yapp, knows how to light me even when I’m being quirky, which I’m very grateful for.

It’s nice because you get those takes where you can be a little more wild. Of course, we get what we need, but it’s always great to be given the opportunity to really push it in a take. You don’t always get that freedom when you’re working with people you haven’t collaborated with before.

PC: Dan, we learn so much about Luca through the bond he shared with his father and the legacy he hopes to carry forward. While that relationship doesn’t manifest physically on screen, how did it inform your grounding and understanding of this character?
Dan: That’s a great question. It’s always interesting when key elements of a character exist off-screen and live in the subtext. Luca is someone who loves his parents very much. One of them is gone now, and he’s trying to carry his father’s teachings forward—the way he was raised to be a certain kind of person. He wants to honor that while also figuring out who he is on his own terms.

That really anchored me in his journey. It felt like he’s still in conversation with someone, even though they’re no longer there, which is such a beautiful idea.

There are also so many layers to this film. At its core, it’s a romantic comedy—it’s funny and romantic—but it also explores these deeper relationships and storylines that audiences might not expect. I think people are really going to connect with that added complexity.

PC: Prince Luca and Ruby bond over their shared love of a book and how that story reshaped the way they see the world. Was there a piece of art that’s had a similar impact on you, and why?
Jen: These questions are so well thought out and profound—what a great question. I love books. There are so many that have impacted us in different ways.

Dan: Books are hugely important to me. I’ve tried to pass that on to my son, and thank goodness it’s working—he’s a big reader himself. I think as you go through life, if you’re lucky, certain books find you at exactly the right time, and they really resonate with who you are in that moment. Then you might revisit that same book twenty years later, and it means something completely different. It’s like relationships—friendships and people who come in and out of your life. There have been many books like that for me.

Jen: That’s right. It’s the same with music, too—you remember exactly where you were when you heard a particular song. One of the most exciting things about being an artist is knowing that people can watch your movie and connect it to a specific moment in their lives. As a child, I was really influenced by Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books—they taught me the value of hard work. I also loved A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. There are so many books that stay with you through different seasons of your life.

PC: I totally agree—beautifully said. Ruby and her mother share this meaningful tradition centered around the “remember gem.” If you could choose a word to represent your co-star on that gem, what would it be and why?
Jen: “Gracious” was the first word that came to mind. He’s incredibly gracious—always kind and generous with his time, both on and off screen. He was always willing to explore scenes with me.

Dan: Thank you. I don’t know if I have just one word, but Jen is a light. She’s such a bright, shining light.

Make sure to follow Jen (X/Instagram) and Dan (X/Instagram). A Royal Setting premieres on March 28th at 8/7c on Hallmark.

Photo Credit: Hallmark Media