BET+’s A Royal Surprise lives up to its name, delivering a charming story of love, identity, and trust. The film stars Jennifer Freeman as Riley, a humble American bookstore owner, and Thapelo Mokoena as Mandla, a South African prince with a secret. Their love story begins in America, where Mandla is living a seemingly ordinary life far from his royal duties. The two fall deeply in love, and when Mandla invites Riley to visit his hometown, she’s excited but unaware of the surprise that awaits her.
Riley is blindsided when she arrives in South Africa and discovers that Mandla is not just a regular guy, but a prince. Mandla had deliberately kept his royal status a secret, not to deceive Riley, but because he wanted to be seen for who he truly is. Moving to America gave him a chance to live like a normal person, free from the expectations and pressures of royalty. However, this revelation doesn’t sit well with Riley—not because of Mandla’s status, but because of the lie itself.
Coming from humble beginnings and having lost both her parents in a car accident, Riley values honesty and trust above all else. The fact that Mandla withheld such a major part of his identity shakes the foundation of their relationship. The movie beautifully captures Riley’s internal conflict as she grapples with her feelings for Mandla and the hurt caused by his deception. At the same time, Mandla’s struggle to balance his royal responsibilities with his desire for a normal life adds depth to his character and makes his motivations relatable.
Set against the backdrop of vibrant South African culture, A Royal Surprise is more than just a romance—it’s a story about finding love while staying true to yourself and learning to navigate the complexities of trust in relationships. Jennifer Freeman and Thapelo Mokoena share undeniable chemistry, making Riley and Mandla’s journey feel authentic and heartwarming.
With its engaging plot, beautiful setting, and relatable themes, A Royal Surprise is a delightful watch that will leave viewers rooting for love to conquer all—even in the face of royal complications. If you’re looking for a feel-good movie with a unique twist, don’t miss this hidden gem on BET+.

Jennifer Freeman plays Riley in A Royal Surprise Mandatory Credit: Photo by Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (12254305bc)
Jennifer Freeman
‘Respect’ film premiere, Arrivals, Los Angeles, California, USA – 08 Aug 2021