Princess’s is the standard singular possessive form of princess. E.g., “A princess’s responsibilities involve meeting the public.” Furthermore, princess’ is a correct form of the singular possessive that often appears when the next word begins with “s.” E.g., “The princess’ slippers were silk.”
The following chart provides a helpful summary of the possessive and plural forms of princess.
| Singular | Princess |
| Plural | Princesses |
| Singular possessive | Princess’ / Princess’s |
| Plural possessive | Princesses’ |
As you can see, you can form the singular possessive of princess in two ways. Firstly, you can form the singular possessive by adding an apostrophe to the end of princess. Secondly, you can create the singular possessive by adding the apostrophe and an “s.”
The following sentences show each form in context.
- Singular: Every young girl dreams of being a princess.
- Plural: All four princesses lived in the same palace.
- Singular possessive: A princess’s crown is full of valuable jewels.
- Plural possessive: The princesses’ children all looked alike.
The standard way to form the singular possessive of the common noun princess is princess’s. Furthermore, this is the version you should use according to the AP Stylebook and the Chicago Manual of Style.
However, this rule has some exceptions, such as when princess is a proper noun, which we cover later in the article.
Keep reading the rest of the article to learn more about using the possessive and plural forms of princess.
Princess’
The term princess’ is a singular possessive form of the word princess. Therefore, you use it to indicate that something belongs to a princess.
- The princess’ birthday is on July 12th.
- The princess’ gown was the talk of the evening, with its intricate embroidery and shimmering fabric.
- Everyone admired the courage in facing adversity with grace.
Some people choose to use this version throughout the whole document, while others just use it when the following word begins with “s.”
- A princess’ smile must be convincing.
- The princess’ sister was equally gracious and kind.
- The princess’ speech at the charity gala moved many to tears.
Ultimately, you can choose which version to use unless you are following a specific style guide.
In addition, when using the possessive of princess in formal writing, you should use princess’s when following the Chicago Manual of Style.
However, the rules are a little different for AP Style.
The Associated Press Stylebook states that you should use princess’ when the following word begins with “s.” Furthermore, you should use princess’ when it is a proper noun, i.e., referring to a specific princess.
In British English, it is common to use a capital letter when referring to a specific princess. Therefore, it becomes a proper noun, which means you must use Princess’ if you are writing in AP Style.
As shown in this example about Princess Diana.
- The Princess’ dress at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival was made of light blue silk.
Furthermore, in British English, there is not much difference in frequency between princess’ and princess’s. However, in American English princess’ appears less than in the UK.
Princess’s
The term princess’s is the standard singular possessive of princess. Therefore, you use it when you want to indicate that something belongs to a princess.
Furthermore, both the Chicago Manual of Style and the Associated Press Stylebook state that you should use princess’s.
- A princess’s job starts from the day they are born.
- The princess’s responsibilities grew as she matured and learned more about her role.
- Many in the kingdom admired the princess’s dedication to charitable causes.
However, the exception to that rule is that for AP Style, if the next word begins with “s” you should use princess’.
- A princess’ sincerity is a good measure of her character.
- The princess’ sister always stood by her side during crucial moments.
- The princess’ status in society meant she was constantly in the public eye.
Also, AP Style states that you should use Princess’ for proper nouns referring to a specific princess, i.e., if princess has a capital letter, then you should use Princess’ instead of Princess’s.
Whether princess becomes a proper noun or not is also a stylistic decision at times, specifically when you state something like “the princess” and are referring to a specific princess.
For example, in the UK, using princess as a proper noun for the royal family in this context is common. However, people in other countries may choose not to use a proper noun in the following example.
- The Princess’ children, Harry and William, arrived the following day.
Princesses
The term princesses is the plural form of princess. Therefore, you can use it when mentioning more than one princess.
- The princesses were guests of honor at the ball.
- The two princesses represented their respective countries at the international summit.
- At the academy, young princesses were taught the art of diplomacy and leadership.
Furthermore, although the plural possessive of princess is not that common, you form it by adding an apostrophe to the end of princesses.
- The princesses’ transport to the event was a traditional horse-drawn carriage.
- The princesses’ dresses were designed by the same famous couturier, showcasing his diverse range.
- All the attendees awaited the princesses’ arrival, as it was the most anticipated moment of the evening.