Preview: “Royal Hearts” A Hallmark Channel Original Movie

By: Kat Harlton
All Media Courtesy of Crown Media United States LLC

James Brolin (“Life in Pieces,” Amityville Horror), Cindy Busby (“The Vampire Diaries,” The Big Year) and Andrew Cooper (“The Way,” “The Royals”) star in “Royal Hearts,” a new, original movie premiering Saturday, February 24 (9 p.m. ET/PT) on Hallmark Channel.

Since the passing his wife, Hank Pavlik (Brolin) has made the ranch his only life. But when his daughter, Kelly (Busby) is met by a lawyer retained to locate her father, life is about to get interesting. As the last living relative, Hank has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility that doesn’t interest him. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, Kelly encourages him to stay because without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas (Lachlan Nieboer, “Downton Abbey”), the ruler Angosia, a neighboring country. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex (Cooper), the adorable stable hand for the estate.

When King Nikolas comes to visit Kelly gets swept off her feet and while at the Royal Ball, King Nikolas surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. After some investigating Alex discovers Angosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Realizing an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament, Hank devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and the future of Angosia.

“Royal Hearts’ is a Brad Krevoy Television Production. Brad Krevoy, Eric Jarboe, Amanda Phillips Atkins and Jimmy Townsend are executive producers. Robin Bernheim Burger, Kerry Lenhart and John J. Sakmar are co-executive producers. Vince Balzano serves as associate producer. Amy Krell is producer. James Brolin directed from a teleplay by Robin Bernheim Burger & Kerry Lenhart based on the story by John J. Sakmar.

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Lachlan Nieboer, Cindy Busby Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Lachlan Nieboer, Cindy Busby Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Lachlan Nieboer, Cindy Busby Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Cindy Busby Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Cindy Busby, Andrew Cooper, Lachlan Nieboer Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Glynis Barber, James Brolin Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: James Brolin Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Glynis Barber, James Brolin Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Glynis Barber, Andrew Cooper, James Brolin Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: James Brolin Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: James Brolin Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Cindy Busby, James Brolin Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: James Brolin, Cindy Busby Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Cindy Busby Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: James Brolin Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Glynis Barber, James Brolin Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Cindy Busby, James Brolin Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: James Brolin, Cindy Busby Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Cindy Busby, Andrew Cooper Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Cindy Busby, Andrew Cooper Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Andrew Cooper, Cindy Busby Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey

Being the last living heir to a royal family, Hank Pavlik has inherited the late King of Merania’s throne — a responsibility in which he has no interest. But without a king Merania’s independence is threatened by King Nikolas, the ruler of a neighboring country. Reminding Hank that you don’t turn your back on family, his daughter Kelly encourages him to stay. Meanwhile, Kelly has taken an interest in Alex, the adorable stable hand for the estate. But when King Nikolas of Angosia comes to visit he sweeps Kelly off her feet and while at the Royal Ball he surprises Kelly with a marriage proposal. Feeling that something is off, Alex does some investigating and discovers Ambrosia is broke. King Nikolas’ proposal to Kelly is simply a business transaction to acquire Merania’s natural resources. Hank sees an opportunity with King Nikolas’ predicament and devises a diplomatic solution that could both secure Merania’s independence and a prosperous future for Angosia. Photo: Andrew Cooper, Cindy Busby Credit: Copyright 2018 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Gabriel Hennessey