The two series of the show were hosted by Jackie O. Fuelled by the fairy tale story of Mary Donaldson who, in 2004, married Denmark’s heir to the throne, Crown Prince Frederick, Australian Princess scoured the country to find 12 young Australian women and give them the journey of their lives.
The contestants took classes, met challenges and attempted to convince the judges that they have what it takes to mix in elite social circles both in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Despite initial critical cynicism of the program's concept, it quickly gained cult status and was praised for the quality of its production, witty and often cringe-induced humour (one recalls a contestant's sobbing lament of the deaths of two icons she held dear - Diana, Princess of Wales, and Tupac Shakur).
Ally Mansell from the University of Wollongong and Danebank was announced the winner during the final show, which was aired in Australia on 23 November 2005.
She was crowned a "princess" in the finale and won a prize package including a hand gilded tiara and the chance to be escorted to a gala ball by a real life Prince Charming in the United Kingdom.