"The King's son, who was told that a great princess, whom nobody knew, was come, ran out to receive her. He gave her his hand as she alighted from the coach, and led her into the hall where the company were assembled"

When the king’s son learns of the arrival of a mysterious princess, his immediate reaction is one of intrigue and respect. He does not delegate the task of greeting her to anyone else; instead, he personally goes out to receive her, underscoring the significance he places on her presence and the honor he affords her, despite her anonymity. This act reflects traditional etiquette and gallantry, values highly esteemed in the royal courts of fairy tales and mirrored in Charles Perrault’s literature. The prince’s gesture, offering his hand as she steps down from the carriage, signifies both courtesy and the social rituals that distinguished members of royalty from others. The physical act of alighting from the coach holds symbolic meaning; the princess is transitioning from the ordinary world into the enchantment of the royal assembly, and the prince serves as her guide into this new realm.

The passage also reflects the fairy-tale theme of the mysterious or hidden identity, a motif that recurs in Perrault’s stories. The princess’s unknown status amplifies the sense of wonder and anticipation among those present, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative of revelation, romance, and transformation. The prince’s direct involvement in welcoming her serves as an implicit recognition of her extraordinary nature, even before her identity is revealed. Leading her into the grand hall where the assembled company awaits signifies her formal introduction to society. The attention she receives elevates her status, foreshadowing her eventual acceptance and the significant role she is destined to play in the prince’s life. Through these acts, the passage explores themes of grace, societal ritual, fascination with the unknown, and the romantic ideal of love that surpasses social and personal barriers. Perrault carefully weaves chivalry and courtly manners into this pivotal moment, marking a turning point not only for the characters involved but also for the story itself, where destiny and desire intertwine.