Jen Lilley Channels Science Background for New Royal Role

Published: March 23, 2026

Jen Lilley-Movieguide Photo — Photo courtesy of Movieguide®

By Michaela Gordoni

Jen Lilley is thoroughly excited for her role as a gemologist in A ROYAL SETTING.

“Meet Ruby Robinson 👑 She’s a gemologist. And fun fact — I accidentally have an environmental science degree from UVA,” Lilley shared with some behind-the-scenes photos from her new movie.

When a professor noticed how many environmental science classes Lilley had taken, she encouraged her to get a degree in the subject.

“Turns out I was two classes away from a degree — she offered to be my advisor on the spot,” she said. “One of the required classes was a gemology lab. My worst lab, for the record 😂 Geology? Thrived. Gemology? Survived.”

“But getting to actually handle all the tools on set — that redeemed my lab grade in my heart!” she said. “Turns out all my deep curiosities finally served me! An actress with an environmental science degree finally came in handy! 👑 A ROYAL SETTING — March 28, @hallmarkchannel, 8 p.m. (7 central) 🏰”

In the movie, Lilley stars as Ruby, a world-renowned gemologist hired by a prince, Luca, to restore heirlooms and design his crown. His step away from tradition complicates his relationship with his mother, the queen.

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Lilley, a Teddy Bear Award® winner, attended the Movieguide® Faith and Values Awards Gala in February.

“Every year, the Movieguide Awards reminds me why I love this industry — celebrating meaningful stories, shared creativity, and the joy of coming together! Grateful to present, reconnect with old friends, and meet some wonderful new ones!” she shared alongside photos from the event.

Last year she said, “I love coming to the Movieguide® [Awards]! I can’t believe they let me in every year!” she joked on the red carpet. “I’m presenting the Grace Award tonight, which I’m so thrilled about. All the nominees are my friends, so no matter who wins, I’m just going to be on the side with pompoms.”

Her favorite aspect of the awards is that it celebrates wholesome, meaningful content.

“I love that when we’re talking about wholesome entertainment — which we know is the number one seller and I appreciate that we’re actually bringing the truth to that — not only that these are movies that sell, they’re very elevated movies that motivate and inspire, and I think that we need more of that,” she said. “We need more unity. We need more stories of redemption and hope in our country.”

You can stream the 2026 Movieguide® Awards now on PureFlix.

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