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As if having ice powers weren’t enough, Elsa learned more about her identity in Disney’s sequel to Frozen. But was Elsa even a Disney princess to begin with? Here’s what we know about this character from Disney’s award-winning animated film, Frozen 2.

The actors behind the Disney princesses, together for 'Ralph Breaks the Internet'
The actors behind the Disney princesses, together for ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’ | Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
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Elsa is Anna’s older sister in ‘Frozen’ and ‘Frozen 2’

Love is an open door when it comes to the connection between Anna and Elsa. Although there were a few rough patches in their relationship (Elsa freezing Anna’s heart being a big one), these Frozen sisters earned their place as two heroes and leaders of their kingdom, Arendelle.

By the end of Frozen, Elsa is named the queen of Arendelle. However, Elsa isn’t included in the same Disney princess lineup as Ariel, Belle, and Jasmine.

Technically Elsa is not considered a Disney princess

When it comes to merchandise and the Disney website, not every princess character makes the cut. There are 12 characters in Disney’s official princess lineup. Those princesses are Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, and Moana.

One reason Elsa and her sister Anna are not in this lineup is the success of the Frozen franchise. Their merchandise was listed separately on shopdisney.com due to the popularity of the characters. According to Vanity Fair, there was even a shortage of Frozen merchandise at the time of the movie’s release.

The Wall Street Journal reported in 2014 that Elsa outsold Anna in terms of merchandise. “Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which currently carries some 700 Frozen-related items, expects the Snow Glow Elsa Doll, which talks, sings and lights up, to be among its biggest sellers this holiday season,” the article said. “Wal-Mart stocks about 10% more Elsa dolls than Anna ones.”

‘Frozen 2’ might’ve changed Elsa’s title even more

Another reason why Elsa isn’t considered a Disney princess is because this character is a literal queen. At the beginning of Frozen 2, this ice queen is in charge of Arendelle. After traveling to the Enchanted Forest with her sister, however, Elsa learns that she’s much more than just someone with ice powers. 

Elsa discovers she’s the link between humans and the four elemental spirits. So Elsa decides to make Anna the queen of Arendelle while she lives as the fifth spirit in the Enchanted Forest.

But don’t worry; she’ll still visit Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf for game night. She even hangs out with the Disney princesses during Ralph Breaks the Internet, the sequel to Wreck-It Ralph.

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