Utena "wanted to be a literal royal prince" is not how I would interpret Utena's character; for her, "prince" meant the type of person who selflessly fought to save others. At the same time she is treated like a typical "high school prince" by others (well she's technically a middle schooler), with a bunch of girls worshiping her etc.
Episode 12. Touga has defeated Utena and is the new Champion of the Duel; Anthy now belongs to him. Juri notices that he looks really smug and pleased with himself after his victory, and tells him it's too early to parade around like that. Touga doesn't think so.
Touga: "The show is over. The play has come to an end. In the final act, the prince defeated his direst enemy and won the hand of the beautiful princess. Now the only thing left is the happy ever after. That's it. The End."
Juri: ... "This isn't the final act yet."
Utena challenges Touga again. She doesn't have a proper sword so she takes a bamboo shinai, just like in her first duel with Saionji. On her way to the arena, at the foot of the spiral stairs, Utena meets Juri who is waiting for her. Juri hands her a real steel sword.
Juri: "Take this, prince. You need it for the final act of the play."
I love that scene, it's just perfect. If you ask me what kind of prince Utena is, I say: "EVERY KIND!"
last edited at Oct 2, 2022 4:05PM