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I’ve Come to Marry the Princess Skit

The “I’ve Come to Marry the Princess” skit is a funny and engaging performance that Scouts enjoy. This skit is great for campfires and troop meetings. It involves only a few people, making it easy to organize and set up. The skit relies on humor, quick costume changes, and simple props to keep the audience laughing.

This skit fits well in the Scouting program because it promotes teamwork and creativity. Scouts must work together to switch characters and roles, which helps build cooperation. It also encourages Scouts to add their own twists and personalities to the characters, giving them a chance to use their imaginations.

The structure of the skit makes it easy to adapt for any Scout age group. Younger Scouts often enjoy the silliness and character changes, while older Scouts can add extra humor or unique character voices. Each Scout can try out different roles, which allows for multiple versions and helps every performer gain confidence.

“I’ve Come to Marry the Princess” can also be done with just two Scouts or a larger group. Props and costume pieces, like hats or scarves, help mark each character. With minimal setup, this skit is a fun way to entertain any audience, making it a perfect addition to any Scouting event.

A Tale of Silliness and Surprises

The “I’ve Come to Marry the Princess” skit has been a part of Scouting for decades. Its exact origin is unknown, but it is one of many skits passed down through Scout groups and camping events. The skit’s humor, along with its simple structure, has made it a popular choice for generations. Scouts keep performing it because it is easy to learn and always gets laughs.

This skit is part of a tradition in Scouting where humor and teamwork come together. Many skits in Scouting are based on simple, funny stories, like the suitor trying to marry the princess. The back-and-forth messaging and character changes build suspense and laughter. Scouts enjoy seeing how far they can stretch each character’s personality and voice, and audiences enjoy the exaggeration.

Over the years, Scouts have added new characters and fresh twists to the story. Versions have included famous characters like superheroes or even movie characters. The main structure stays the same, but each performance has its own unique touches. This tradition of adapting and changing skits keeps them fresh and fun.

“I’ve Come to Marry the Princess” continues to be a crowd favorite at campfires and Scout gatherings. The skit shows how Scouts can use imagination and simple props to entertain others. It is a reminder that Scouting is not just about skills and badges but also about creating memories and sharing laughs.

Non-Violent Alternatives

The traditional skit is shown below. If you’d like to keep “I’ve Come to Marry the Princess” lighthearted and avoid any “violent” endings, here are some fun alternatives:

Send Them Away with a Silly Gesture
Instead of “taking out” each character, the suitor could dismiss each one with a funny gesture or phrase. For example, they could say, “Shoo!” or “Be gone!” while waving them off or making a silly face.

Over-the-Top Reactions
Each character could react dramatically to the princess’s answer, pretending to faint, run offstage in shock, or cover their face and leave quickly. This creates a funny, exaggerated exit without any confrontation.

“Tag, You’re It” Approach
When each character delivers the princess’s “No” message, the suitor could “tag” them lightly, saying something like, “You’re it!” or “Your turn!” This keeps things light and playful, focusing on a tag game rather than conflict.

Funny Costume Change
Each time the suitor gets rejected, they could put on a new silly costume item, like a big hat, oversized glasses, or a goofy mustache. By the end, they are dressed hilariously, and the princess finally says “Yes!” because the suitor looks “interesting” enough.

These alternatives keep the skit fun and humorous while avoiding any form of violence. Scouts can get creative with their reactions and make each exit as silly as they want!

I’ve Come to Marry the Princess Skit

A prop or piece of costume for each character helps to distinguish them. Also, it might be helpful to have a line of chairs or milk crates to designate a “place” for each separate character.

Scout 1 knocks on a “door”. Scout 2 opens it.
Scout 1 (in the part of the suitor): “I’ve come to marry the princess.”
Scout 2 (in the part of the doorman): “The princess?”
Scout 1: “Yes, the princess.”
Scout 2. “Wait here. I’ll ask the king.”

Scout 1 now runs around to the other side of  Scout 2 to play the part of the king.
Scout 2: “King, there is a man here who wants to marry the princess.”
Scout 1 (as the King) : “The princess?”
Scout 2: “Yes the princess.”
Scout 1: “I’ll have to ask the queen”.

Scout 2 now goes around to the other side of Scout 1 to play the part of the Queen.
Scout 1: “Queen, there is a man here who wants to marry the princess.”
Scout 2 (as the Queen in his most hammed up older lady voice): “The princess?”
Scout 1: “Yes, the princess.”
Scout 2: “I’ll have to ask the princess.”

Scout 1 now runs to the other side of Scout 2 to play the part of the Princess.
Scout 2: “Princess, there is a man here who wants to marry you.”
Scout 1 (as the Princess in a very hammed up young lady voice): “The answer is no!”

Scout 1 now runs back to the King’s place.
Scout 2 (turning to the King) : “The answer is no!”

Scout 2 now runs back to the doorman’s place
Scout 1 (turning to the doorman): “The answer is no!”

Scout 1 now goes back to the suitor’s place.
Scout 2 (turning to the suitor) : “The answer is no!”

Scout 1 (as the suitor): “Then die!”
Scout 1 (the suitor) kills Scout 2 (the doorman).

Now it starts all over. This time Scout 2 answers the door as the king. The message and the answer go back up and down the row, and in the end, the suitor kills the king.

Start over again, with Scout 2 answering the door as the queen. The message and answer go back up and down the row, and the suitor kills the queen.

Finally, Scout 1 knocks at the door as the suitor and Scout 2 answers as the princess.
Scout 1: “Princess, I’ve come to marry you!”
Scout 2: “Are you rich?”
Scout 1: “Yes!”
Scout 2: “OK!” and they walk off together hand in hand.

Spotlight on Skits: Unleashing Creativity and Confidence in Scouting

More Resources

Skits for Campfire Programs and Other Gatherings

Looking for more skits like “I’ve Come to Marry the Princess” for your Scouts? Find a wide selection of campfire skits and ideas at Scouter Mom, including simple skits that require few props and can involve Scouts of all ages. These skits work well for campfires, troop meetings, and other gatherings. Each skit encourages Scouts to work together, have fun, and bring their own creativity to the performance. Check out more skits here: Skits for Campfire Programs and Other Gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Scouts are needed for this I’ve Come to Marry the Princess Skit?

This skit can be done with just two Scouts, who switch roles throughout the skit. However, it can also be done with a larger group, where each Scout plays one character.

What props or costumes are needed?

Simple props like hats, scarves, or jackets help show character changes. A line of chairs or crates can mark the different places for each character.

Is this I’ve Come to Marry the Princess Skit appropriate for all ages?

Yes, this skit is fun for all ages. Younger Scouts enjoy the humor, and older Scouts can add creative touches with voices or characters.

Can the I’ve Come to Marry the Princess Skit be adapted?

Absolutely! Scouts can add their own twists by changing characters or adding famous personalities. As long as the basic structure stays the same, Scouts can get creative.

How long does the I’ve Come to Marry the Princess Skit take to perform?

It usually takes about five minutes, but it can be shorter or longer depending on how Scouts perform it.

A Skit Full of Surprises

“I’ve Come to Marry the Princess” is a classic skit in Scouting, bringing laughter and teamwork to campfire gatherings and troop meetings. The skit starts with a suitor knocking on a door to ask for the princess’s hand in marriage. Each time he makes the request, the answer must pass through a series of characters, like the doorman, the king, the queen, and finally the princess. Each character responds with surprise and passes the message along, creating a chain of funny interactions.

As the message moves down the line, the skit builds anticipation. The punchline is always the same—the princess’s final answer is a loud “No!” But each time, the suitor “takes out” the character who delivers the answer, adding an unexpected and humorous twist. In the end, after several cycles, the skit closes when the princess finally says “Yes,” but only if the suitor is rich. The characters then exit together, leaving the audience laughing.

This skit is ideal for Scouts of all ages. With easy role-switching, it requires minimal props and setup. Scouts enjoy acting out exaggerated roles, using silly voices, and adding their own personal touches. The skit also works well with larger groups or just two people, making it flexible for different settings. “I’ve Come to Marry the Princess” is a perfect way to bring humor and creativity into Scouting events.

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Comments

4 responses to “I’ve Come to Marry the Princess Skit”

  1. Steve B Avatar
    Steve B

    This is one of my favorite skits. My troop has does this many times for campfire programs.
    A video of one of these performances can be seen at Melrose Scout Productions Podcast (Episode #90).
    http://feeds2.feedburner.com/melrosescoutingproductions

  2. Clayton Avatar
    Clayton

    This is my all-time favorite camp skit. Only I learned it with a bit of variation.

    First, the suitor says “knock, knock, knock” in the most rapid and annoying voice while he’s “knocking the door”.

    As each character dies, the next in line calls for all those that have gone before. For instance, after the doorman and king have died:

    Suitor: KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!
    Queen: Oh, DOOOOORMAN?
    Suitor: KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!
    Queen: Oh, KIIIIIIIING?
    Suitor: KNOCK, KNOCK KNOCK!
    Queen: Oh well, guess I’ll have to get it myself.

    Also, as they relay the princess’s response they banter as well:
    Player 1: The answer is, no.
    Player 2: No?
    P1: Yes!
    P2: Yes?
    P1: No, you fool! The answer is NO!
    P2: Then I will tell the (next in line) no. (Or “then you must die” if it’s the suitor)

    The ending is also different. Although I like “Are you rich?” The variety I grew up enjoying typically ended with the suitor killing the princess, and then the players do some kind of interlude (might be as simple as “Now let’s do it in SUPER BEAVER SPEED!”). They run the entire skit again in super speed and when it gets to the end (if it’s done right, the audience is in stitches by this point) the princess screams YES!!!, jumps into the suitor’s arms and gets carried off into the metaphorical sunset.

    All in all, the comedy lies within how much the two players get into it. The most entertaining renditions typically include two seasoned skit actors who really, really ham it up the whole time.

    Thanks for helping relive some of my finest scouting memories!

    -Clayton
    Eagle from Troop 157 (TN)

  3. Debbie E Avatar
    Debbie E

    This is cute!

    Do you have info on the Star Wars version?

  4. Jake Cress Avatar
    Jake Cress

    The marriage of the princess is a sublime piece of existential fun and I would like to know who wrote it.

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