Roman Holiday begins with news reports of Princess Ann's arrivals in countries all over Europe. She waves to adoring fans, opens buildings, makes government deals and watches parades. Finally, she arrives in Italy where she attends a ball held in her honor. Late that night, she tells her maid that she hates her clothes, including all of her nightclothes. When the window is opened, Princess Ann hears music, leaps out of bed and looks outside to see people dancing. She is sent back to bed, where she and the maid go over the next day's schedule.

Finally, Ann begins weeping and screaming, "Stop!" The maid tells her she'll call the doctor, but she refuses his services, saying she'll be dead before he arrives. When he does arrive, she pretends to be asleep. She once again goes into hysterics and he gives her a shot...