Here's why:
* She doesn't marry a prince: While she does fall in love with Prince Naveen, their marriage isn't the reason she becomes a princess.
* She earns her own success: Tiana achieves her dream of owning a restaurant through hard work, determination, and overcoming many challenges. This makes her a princess in the sense that she's accomplished her goals and become a successful businesswoman, rather than through royal lineage.
However, she does become a princess in a symbolic way:
* Breaking the curse: By breaking the curse placed on Prince Naveen, she helps him reclaim his rightful place as a prince. This indirectly connects her to royalty, but it's not the primary reason she becomes a "princess."
* New Orleans royalty: While not a literal princess, Tiana is recognized as a respected member of the New Orleans community, showcasing her strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. This could be seen as a form of "princess" status within her own world.
Ultimately, "The Princess and the Frog" focuses on Tiana's journey of achieving her own dreams through hard work, rather than relying on a prince or royal title.