Petition launched calling for Star Wars' Princess Leia to be made an official Disney Princess

A petition has been launched calling for Star Wars heroine Princess Leia to become an official Disney Princess.

The Change.org petition was launched in the wake of the death of Carrie Fisher, who played the iconic character in the sci-fi franchise.

The petition – which has amassed more than 24,000 signatures – is calling on CEO Walt Disney Bob Iger to add Leia to the current line-up of Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel and Merida.

“After the tragic loss of Carrie Fisher, we feel that it is only fitting for Disney to do away with the rule that an official Disney princess must be animated and make Leia a full-fledged princess," it reads.

“This would be a wonderful way to remember Carrie and a welcoming to one of Disney's new properties that is beloved by millions.

“What we are asking is that the Walt Disney Corporation hold a full ceremony inducting Leia as the newest Disney princess as well as a special service in memory of Carrie Fisher.”

Fans threw their support behind the call with one calling the decision a “no-brainer”.

Another wrote: “Princess Leia was one of the first (and still one of the few) cinematic role models that young girls could look to for inspiration. Show girls that they, too, can be strong, independent, and fight for their beliefs.”

One fan wrote simply: “She deserves it. She gave us hope.”

Fisher died, aged 60, on December 27, days after she suffered a heart attack onboard a transatlantic flight from London to Los Angeles. Her mother Debbie Reynolds passed away the following day after she suffered a suspected stroke.

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