The 52-episode anime adaptation of Princess Knight is based upon the best-selling comic (manga) by legendary creator Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy, Kimba The White Lion). It originally aired on Japanese television from 1967 through 1968, and its English-language adaptation was syndicated throughout the United States in the 1970s and 1980s, significantly edited and recut.

In both anime and manga forms, Princess Knight was among the first titles geared specifically toward a young female audience. It also established the “Girl Prince” archetype used in later years by Rose of Versailles and Revolutionary Girl Utena.