"Princess Leia's Theme" serves as a musical leitmotif within the Star Wars saga, acting as a representation of Princess Leia Organa. Crafted by John Williams, the composition commences with a major sixth interval, a detail that gains significance in the prequel trilogy. Conversely, "Across the Stars," the love theme for Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, begins with a minor sixth interval.
The initial introduction of the theme occurs in A New Hope. It is initially audible during Princess Leia's capture by Darth Vader. Subsequently, it is featured as R2-D2 presents her holographic message to Obi-Wan Kenobi. Additionally, the theme is prominently showcased as Leia reflects wistfully on a more innocent time. Notably, the theme is also present during Obi-Wan Kenobi's demise at the hands of Darth Vader, despite Leia's lack of direct involvement in the event. Finally, it is played during the closing credits of A New Hope.
In The Empire Strikes Back, the theme reappears and undergoes development in the new composition "Han Solo and the Princess," which functions as the film's love theme. "Princess Leia's Theme" is heard as Han Solo informs Leia of his impending departure to settle his debt with Jabba the Hutt. Its other appearance occurs at the film's conclusion, when Leia and Lando Calrissian rescue Luke Skywalker from Bespin's Cloud City, resulting in Leia and Luke's reunion.
In Return of the Jedi, the theme is initially played as Obi-Wan and Luke discuss Leia on the planet Dagobah, shortly following Yoda's passing. Later, it is heard as Leia shoots a stormtrooper on the Sanctuary Moon of Endor, and when she reveals her familial connection to Luke to Han at the end.
The theme experienced a revival in the prequel trilogy. Its first instance in a chronological viewing of George Lucas's revised Star Wars saga is in Revenge of the Sith when Bail Organa, in conversation with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda, announces his and his wife's intention to adopt Leia. It is then played during the concluding montage of scenes at the film's end, as her adoptive parents, Bail and Breha Organa, cradle the newborn Leia. It is then heard during the end credits of the movie.
In the Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV series episode titled "Assassin," the theme is played when Padmé and Ahsoka arrive on Alderaan.
"Princess Leia's Theme" potentially made an in-universe appearance in the MMORPG Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided, where the Princess Leia Statuette was described to play the Princess Leia Theme when approached within 12 meters.
In The Force Awakens, the theme is featured on multiple occasions when General Leia is present onscreen, including her introduction and reunion with Han. It is incorporated into the track "Han and Leia."
The initial four notes of the theme are played in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as an indirect reference to Leia during a discussion about the character between Bail Organa and Mon Mothma. The statement transitions out of a rendition of The Force Theme as Bail speaks indirectly about Leia.
In The Last Jedi, the theme is played when Leia utilizes the Force to propel herself towards the Raddus after exposure to the vacuum of space during the attack on the Resistance fleet.
In The Rise of Skywalker, the theme is present during Leia's funeral.
Kasan Moor's Theme may have evolved from this theme, due to their sonic similarities.