This report comes from the Official Star Wars Site!
Answered by: Madame Jocasta Nu-Jedi Librarian
At the beginning of A New Hope, Threepio knows about the Princess. Then when he is on Tatooine and Luke asks who she is, Threepio doesn't know. Did he do this on purpose?
C-3PO was prevaricating as he was programmed to do so. This is elaborated upon in the radio dramatization, in a scene prior to the attack on the Tantive IV. Threepio's master, Captain Antilles, enacts a voice override command protocol, allowing Threepio to disregard some of his ethical programming to carry out important tasks. Here's what Antilles says to both C-3PO and R2-D2:
"This is a command/control instruction. Both of you will restrict and protect all references to Leia Organa's identity and presence inboard this vessel. She is designated a command/control voice."
Princess Leia also commanded R2-D2 under this protocol to deliver the Death Star plans to Obi-Wan Kenobi at all costs.
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