Young Royals (2021โ2024) is a Swedish coming-of-age drama series created by Lisa Ambjรถrn, Lars Beckung, and Camilla Holter. The series intricately explores themes of identity, love, class, and responsibility through the lens of its protagonist, Prince Wilhelm of Sweden (played by Edvin Ryding).
The story begins with Wilhelm, a troubled teen from Swedenโs royal family, being sent to the prestigious Hillerska boarding school following a public scandal. At Hillerska, Wilhelm finds himself torn between the rigid expectations of his royal duties and his yearning for a life of personal freedom, where he can make his own choices without the weight of tradition and societal judgment.
Amid his struggles, Wilhelm forms an unexpected and transformative bond with Simon Eriksson (Omar Rudberg), a talented and warm-hearted choir singer from a working-class background. Their romantic relationship becomes the emotional core of the series, beautifully depicting the vulnerability and intensity of first love. However, the relationship is fraught with challenges, including class disparities, the scrutiny of peers, and the looming responsibilities tied to Wilhelmโs royal status.
As Wilhelm is thrust further into the public eye, especially after an unexpected event forces him closer to the throne, the tension between his personal desires and royal obligations intensifies. His relationship with Simon faces additional pressure as secrets, betrayals, and external influences threaten to pull them apart. The series masterfully balances Wilhelmโs internal struggles with the external drama of his royal life, creating a deeply relatable and poignant narrative.
The show is lauded for its raw and authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes, adolescence, and mental health. It doesnโt shy away from exploring complex issues such as the impact of privilege, the weight of tradition, and the personal cost of living a life dictated by others. The performances of Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg were widely praised for their emotional depth and chemistry, bringing to life the intricate dynamics between Wilhelm and Simon.
Spanning three seasons, Young Royals captivates audiences with its realistic dialogue, richly drawn characters, and engaging storytelling. The series concluded in 2024 with a much-anticipated final season that provided closure to the charactersโ arcs while leaving a lasting emotional impact on its global fanbase. Through its heartfelt exploration of love and identity, Young Royals became a defining work in modern LGBTQ+ and coming-of-age storytelling.
