The series Young Royals follows the trials of Crown Prince Wilhelm and his working-class boyfriend, Simon, at their Swedish boarding school. Season two was bogged down by subplots for their scheming relatives. The third and final season narrows its focus on Wilhelm as he ponders whether to embrace or reject the monarchy. With the stakes this high, can teen romance survive?
Edvin Ryding is given strong material as the unstable Prince. His rage filled performance provides the season with an engine. He’s been repeatedly told that being a prince is “a privilege, not a punishment.” Yet the royal court has shown no interest in his mental health. Is his irrational behavior the result of teenage hormones or some deeper problem? He’s shown himself incapable of being civil at any royal function. Is he capable of wearing the crown? The fact that he remains this immature after three seasons can frustrate. But Young Royals writers have always insisted that the teen characters behave like teenagers.
Omar Rudberg has less to do as the hopelessly naïve Simon. A public outing has made him the target of photographers, death threats and online doxing. Neither his family, nor the palace, have given him the tools to cope. He’s left to suffer nobly and fight back tears. Like a less interesting version of Charlie from Heartstopper. The lads still have physical chemistry. But neither truly understands the others’ emotional needs.
This lack of empathy extends to the supporting cast. Wilhelm’s cousin August (smug Malte Gårdinger) and Simon’s sister Sarah (fragile Frida Argento) have been punished for their cruel deeds. They’re full of self-pity yet pay no mind to the suffering their actions caused. The press has published an expose on the violent hazing rituals at their school. Yet the students are shocked when the Principal (Marie Robertson serving Stepford Wife) applies new rules and restrictions to the campus. Rich girl Felice (Nikita Uggla) comments on each plot line, though the show clearly has no more use for her. At least she’s stopped talking about horses.
These days, the Swedish royal family is largely ceremonial. The country itself is democratically governed by a parliament, and King Carl XVI Gustaf, who celebrated his 50th year on the throne in early 2023, has slowly reduced the role of the royal family in Sweden altogether.
Stephanie Kaloi, People Magazine
The show feels anti monarchy overall. Simon doesn’t see why members of the royal family are asked to remain neutral on political issues. What good is a prince if he can’t help his people? By the end of episode five I was ready to watch both the school and the palace burn to the ground. The final episode dropped today at 10am PT/ 1pm ET. Will the Prince embrace revolution or conformity? The answer will clarify what this fun but scattered series was ultimately about.
Click the links to read my thoughts on season one and two. You can find more of my reviews on The Avocado, Letterboxd and Serializd. My podcast, Rainbow Colored Glasses, can be found here.