“Everything is fake, but I like you and that isn’t fake.” – Wille in Young Royals
I discovered Young Royals, a Swedish teen series, because of my dislike for Heartstopper. Now, before the Heartstopper stans come for me, I just want to say: I don’t know why I don’t like it, I just don’t.
That is why, I was very skeptical about Young Royals, it was sold to me as Heartstopper’s dark more realistic sibling. It is so much more than that. If I have to compare Young Royals to any story, it’s Casey McQuiston’s amazing debut Red, White & Royal Blue. (It is a must read!)
Young Royals is one of my favourite series and I’ve watched it three times in the last two weeks. Even though the series touches on some familiar teenage tropes, how it handles said tropes is incredibly realistic, relatable, and enjoyable.
What is it about?
The six-episode series begins with Prince Wilhelm of Sweden (Edvin Ryding) being sent to the elite boarding school Hillerska, located near the town of Bjärstad, after a fight in a club and the bad press that followed. His older brother, Crown Prince Erik, studied at Hillerska and so does August, the princes’ second cousin. Wilhelm (or Wille) meets and starts a relationship with Simon (Omar Rudberg), the poor student who lives in Bjärstad.
Why does this seem familiar?
“We can kill someone, and no one would say a word.” – August in Young Royals
The main focus of the series is Wille and Simon, or #Wilmon’s relationship, but friendship, parental expectations, power, wealth, and class are also themes.
Growing up, I read a lot about the Swedish boarding school trope, but it wasn’t until Young Royals that I realised I haven’t watched a series on it.
Whose story is it anyway?
While Wille en Simon’s developing romance is a strong focus, I think the story is Wille coming to terms with his fate and sexuality. The series starts and ends with him.
Wille is an unwilling prince, and August constantly calls him out for not appreciating his royal heritage and power. Throughout the series he constantly struggles with who he is and who he wants to be.
This plays a big role in his relationship with Simon, because princes aren’t supposed to be gay. He wants to be with Simon, but he is also aware of his family’s (and his country’s) expectations. This is even more important from episode 4.
What didn’t I like?
Even with a series like Young Royals, something I love, there are a few things that annoyed me. When Wille arrives at Hillerska, it is almost like his life before then, didn’t exist. One of his main arguments about not wanting to attend Hillerska is, because his friends are staying here.
After he arrives, it’s almost like his friends don’t exist. He only talks to his brother and stalks Simon on Instagram. Why doesn’t he check his friends’ social media or receive a message from them?
Secondly, the second scene at the start of episode 2 is annoying. If felt very on the nose, with the stereotypical roles reversed (I won’t spoil, in case it influences you.)
Oh, gimme more of this!
What I love about Young Royals is the characters. The characters are not only relatable but feel very original.
Let’s talk about the supporting characters: Sara, August, and Felice.
Sara is Simon’s sister, it isn’t clear in the series but I think they are twins. They both attend Hillerska together and she is on the spectrum. While this is mentioned, it isn’t her entire identity. Moreover, Sara feels real. Characters on the spectrum are almost always created to be gullible or angelic. Sara makes mistakes, she’s an **shole to her family, she struggles with peer pressure – she is a teenager.
August is the bad guy, I mean, really dude. Really? But he is also complex and at parts you have empathy for him.
Felice is the popular girl from one of the richest families. She is also kind and has a fear of horses. Felice’s biggest struggle is the desire to please her mother versus her own wants and needs.
Mostly, I love how the show handled Wille and Simon’s relationship because the conflict they experience is external. They don’t have all the drama that comes with the usual teenage romances. Wille is immediately attracted to Simon from the first moment.
After their first kiss, Wille has a minor gay panic moment, and talks to Simon about that. This is not a once off, because they continuously talk to each other during their relationship. Something that is not the norm in teenage relationships.
I also love that even if Simon often starts the physical part of the relationship, handholding, kisses, etc., Wille seeks him out and wants to create the emotional intimacy. He always talks to Simon first, sits next to him, and goes on the date with Simon.
Their emotional honesty reaches a climax in the finale when they each choose what they need. There is no dramatic break up, unless you count Wille and August’s blow up, just them choosing what they need now, despite loving each other.
Cliffordene Norton 