When Netflix released Young Royals (Jóvenes Altezas) in July 2021, few anticipated the cultural phenomenon it would become. Initially marketed as a teen drama, the Swedish series quickly transcended the genre, offering a raw, intimate, and unflinching look at privilege, sexuality, and the suffocating weight of the monarchy.
Season 1 is not just a "coming-of-age" story; it is a masterclass in tension, balancing the fairytale allure of royalty with the harsh realities of mental health and class struggle. Here is a look back at the season that started it all.
At the heart of Season 1 is the slow-burn romance between Wilhelm and Simon. Unlike many teen dramas that rely on tropes, the chemistry between Ryding and Rudberg feels startlingly authentic.
Their relationship serves as the anchor for the show’s exploration of identity. Wilhelm, who has always been defined by his title ("The Spare"), finds freedom in Simon’s presence. Simon, who is openly gay and unashamed of his background, challenges Wilhelm to be his true self.
However, this is not a fairytale without consequences. The season brilliantly juxtaposes the tenderness of their private moments with the brutality of the public eye. The central conflict arises not just from their different social classes, but from the expectations of the Crown. The Queen and the Royal Court view Wilhelm’s sexuality as a liability, leading to a heartbreaking suppression of his identity. Young Royals -Jovenes altezas- Temporada 1 a la...
The series follows Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding), the impulsive and anxious younger prince of Sweden. After a fight at a nightclub goes viral, the Royal Court punishes him by sending him away to Hillerska, a prestigious, centuries-old boarding school. The plan is to teach him discipline, polish his image, and distance him from scandal.
However, far from the palace’s cold formality, Wilhelm finds something he has never truly had: freedom. At Hillerska, he is just another student (in theory). There, he meets Simon (Omar Rudberg), a working-class, musically gifted boy from the nearby town who sings with a soulful voice and refuses to bow to the school’s elitist traditions.
What begins as a tentative friendship quickly ignites into a secret, passionate romance. But when a tragic death thrusts Wilhelm into the role of Crown Prince, their love story becomes a powder keg of royal protocol, leaked videos, and heartbreaking sacrifices.
Upon release, Young Royals Season 1 received critical acclaim for its nuanced writing and performances. It garnered a passionate global fanbase, particularly in Latin America, where Jóvenes Altezas trended on Twitter for weeks. Critics praised it for avoiding the “bury your gays” trope and instead focusing on the slow, painful negotiation of identity under pressure. It was nominated for several Kristallen awards (Swedish Emmys) and won Best Drama. Young Royals (Jóvenes Altezas): A Deep Dive into
Llegamos a la conclusión. Young Royals Temporada 3 (lanzada en 2024) dividida en dos partes (3 episodios en marzo y 3 en abril) fue descrita por los creadores como el fin de una era.
Young Royals no es solo otra serie de príncipes. Es una historia sobre la autenticidad versus el deber. Si te gustaron Élite, Heartstopper o The Crown pero con un toque juvenil y crudo, esta serie es para ti.
Young Royals – Season 1 delivers a raw, realistic take on royal drama, far from glossy fairy tales. The story follows Prince Wilhelm of Sweden, sent to the elite boarding school Hillerska after a scandal. There, he falls for his charming, working-class classmate Simon—but their romance clashes with royal expectations, social class divides, and hidden video scandals.
What works:
What doesn’t:
Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5) – A heartbreaking and honest coming-of-age story. Perfect for fans of Elite or Sex Education but with more emotional weight.
The fallout is catastrophic. The video goes viral. The Royal Court forces Wilhelm to issue a statement denying it’s him in the video. Simon is outed as the other person, facing harassment at school and in town. Wilhelm wants to tell the truth, but his mother tells him: “You have no choice. The monarchy has no room for individual desires.” The episode ends with Wilhelm looking directly into the camera at a press conference, lying through his teeth, while Simon watches from a TV screen in tears.