Netflix's upcoming Swedish series Young Royals is the latest young adult drama revolving around a prestigious boarding school. With a young prince as the central character partaking in a budding romance that conflicts with his royal heritage, the series seems to share similarities with Casey McQuiston's LGBT romance novel, Red, White & Royal Blue. In preparation for the forthcoming Netflix series, here is a breakdown of what we know so far.
Young Royals Trailer & What the Series Is About
Young Royals is a coming-of-age story about young Prince Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding), who's sent to the prestigious boarding school Hillerska. There, he breaks away from his confined life, and enjoys the freedom to make his own decisions, including loving whomever he chooses. With a clean slate, Wilhelm unexpectedly receives news that he will be next in line to the throne. Considering his blossoming relationships with schoolmates, Wilhelm is faced with the decision between loyalty and love.
Who Young Royals Is Made For
Being a young adult drama, the Swedish series is aimed at fans of youthful theatrics, namely cult teen shows, such as Gossip Girl or The O.C. That said, the similarities between Young Royals and Casey McQuiston's novel Red, White & Royal Blue are uncanny. McQuiston's story centers around Alex, the son of America's first female president, who begins a friendship with Henry, a young prince from England. The two boys stage a relationship to distract the media from their parents' political affairs, only for a romance to develop between them. As such, the young men must make a choice as to where they truly stand.
Of course, the literal plot between the two stories is complementary in young men of political families needing to choose where their allegiances lie. Yet it's the heavy LGBT theme -- not just coming out, but stepping out of a life of royal repression -- that seems to be the key to unlocking the rich characters in both Young Royals and Red, White & Blue.
Young Royals Release Date & Where to Watch
Young Royals is an original Netflix production. Consisting of just six episodes, the first season stars Swedish actor Edvin Ryding as Prince Wilhelm, with Pernilla August as Wilhelm's mother, Queen Kristina; Malte Gårdinger as August; Frida Argento as Sara; and Nikita Uggla as Felice. They're joined by Samuel Astor, Omar Rudberg of the band FO&O and others.
Created by Lisa Ambjörn, Young Royals premieres July 1 on Netflix.