Warning: minor spoilers ahead.
Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg are teasing a ‘fun, passionate and messy’ arc for their characters in the third (and final!) season of Young Royals.
Premiering 11th March on Netflix, with the series finale airing the following week on the 18th, the last hurrah for the beloved Swedish drama will focus on the aftermath of Wilhelm (Ryding) finally admitting to the press that he was the other man in the leaked video with Simon (Rudberg).
The official synopsis for season three reads: “Wilhelm’s speech has consequences not only in the court but also throughout the school, as Hillerska confronts the worst crisis in the school’s history.
“The prince and Simon are determined to be together, but what are they willing to sacrifice when realising that their freedom and love might be at odds with the Royal ideals, traditions and responsibilities?”
In an exclusive interview with the former GAY TIMES cover stars, Ryding describes the end of the series as “bittersweet”: “Part of me feels very sentimental over the fact that we’re actually saying goodbye.
“Shooting the last scenes were very tearful and emotional. But, on the other hand, it’s such a privilege to know this is the last season and we’re leaving these characters, individually, on a note that is filled with hope.”
With the lack of romance for Wilhelm and Simon in the sophomore season (a sore point for fans), Edvin is pleased to reveal that the start of season three includes a lot of “passion” between the two.
“’We’ve chosen each other, let’s go!’ and then they face all of these issues and have to deal with them,” he teases. “That’s the substance of the story this season, I think. That’s the dilemma: is their choice and love sufficient for them to go on? Or will they not?”
Rudberg, who is “excited to see everyone’s reactions” after the fifth episode, describing it as “fire”, says Simon’s journey across the season includes somewhat of an identity crisis.
“He is in love with Wilhelm and wants to be with Wilhelm, but is he willing to give up himself and lose himself just to be with him?” he shares. “Even his best friends tell him in the middle of the season, ‘We’re so scared for you to delete yourself. You still have to exist and be Simon even though you are with Wilhelm.’”
As for Wilhelm’s arc, Edvin explains: “He starts in a place where, in episode one, he has this look into the camera that is basically him saying, ‘I need to get out of here. I need to be with Simon.’ That’s what he’s chosen. He’s very determined to be with Simon.
“When they meet up in school for the first time, he’s taking initiative in being open about their love. Then, he goes on this journey to slowly but steadily realising what the system he’s raised in actually is, and what it does to him and his life. He grows a lot during this season.”
Wilhelm will take “concrete steps” towards growing up, “making decisions and setting healthy boundaries towards people close to him. It’s good for him.”
The third and final season of Young Royals will see the return of Frida Argento as Sara, Malte Gårdinger as August, Nikita Uggla as Felice, Perilla August as Queen Kristina, Magnus Roosmann as Duke Ludvig and Carmen Gloria Pérez as Linda.
The latest trailer sees Wilhelm express his desire to have a “normal life gain”, with Simon questioning whether he’s equipped to deal with the Royal Family’s regressive values: “I’ve seen how [the monarchy] makes you feel.”
Additional scenes include an unknown voice revealing an “increased threat level against the Crown Prince”, Wilhelm in a psychical altercation with his cousin August and a Hillerska official telling the students that the school “could have to close down, effective immediately”.
The end of Young Royals was confirmed in December 2022. Lisa Ambjörn, head writer co-creator, told fans that she’s “always imagined” that the series would be told in “three parts”.
Ambjörn continued to explain that the ending has been “clear to me from the start” and that she’s “thankful and honoured” to finish the series as she originally intended.
You can watch our interview with Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg here or below. Warning: includes minor spoilers about Young Royals season three.
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