Young Royals - Characters & Cast

Initially motivated by a desire to escape the spotlight and experience a normal teenage life, his motivation shifts to protecting his relationship with Simon. After being forced to deny Simon, his motivation becomes a complex mix of love, guilt, and a desperate need to reclaim his own identity. Ultimately, his driving force becomes the pursuit of a life where he can be truly happy and free, for his own sake.

Wilhelm begins Season 1 as a troubled, second-in-line prince burdened by anxiety and a desire for normalcy. His love for Simon awakens a desire for an authentic life, but the sudden death of his brother forces him into the role of Crown Prince, creating a devastating internal conflict. In Season 2, consumed by grief and heartbreak, he attempts to use his newfound power for revenge against August but learns that this path is self-destructive. His arc culminates in Season 3, where he moves past his anger, confronts the hypocrisies of the monarchy, and makes the revolutionary decision to abdicate the throne, choosing freedom and love over his birthright.

Simon is motivated by a strong sense of justice, loyalty to his family, and a desire for a relationship built on honesty and mutual respect. He consistently pushes back against the injustices of the class system at Hillerska. While he loves Wilhelm deeply, his primary motivation is to protect his own integrity and well-being, refusing to be diminished or hidden by the Royal Court.

Simon starts the series as a confident, openly gay, working-class student who is unimpressed by the monarchy. He falls genuinely in love with Wilhelm but maintains a strong sense of self-worth, refusing to be Wilhelm's secret when their relationship is exposed. Across the seasons, he grapples with the consequences of being involved with the crown, facing intense public scrutiny and pressure. His arc involves learning to navigate this new reality without compromising his principles. In the end, he realizes he cannot sacrifice his own freedom for the institution, prompting Wilhelm's final decision.

August is driven by a desperate need to maintain his social standing and uphold the traditions he believes define his worth. His family has lost its wealth, so his entire identity is tied to his proximity to the crown and his status at Hillerska. His actions, including his betrayal of Wilhelm, stem from a place of deep insecurity and a fear of becoming irrelevant.

August is introduced as the entitled, manipulative prefect and Wilhelm's second cousin. His obsession with status and tradition, coupled with his family's financial ruin, drives him to desperate measures, including leaking the video of Wilhelm and Simon. His arc is one of slow, painful reckoning. In Seasons 2 and 3, he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. While he never fully redeems himself, he shows moments of remorse and vulnerability, particularly in his relationship with Sara and his confrontation with Wilhelm about their shared family trauma. He ends the series as the potential, albeit flawed, next-in-line to the throne.

Sara is motivated by a powerful desire to belong and escape her life in Bjärstad, which she perceives as limiting. She is drawn to the structure, status, and perceived glamour of Hillerska and its students. Her actions are driven by a deep-seated insecurity and a belief that she needs to change who she is to be accepted and loved.

Simon's sister, Sara, who has Asperger's and ADHD, begins the series desperate to fit in with the wealthy students of Hillerska. This desire for acceptance and a different life leads her to betray Simon by keeping August's secret and entering into a relationship with him. Her arc is about the consequences of this choice. In Season 3, she is ostracized for eventually reporting August to the police and works to rebuild trust with her brother and Felice. She ultimately rejects August and the world of privilege he represents, choosing to prioritize herself and her genuine relationships.

Initially, Felice is motivated by the desire to meet her mother's expectations and maintain her high social standing. However, her core motivation evolves into a genuine desire for authentic friendships. She is driven by loyalty and a growing sense of right and wrong, consistently choosing to support Wilhelm and, eventually, forgive Sara, demonstrating her capacity for empathy and personal growth.

Felice starts as a member of the popular elite, seemingly focused on gaining Wilhelm's affection and upholding her family's "modern nobility" status. However, her character arc is one of growing self-awareness and integrity. She quickly moves past her crush and becomes Wilhelm's most loyal confidant and a true friend to Sara. She learns to push back against her mother's social-climbing ambitions and the toxic environment of the school. By the end of the series, she is a fierce advocate for her friends, choosing loyalty and honesty over popularity.