#a story of the crown prince of sweden and the love of his life

[mymitochondriaforpresident]

Wilmon Midsommar

#IMAGINE #young royals #wilmon #💜💜 #prince wilhelm #edvin ryding #simon eriksson #omar rudberg #midsommar #swedish people #the Europeans #🤍🤎 #a story of the crown prince of sweden and the love of his life #a story of two swedish (and a little bit venezuelan) #wilmon the interclass interracial ship of my dreams and it was #i LOVE them #🌺 🌺 🌺

[billfarrah]

One of my favourite things about Young Royals and its characters is how much it romanticizes being utterly ordinary.

Stories often focus on characters who are exceptionally good at something or who are more ambitious than the average person. Even in the teen shows I’ve watched, these young characters always seemed to have their dream career and dream university figured out at a young age and I could never relate to that because I had none of those things figured out as a teen. It always felt like pushing this narrative that teenagers need to have their entire lives figured out before their brains are even fully developed.

None of the characters in YR seem particularly ambitious and in fact, the main character’s journey is a story of anti-ambition. When he is introduced to Simon, it is precisely Simon’s ordinariness that draws Wille to him. Sure, Simon is a very talented singer, but it’s never indicated within the series that he has dreams of being a pop star. It’s just something he likes to do. Simon is motivated by very ordinary things - he wants to do well in school so he can have better opportunities for himself, he wants to take care of his family, he wants to hang out with his friends and play video games. He’s a dedicated student but not necessarily valedictorian. It’s not his ambition that Wille is drawn to but his integrity and kindness and warmth.

Wille had a chance to be extraordinary - to be Sweden’s first gay king - but being extraordinary has never been Wille’s ambition. Wille’s ultimate goal and dream within the series’ narrative is to be free to make his own decisions and live his life as he pleases. He just wants to kiss his boyfriend and get drunk at parties and live his life one day at a time instead of spending every moment of his life preparing for an inevitable future he doesn’t want. In the end Wille is extraordinary not for his ambition, but for his bravery to reject the expectations thrust upon him and throw himself into the unknown and see where it takes him. Wille had a whole future in front of him as crown prince and future king - he’d never have to work a day in his life and would have people advising his every move - and he rejects that. This lack of ambition is not portrayed as a moral failure, but a necessary step in Wille’s journey to personal self-discovery and fulfillment of his own desires. His desire right now is simple - be free with Simon, but that doesn’t mean his dreams end here forever. He deserves peace and tranquility after all the trauma he’s been through without having to worry about where or who he’s gonna be in a few years. He deserves time to just exist.

None of the characters know where they’re going when they drive away at the end. We as the audience don’t know what careers if any these characters will find themselves in, but that’s also not important to this story. The series is saying you don’t have to have everything figured out when you’re 17 and you don’t have to do something just because your parents think they know what’s best for you and even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do, that doesn’t mean you don’t have the agency to know what you don’t want.

It’s not a moral failing to want the simple things in life or to be ordinary, and I love that Young Royals celebrates that. It shows the beauty in simple moments that feel revolutionary to a person - touching the person you love, forgiving someone and making amends after a hardship, whooping with your friends in a car as you drive into the summer and celebrates them. Ultimately these are the moments that make life worth living.

#young royals #idk if this even makes sense but I had to get it off my chest

[piebingo]

Some of my favourite current YR wips

Because wips deserve lots of love🫶 please add any additions you have!!

I see you in my future | 15/? | by littlefandom

Love, apparently, comes at the most unexpected moments and in the most random places. Wille agrees with that. He did not expect to meet the love of his life online, but the moment his eyes landed on Simon through the screen, it was like he knew that it was going to be something special, something extraordinary...

What he did not know then, was the distance between them, the differences, the troubles they were going to face in order to be together in the way they wanted to.

But another thing that he does know, is that Simon is worth it and that they are in this together, both of them willing to put themselves through all of the obstacles if it means they get their happy ending.

The question is: will they get it?

Their relationship is super sweet here and I love the way they handle conflict. It’s so well done.

To be where you are | 5/? | by RBlytheo8

“It will get easier, Wille, once you find your Guide. They’ll be able to help you and support you like mamma and I can’t.”

“Oh, haven’t you heard? I don’t have a perfect match. I won’t have a Guide.”

(Or, a Sentinel and Guide story for Simon and Wille.)

Super interesting concept and lovely to see their dynamic.

Bittersweet ecstasy (I pick my poison and it’s you) | 2/3 | by wthbaby

Pure blooded wolves were said to descend from the moon goddess herself, being able to shift to their wolf forms, their genes stronger than the ones of the common wolf. They were the prime species. If a wolf were to be born pure blooded, no matter alpha, beta or omega, they were automatically in line of succession.

Wilhelm presented as an Alpha, in a long line of pure-bloods, at eighteen moons of age. He had a role to fulfill as the future Head Alpha of the northern pack.

And Simon, a male omega, a nobody, had fallen head over heels for the young alpha.

The only problem? Wilhem was set to be mated to another omega.

This feels like a fantasy setting which I love! It’s a lot about them as actual wolves , which is different (for me). The dynamic is again super interesting.

Where we left off | 4/10 | by gulliblelemon/ @gulliblelemon

Simon meets Wilhelm by accident in the wake of Erik's sudden death. This story follows their lives through the years, and through more of their accidental and on-purpose meetings, as their lives change and they cross paths again and again.

The last update broke me and I’m greatful for it🫶

Royally whipped | 15/16 | by bigalockwood / @bigalockwood

Erik's death leaves Wille unable to pick up his duties as Crown Prince right away. Instead he's granted two years away from the spotlight at Hillerska. Now that he's finished his education, the court expects him to make a public reappearance.

What better opportunity for a reintroduction than Sweden's favorite baking show? It's low risk, low stakes, no distractions.

Well. If it wasn't for Simon Eriksson, musician and Wille's long-time celebrity crush, everything could've been so easy.

This is a blast to read. It’s so sweet and I love to tune in every week to ready my chapter. I’ll be so sad when it’s done!

Constellations of love | 8/9 | by spidaya / @simons-purplehoodie

TLDR: An enemies to lovers & fake dating story, with focuses on Simon’s struggle to keep his family afloat despite his father’s abuse and addiction, and Wille’s trauma and anxiety from childhood to adulthood, heavily based on the book “They Hate Each Other” by Amanda Woody

They are silly and they are sweet and they are in love and I love them too. Again one I’ve realized is almost completed which feels bittersweet already!

I’m know I have more but those are the ones I could remember up the top of my head!

#young royals #wilmon #yr fanfic #yr fanfic recommendations #yr fanfic rec list #scheduled post

[justanotherhyperfixation]

I haven’t been able to read Crisis by Karin Boye yet, but i came across this review yesterday. It brings something slightly different from what i originally understood from the book scene in episode 5. 

Malin character is depicted as extremely tormented from the begging of the book, even before meeting Siv (which i didn’t get before). It is actually meeting Siv that seems to bring her clarity. Although the book was written in the early 1930s, her homosexuality is not the cause of her problems it rather seems to be the solution. The complet opposite could have been expected in view of the period in which the story was written - at that time, homosexuality is criminalized and listed as a mental illness in Sweden. Her love for Siv made her question her faith and devotion to religious traditions - which were at the core of her assumed depression. It is this questioning that saves her from her neuroses. If i get it right, it’s a testimony of a queer person living in a homophobic environnement but for whom - despite everything - the discovery of her romantic and sexual identity was saving and not a condemnation.

The parallel with Wilhelm’s life is even more beautiful. It’s not just Wilhelm trying to reconcile his desire to be with Simon and his position in the monarchy. His love for Simon spark off his desire to lead a revolution. It’s how their love is what frees Wilhelm from his role of crown prince that stifled him until now and how it helps him to create a new place that suits him better. 

#karin boye #wilhelm x simon #young royals season 2 #young royals

[the-amber-fox]

Young Royals Fic Rec List 2022 Edition

To tide you over the last four weeks of waiting for season 2 I have been making my way through the last months on AO3 and recommendations to bring you this part 2 of my fic rec list. All fanfics in this list have been published in 2022. 

Categories for this list are:

Canon

Canon-divergent

Post-canon (pre season 2)

Fix-Its

AUs

Slightly Unhinged but worth it

E-Rated

The dark stuff.

So there should be one for everyone here

Canon

My Youth is Yours (Not Rated) by evakayaki Simon wants to give Wille "firsts" that every kid should experience, but missed out on because he was prince. OR: Five times Simon gives Wille a first experience and one time Wille surprises Simon.

Canon-Divergent

Hope Against Hope (M) by demeterfics What happens when Simon doesn't follow Wille after his panic during Horror Movie Night? Simon has regrets, Simon frets, Simon thinks that was his one chance. Wille has a bit more of a sexual crisis, but luckily Erik is there to give some brotherly advice. Boys need to figure out how to communicate. Screwed (T) (WIP) by fandom_commitment_issues Erik lived, but things are still Royally screwed up.

Post Canon (maybe)

Wilhelm & Simon: An Interview with Sweden's Young Royal Couple by cali-chan (girls_are_weird) On the heels of Queen Kristina's announcement that she will be stepping down as monarch once her son and heir turns 35, Crown Prince Wilhelm and his longtime partner, Simon Eriksson, sit down with SVT's Signe Karlsson, for the first time since the future King publicly came out as queer and confirmed their relationship, to discuss their future and dispel any lingering misconceptions about their romance. His Royal Fucking Highness Prince Simon of Sweden (he will take none of your shit) (T) by notalotgoingonatthisinstant Simon had gone through most stages of grief over the past two days since that meeting, and his head would split open if he didn't sit down with his family and friends to let it out. He should be jumping at the opportunity to refuse the titles, so why was he so conflicted? whenever we're together (M) by waitingstar He does yoga, then shirtless yoga. He times his downward dogs for when Wilhelm is passing the lounge room, pretends he doesn’t smirk at Wilhelm's strangled “Morning”.

My Youth is Yours (Not Rated) by evakayaki                      Simon wants to give Wille "firsts" that every kid should experience, but missed out on because he was prince. OR: Five times Simon gives Wille a first experience and one time Wille surprises Simon.

Fix Its

always something left behind (T) by eleanna99That’s what love is, after all, he thinks. Always leaving something behind. or All the times Simon and Wilhelm almost call each other through the years, and one time they do.

A Royal Intervention (T) by AnxiousAnaconda Erik has made it his mission to call Wilhelm regularly and check up on him. The whole family seems to be in agreement that he is in a tumultuous and dangerous phase, that he could easily be steered in the wrong direction and cause perhaps unforeseen levels of PR damage, but Erik wonders whether his parents truly grasp how sensitive this life phase is for Wilhelm. It is a gut feeling, an inkling, that tells him to watch out for his little brother. Now more than ever. That broken piece, let go (T) by cali-chan (girls_are_weird), TheAmberFox Or five times Simon didn't communicate his true feelings + one time he did. OR Therapy Fic.

AUs

The greatest story never written (T) by NerdGirl07 writer! simon and reader wille: simon always has to try to not spontaneously combust whenever wille rambles about HIS OWN book to him

Play my song (G) by Elin98 It is 12.15 am and you’re listening to Late night Vibes with Simon on The Vibe FM, 104.6. I’m your host Simon Eriksson and I will be here with you all night. So for all you night owls, insomniacs, night shift workers, let me keep you company. I promise to only play good music and that we’ll have a good time.

Bloom where you are planted (T) by Cl0udyM1lk Wille is a plant boy, Simon has a black thumb. They both run semi-popular Instas.

There's a song in my heart (I feel like I belong) (M) by cali-chan (girls_are_weird) Concert pianist Wilhelm Berwald had no idea his entire life would change when he was paired up with pop star Simon Eriksson for a charity concert.

the way you look at me (T) by strummerjoe After spending his whole life in Bjärstad, Simon is excited to go to university. He wants to embrace all aspects of student life and he's ready for anything.Anything, except finding a disgruntled crown prince in his new bedroom.

Dancing Through Life (M) by pagegirlintraining After getting into a club fight that paints him in a less than ideal light, Wilhelm is forced into a living nightmare: being a contestant on Swedish reality tv. As if that wasn’t bad enough already, he’s supposed to dance on national television.Aka Wilhelm goes full Dancing with the Stars with Simon as his pro partner.

yellow paper daisy (T) by darlingdreamer21 Or: Wille and Simon meet in Bjärstad, under the most unnatural circumstances. Wille, who seeks solace in the sleepy town. Simon, who once escaped from the suffocating town.But with Simon's face plastered everywhere around the world in association with his successful music career, and Wille's own internal conflict and blissful solitude, they don't know how to deal with their mutual attraction.Inspired by the movie Notting Hill because these two dorks deserve their cheesy romcom story.

The Boy and the Bartender (M) by Spidaya Simon is a bartender at a local bar with a sunny smile and confident attitude that hide the darker side of his life he wishes to keep hidden. Wilhelm, the prince of Sweden, is a lonely boy with too much love to give and not getting much love in return.After they meet at a bar in not the most Prince-Charming way, their hearts are forever intertwined with each other, but not before going through the hurt, trials, and love that come with both of their lives.

Slightly unhinged - but worth it

Through Felle’s eyes (G) by crownedmoon Wille & Simon’s love story, witnessed by one of Simon’s fishes.

The Sound of you, an outlasting vibration (T) by TheAmberFox What if Wille joins the choir to be close to Simon? Only problem - he can’t sing to safe his life.

a whole new scandal (T) by EngelK Post? Wilhelm thought. He then remembers the notifications from his phone. Shakingly, he unlocks it. He saw tons of messages. Tons from Minou. He doesn’t even know what he has gotten into.

Open heart open mind never know who you will find (E) by simonscrown Wille deliberated whether he should be thanking the universe or cursing at it that a literal angel was standing in front of him, while his testicles were being tortured by a pair of objectively horrible booty shorts.

E - Rated

i hate accidents except when we went from friends to this (E) by cl0udy_mi1k Simon is Wilhelm's best friend, so when he confesses that he's insecure about his lack of experience Wille offers to help him. After all, it's what any good friend would do, isn't it?

Addicted to You (E) by yr_bb Simon missed him, of course he did. He knew nothing had really changed. But this forced separation was a new kind of torture, and he hated it. Hated that he wanted him still, but even in his whole setting boundaries thing, he hadn’t actually wanted to move on. He didn’t, he couldn’t, not if there was still a chance. Being this close was only bringing that all up again.

sorry about the blood in your mouth (i wish it was mine) (E) by witchjeons In the aftermath of the video, Simon falls apart. Wilhelm is there to put him back together.

There all along (E) by stretchoutandwait Kristina's death brings Simon back into Wilhelm's life after years apart. Wilhelm has to negotiate learning to become king and starting (or restarting?) a relationship at the same time.

The dark stuff

The spare (T) by Hannakin Erik can’t imagine anything worse than losing his little brother. He lives through his worst nightmare when Wille is horribly injured.

right where you left me. (M) by YourDemiurge When Crown Prince Wilhelm died at the early age of 18, he left three legacies behind: a video that he'd denied being in; a precautionary tale of young love; and a statue outside an otherwise unknown public school. **** Auhtors mentioned: @girls-are-weird @pagegirlintraining @simons-purplehoodie

@cl0udy-mi1k @ishotforthestars @cinnamoncoffees  @hanna-kin  @zee-has-commitment-issues @yourdemiurge

*** If you want to re-read the fic rec list part 1, you can find it here.

#young royals #young royals fanfic #fanfic rec #young royals fanfic rec #wilmon #simon x wille #wille x simon #something for everyone #season 2 countdown #lgbtq fic

[edvinroyals]

Hey! Could you recommend some good Wilmon fanfics that are both romantic and a little smutty, please? Thanks in advance!

Hey, of course, if there is one thing I love its recommending fic! - here are some of my all time favourites that hopefully fit what you are looking for! 

hej (honey), kan vi snacka? - Series by disruptedthesky.

Simon knows Swedish is his second language, but he's pretty certain 'Kan vi snacka?' roughly translates to 'Can we chat?' And does not, as Wilhelm would have him believe, actually mean 'Can you follow me into this empty classroom?' or 'Can you follow the traced line of my tongue down your body?' or 'Can you follow me, right over the edge? Can you do that for me, baby?'

(Wilhelm is Simon's honey. Simon is Wilhelm's everything.)

Ex - By stretchoutandwait.

Sweden has become a republic and ex-Prince Wilhelm is out of a job and trying to find some direction in his life. A holiday with his old school friends might be just what he needs to set him on the right path. And if one of those friends turns out to be the boy on whom he used to harbour an unrequited crush, so much the better.

Summer of Love - by embracedthevoid

Family and tradition are the two most essential things Wilhelm must uphold in his adult life, which he takes very seriously. When he was younger, however... not so much.

Through flashes to the past, follow the story of Simon and Wilhelm's summer of love as they reconnect years later, having moved on with their lives despite always wondering what could have been. For the second time in Wilhelm's life, his duty and burden to uphold a legacy are challenged when matched against love, and what is meant to be.

The Boy and the Bartender - by Spidaya.

Simon is a bartender at a local bar with a sunny smile and confident attitude that hide the darker side of his life he wishes to keep hidden. Wilhelm, the prince of Sweden, is a lonely boy with too much love to give and not getting much love in return.

After they meet at a bar in not the most Prince-Charming way, their hearts are forever intertwined with each other, but not before going through the hurt, trials, and love that come with both of their lives.

This is Everything - WIP - by paspeurpasseul.

Wilhelm is twelve years old the very first time he lays eyes on Simon Erikkson and his world is flipped completely upside down.

And this is it. The feeling Wille has been searching for his whole life: a feeling of newness, passion, and friendship like he’s never felt before.

This is it.

This is everything.

Until it isn’t.

Or: a childhood friends au nobody asked for where Simon makes Wille question everything. But their love is just as strong.

That's What I Really Want - by yr_bb.

“How do you want to do this?” Simon asked. “I know you need someone to go to this fundraiser... I need someone to come with me to my parents’ anniversary party... I’d like to propose that we pretend that this—” Wilhelm gestured between them, “is a thing until at least then.” They sipped their coffees in silence for a moment. Simon hoped he was imagining the tension.

Inspired by 'Boyfriend Material' by Alexis Hall, with characters from Young Royals. A classic slow burn fake boyfriends story with plenty of soft boys, angst and fluff.

how long i've loved you - Series - by waitingstar

He tells himself he’s not searching for a head of floppy golden hair and sighs as he turns back to the bar. And, naturally, because Simon’s life is one big cosmic joke, that’s where he comes face to face with his ex-boyfriend/ex-lover/ex-undefined-partner-in-a-tragic-love-story/the Crown Prince of motherfucking Sweden. ~ Simon attends his ten-year reunion at Hillerska. That means it’s been ten years since he and Wilhelm have spoken, but it’s going to be fine. Absolutely, totally, completely fine.

this is the golden age of something good and right and real (Painter AU) - by paintersong

(this series is quite possibly the most beautiful body of work I have ever encountered) 

He painted and painted and painted and Wille held him and watched, shared Simon’s perspective, watched the whole thing happen, and Simon felt like a fucking miracle worker, creating a world in front of both of their eyes, a world of color and light, saturated with gratitude and love and affection, a documentation of Simon’s search for joy, his desire to grasp onto it, cling onto it, make it permanent.

#fic #fanfic #young royals #young royals fic #young royals fic rec #anon

[missbolt]

Yes, of course it hurts when buds burst

– Wilhelm in the light of Karin Boye

In the second season, Wille and Simon work together on a group project about the book Kris "Crisis" by Karin Boye. The book's plot has obvious parallels to Simon and Wille's story, allowing them to reflect on their own relationship through their discussion of the book. I wonder whether including a work by Karin Boye may serve another purpose in the series as well.

In Norway where I'm from, and I think in Sweden as well, Karin Boye's name is inextricably linked to her most well-known poem Ja visst gör det ont när knoppar brister "Yes, of course it hurts when buds burst". The title/first line of this poem is particularly famous and is frequently referenced. In fact, whenever I hear or think of Karin Boye, this line automatically pops into my head, and I don't think I'm alone in that. As it happens, this poem may also serve as a beautiful metaphor for Wille's journey in the series.

Here is the full poem, first in the original Swedish version, then in an English translation slightly adapted from Jenny Nunn's translation:

Ja visst gör det ont när knoppar brister.

Varför skulle annars våren tveka?

Varför skulle all vår heta längtan

bindas i det frusna bitterbleka?

Höljet var ju knoppen hela vintern.

Vad är det för nytt, som tär och spränger?

Ja visst gör det ont när knoppar brister,

ont för det som växer

och det som stänger.

Ja nog är det svårt när droppar faller.

Skälvande av ängslan tungt de hänger,

klamrar sig vid kvisten, sväller, glider –

tyngden drar dem neråt, hur de klänger.

Svårt att vara oviss, rädd och delad,

svårt att känna djupet dra och kalla,

ändå sitta kvar och bara darra -

svårt att vilja stanna

och vilja falla.

Då, när det är värst och inget hjälper,

brister som i jubel trädets knoppar.

Då, när ingen rädsla längre håller,

faller i ett glitter kvistens droppar .

glömmer att de skrämdes av det nya,

glömmer att de ängslades för färden –

känner en sekund sin största trygghet,

vilar i den tillit som skapar världen.

Yes, of course it hurts when buds burst.

Otherwise why would spring hesitate?

Why would all our fervent longing

be bound in the frozen bitter haze?

The bud was the casing all winter.

What is this new thing, which consumes and bursts?

Yes, of course it hurts when buds burst,

pain for that which grows

and for that which envelops.

Yes, it is surely hard when drops fall.

Trembling with fear they hang heavy,

clammer on the branch, swell and slide -

the weight pulls them down, how they cling.

Hard to be uncertain, afraid and divided,

hard to feel the deep pulling and calling,

yet sit there and just quiver –

hard to want to stay

and to want to fall.

Then, at the point of agony when all is beyond help,

the tree's buds burst as if in jubilation,

then, when no fear holds them back any longer,

the branch's drops tumble in a shimmer,

forgetting that they were afraid of the new,

forgetting that they were fearful of the journey –

feeling for a second their greatest security,

resting in the trust

that creates the world.

In the series, we see how Wille goes from letting his family dictate his life, to realising what agency he does have, and finding his own voice and path. We see him going from trying to conform to what is expected of someone in his role, to prioritising himself and Simon and their love. We see him going from struggling with whether he as a crown prince can be openly queer, to coming out very publicly.

Karin Boye's poem reminds us of why Wille couldn't free himself from the expectations of him as crown prince and come out earlier: because the growth he goes through hurts so damn much. Even spring hesitates. How can we fault Wille for doing the same?

However, Boye's poem also provides us with hope. They start the group project on her book in episode three of season two, a very painful episode where Wille sinks into the depths of hopelessness and despair. It is as though the reference to Boye's poem which for me at least is implied here, tries to reassure us and Wille that everything will be alright. No matter how long spring hesitates, it will always arrive at last. The painful events of this episode is a catalyst for Wille and Simon's journey back to each other again, for Wille finding his voice and forging his own path. And we know that when no fear holds them back any longer, the drops will fall and spring will arrive at last. This moment comes during Wille's speech at the very end of the season, where he says: Jag är också rädd. Men jag tänker sluta med det nu. "I'm also scared. But that ends now." Immediately afterwards, he owns up to being in the video with Simon, thereby publicly coming out as queer and freeing himself from what has been expected of him as crown prince. The he turns and smiles at Simon, who smiles back. The buds have burst as in jubilation.

Whether the writers intend to evoke this poem or not, it perfectly encapsulates the enormous growth Wille goes through during these first two seasons. The growing process is incredibly painful, but it is what ultimately allows Wille to blossom and turn into a truer, better version of himself, letting everyone see the colours he has previously kept hidden inside himself. I can't wait to see Wille blossom in season three!

#crown prince wilhelm #prince wilhelm analysis #simon eriksson #wilmon #growing pains and blossoming #coming out #forging your own path #young royals #young royals analysis #karin boye #ja visst gör det ondt #scandinavian literature canon #thoughts overflowing my fixated mind

[kruemel8]

What are your thoughts on this post https://www.tumblr.com/emberc/744515130477379584/simon-agreed-to-a-different-thing-simon-agreed-to

Yes Simon received some attention being in the sextape but because wille denied it was him i don’t think people understand just how big of a shitstorm is headed simon’s way now wille has said if was him in the video. and it’s dumb to blame simon and expect him to suck it up.

First, every opinion is valid and it’s okay to disagree on something.

People tend to forget that we are talking about teenagers, Simon is a sixteen year old boy who’s in love for the first time in his life. He agreed to be in a secret relationship with the boy he loves and not with the future king of Sweden. Now he’s in the press because he’s the boyfriend of the crown prince and he’s told to make amends. I can totally understand that he’s trying everything to confirm to the wishes of the royal court and is losing parts of himself a bit more every day. He just didn’t now the extent of what it means to be the boyfriend of the crown prince of Sweden. You can’t lose yourself until nothing is left and that’s the point where Simon thinks it’s better to break up. He’s Simon and not just someone’s boyfriend. It gets repetitive if they will break up again and we will have five minutes of Wilmon and then the end credits roll. I don’t think that will happen because they will actually talk this time and find a solution together. Simon telling the queen that he’s a republican is him claiming back his narrative and I think Wille will be super proud to witness that. Obviously we don’t know what will happen, it’s just something I need to see to believe that they are meant to be together. A relationship should be built on equality and trust and the equality part is Simon’s story line in S3.

#young royals #yr s3 spoilers #that got away from me #simon eriksson

[tillywhim]

HARRY'S NEVERENDING SCHOOLBOY JEALOUSY, TANTRUMS & OTHER THINGS

We have a title. We have a cover. We have a release date. Does anyone else feel a little bit meh about this? I have to say looking at it, I'm not filled with the desire to rush out and pre-order this "weighty tome" even if its just to read when I need a good laugh or to be put to sleep. Also, who did the photoshopping? I've never seen his eyes so close together or so deeply set. The cover photo is quite unnerving if you look at it for too long.

He's 37 years old and still hung up on the fact he's the 2nd born son. So bloody what? It happens in every royal family. Most just get on with it and enjoy the freedom that comes with not having the weight of being the heir to the throne on their shoulders. Look at Prince Carl Philip of Sweden for example, he was Crown Prince until his father changed the rules of primogeniture and his older sister became heir to the throne, now he's fourth in line and living life to the full with a happy marriage, beautiful wife and lovely children. All that and he and his wife both work hard on behalf of the Swedish monarchy and the charities and programmes etc they support.

I know this isn't exactly the same as being "the spare" to the heir to the throne of the United Kingdom but the point I'm trying to make is by this age, Harry should have outgrown his jealousy and think of the freedoms he's had because he was unlikely to be king one day.

I must admit, I despise the term "heir and spare" I think it should be consigned to history where it belongs. When child mortality rates were high, it made sense for ruling monarchs to want large families to ensure the continuity of the reigning house.

With the advances of medicine, housing, hygiene, etc., infant/child deaths decreased. In my mind, Harry has never been the "spare" to William in the same way that Andrew was never the "spare" to Charles. People are now saying Princess Charlotte is the "spare" to Prince George. No, she isn't. He doesn't need a spare. Certainly not whilst he's 2nd in the line of succession. HM Queen Elizabeth II abolished primogeniture, lets now do away with the archaic notion of the spare.

Anyway, back to the book. What can we expect? Who knows? It's doubtful it will be a love letter to the British Royal Family. It will definitely be a love letter to both his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. I think he will be kind about Catherine, The Princes of Wales but imagine he will try to make her a bit boring. I'm sure he will do his best to paint a picture of William as bossy, stubborn and opinionated, forgetting that following the death of their mother, William went through everything he did whilst also trying to care for and protect his younger brother.

Princess Anne will either not be mentioned or, he will be nice about her and her family, think general family anecdotes, lots of stories about kids, dogs and horses. I dread to think what he will have to say about Andrew and Fergie. He's been close to both Beatrice and Eugenie over the years so again, we either wont read much about them or, there will be the odd vanilla anecdote. Same with the Wessex family, either nothing or some odd, possibly boring story, somewhere along the line.

I'd put money on HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip featuring quite heavily in it. There will be a lot of tugging at the heart strings with granny and grandpa I feel. Especially with the Queen so recently passing.

HM King Charles III and HM Queen Camilla will bear the brunt of the vitriol in the book I'm afraid. Things are of course going to be brought up that happened years ago. Things which have been dredged over, apologised (in church) for, forgiven and moved on from. These things are going to be seen through the eyes of a man stuck between his childhood self and now. Will it cause any damage to the monarchy? Possibly and potentially but, things are always coming along which cause damage to the monarchy and over 1,000 years later, its still here.

Harry's book will sell and probably sell well. It has the novelty factor. People always want to read about famous people, royalty included. Having a book "written" by a member of the British Royal Family themselves is a great selling point. He's also pledged to donate £1.8 million to 2 of his charities.

This is Cindy Simon Skjodt. She's the Champion for the Power of Women Event taking place in Indianapolis. if you want to blame someone for inviting Meghan Markle to speak at an event, blame Cindy.

I'm sure the "mission" has its heart in the right place, looking on their website, they are very active in the local area and involved in a number of programmes designed to help people in need. I'm just not sure what made them think Meghan was a big draw. Maybe she confused Cindy here with one of her many word salad speeches? Either way, I personally don't feel it is right for Ms Markle to be represented as The Duchess of Sussex if she is being paid for attending the event and giving a speech/taking part in a Q&A. I'd say its more likely than not that she's secured a pay cheque for her appearance and this goes against everything the royal family and certainly HM Queen Elizabeth II stood for. If you're able to email the organisers of the event or even Cindy herself and let them know your feelings about them hiring Ms Markle for this event, maybe some good will come of it.

That's all from me for now folks. I know I've missed lots, I haven't mentioned the Repair Shop. Didn't you just love the camaraderie between Jay Blades and King Charles III? Half-term is over and the children are back at school from Monday so hopefully, we will see the Wales' again. I'm glad Prince William isn't going to Qatar. I know officially he's too busy but, given Qatar's record on human rights etc., I think it sends a strong message.

[duchessofvastergotland]

Prince Daniel's incredible speech upon collecting his Honorary Doctorate from the Karolinska Institute, 29th April 2022

"Ladies and gentlemen, what an honour to be here this evening, together with such brilliant and inspiring people! I am especially honoured to attend this ceremony together with my two fellow honorary doctors Doctor Swaminathan and Professor Takeda, who have both made such outstanding contributions in fostering international partnerships and collaboration in their respective fields. I believe I speak for the three of us honorary doctors when I say that today’s ceremony will be a lifetime memory!

But now, ladies and gentlemen, I would like you to leave this beautiful Golden Hall for a moment, and come with me to a maternity ward here in Stockholm. This evening, two babies are born there. Sophie and David. Their parents love them very much and hold great hopes for their children.

However – while they are born in the same place, very soon, their lives will develop in completely different directions. Sophie’s parents are both well-educated with high incomes. They are health-conscious, eat well and exercise regularly. Sophie will grow up in a safe area, with easy access to nature and sports. She will join her parents on outdoors activities and ride her bike to school. At seven, she goes to two different sports activities per week. She skis in the winter and goes to soccer camp in the summer.

David will grow up in another area in Stockholm, only a few miles from Sophie’s home, but under different circumstances. His single mother works full-time and struggles to make ends meet. Paying thousands of crowns per year for material and fees for sports activities is not an option. Most of his free time, David sits at home in front of different screens. His mother feels bad that her son does not get the exercise she knows he needs. However, when he is home, at least she knows he is safe.

Ladies and gentlemen, I think you can see where this story is going: The lives of these two children will continue to develop in two very different directions. At the age of 90, Sophie will pass away peacefully after a long and healthy life. David, on the other hand, will be diagnosed with diabetes type 2 at 50, and die from cardiovascular disease at 74.

Six years is the difference in life expectancy between the highly educated and the less educated in Sweden today. Depending on where you grow up, the differences are even greater – like for Sophie and David. Six years is more than 2000 days. And I find it unacceptable that some lives should hold so many fewer days than others.

This is the reason I chose to engage with children’s and young people’s health. And this is also why I am standing here now. Being appointed honorary doctor at the renowned Karolinska Institute is a great honour. But above all, I see it as a recognition of all the people who are seldom recognised, but who devote their time and energy to helping children and young people establish healthy habits early in life.

Ladies and gentlemen, I cannot even begin to imagine how many lives will have been saved by Doctor Swaminathan’s work to bring covid vaccine to low and middle-income countries. Or, by Professor Takeda’s efforts in developing and implementing ECMO therapy.

And I am convinced, that if we can give every child a fair chance to live a healthy life, regardless of social or economic background, if we can prevent lifestyle-related disease, even more lives can and will be saved. This is something we have to do – and we have to do it using evidence-based methods. In this effort, the research conducted here at Karolinska Institutet plays a crucial role.

I would like to give my sincere thanks to the students, the researchers, the staff and the management of Karolinska Institutet.

And, as a spokeperson for us, this year’s honorary doctors, it is my privilege to propose a toast: to science, to knowledge and to the medical university Karolinska Institute."

#quote #quotes #prince daniel #swedish royal family #doctor daniel #2022 #april 2022 #this is great

[seeker-of-stories19]

Okay so I had an idea for a Young Royals fic that I absolutely love but I just started a new job and I’m still working on several other fics so I don’t have the time or energy to write this idea out right now. Especially because I have no experience writing Wilmon but I decided to publish the prompt here in hopes that someone else feels inspired to write this fic, if anyone is interested message me to let me know and I’d be more than happy to communicate any clarifications as I’d love to be involved in the process!!!

Warning for mentions of suicide in the prompt

Prompt: Simon and Wilhelm never get back together but stay in touch and years later in college Simon is drying dishes when he hears his roommates listening to the news about the suicide of Crown Prince Wilhelm of Sweden. The plate shatters and he falls to the ground as his roommates rush toward him, unknowingly asking what’s wrong like his whole life didn’t fall apart with the bowl. In the days afterward Simon reflects on his too short time with Wilhelm and the secrets of the crown that only he knows. He returns to Hillerska for the memorial after not being invited to the funeral, desperate to feel close to Wille again and finds a suicide note left in their secret spot which contains an admission, apology, and Wille’s last wish; for him to make the statement he never did. To tell their story however he sees fit, so Simon calls up a news broadcasting statement and finally tells his truth on live television while wishing desperately that they hadn’t been too late.

#young royals #simon eriksson #prince wilhelm #young royals fanfic #fanfic prompt #young royals fanfic prompt #yr2 #cw suicide

[youngroyalscatalogue]

Soulmates (part 1)

Dancing at Work  Status: incomplete Rating: M Author: SamMac85 Summary: AU in which Simon meets the mysterious and sexy Wille in a night club, who disappears and then reappears again several areas of Simons life.

swirls of burgundy Status: completed Rating: T Author: doublebIack Summary: things for wilhelm were fine. sure, he was stuck at some stupid boarding school he never wanted to go to, and he was a disgrace to his family, and the entire country, but things were fine. Until he touched simon eriksson for the first time and everything exploded into seas of purple.

my other half, my beloved Status: Completed Rating: G Author: starvalisedham Summary: A very lightly researched story exploring the different kinds of love in Greek philosophy, and how the concept of soulmates changed the events in season one all the way into season two. Spoilers for S2E6, just in case people still care, but it's technically an AU because soulmate marks change things a bit. 

Heirloom Status: incomplete Rating: T Author: tesorino Summary: Young royals with a soulmate/magic powers au twist, following canon and beyond. Basically, how does Wilhelm navigate his relationship with Simon when most royals have soulmates--just not him.

Golden-Brown Fields of Hope  Status: completed Rating: G Author: GreeneySilvery Summary: After the assassination attempt on Queen Kristina and Prince Wilhelm, the former has the oportunity to met her Wilhelm's Simon. Hope and forgiveness is not something a Monarch has to endure everyday. But here is she, receiving those from Wilhelm's Simon.

Baby Can I hold You Tonight Status: incomplete Rating: T Author: SamMac85 Summary: Simon trying to get on with life after Christmas but it is harder than it seems. Wilhelm is never far from his thoughts or dreams. He will try to see if he can fight his urges and stay away from Wilhelm - but then again as he soon realises.... maybe he does not want to. 

The Boy Who Does Not Belong Here Status: Completed  Rating: M Author: M4you Summary: Simon is a sixth year Gryffindor in the school of Hogwarts. He lives a regular teenager’s life, until on one the first Sunday in October, his life changed permanently...

Now And Forever Status: incomplete Rating: E Author: GreeneySilvery Summary: Prince Wilhelm returns to Sweden after four years abroad and things are quite like he spected them to be. He is not anymore the rebellious and angry boy he was while studying in highschool, but neither has he found his place yet. Not among the some-what normal life in the States and neither among his royal life in Sweden.

Things are normal... Until they aren't.

Set for revelations that will shake his whole world view, Wille must deal with a unstable soul-bond, far too many secrets, love, kidnapping, a car accident, the public's opinion on his partner choice and all the in-betweens.

It's going to be a busy year for the Swedish Crown. 

Подходящий момент в неподходящее время Status: completed Rating: G Author: superfluous_man Summary: У шведской знати есть негласное правило: родственная душа монарха должна быть тоже голубой крови.

And I'll Always Find You, In Every Lifetime  Status: incomplete Rating: M Author: Wilmonade Summary: Never in his life would he have thought that reincarnation exists, until he had a dream about a boy whose curly hair is so soft to the touch, whose eyes are so beautiful, their color dark as if Wilhelm could drown in them, as he holds him close, surrounded by bushes of roses. Never in his life would he have believed that he was fated to love Simon, over and over again, in every life that they were allowed to exist together.

#soulmates #soulmates master

[thisismewritingsstuff]

I watched James Somerton's video essay about Young Royals after seeing Lisa's insta story. I've watched his videos from way back, so I was glad when I found out that he'd done a review of a show that I've come to really love.

The analysis was...interesting. I don't know if that's the right word, but it'll do. It was well structured and immersive, as his videos often tended to be, but while I did enjoy listening to it, this is one of the rare times where I found myself disagreeing with most of the points being made. Don't get me wrong, he made a lot of good points. I don't want it to get twisted and make it seem like I'm against the issues presented here because I'm most definitely not— but we'll get to that later.

Point is, I thought the review was rather reductive in a sense that it took one aspect of the show and decided to look at it through a narrow lens. It discussed the show in its most basic sense, presenting YR's world as this black-and-white setting. It was also rather biased towards its view of Wilhelm, while also completely reducing Simon's character into—using his own words—an "emotional support poor" when he's clearly more than that.

So let's get down to business, shall we? (Note: I'm writing this while at work and on the spot, so bear with me if it's kind of all over the place.)

The forbidden romance brought about by class divide is a trope that's been used a million times. Believe me, I'd know. I came from a country where all of the shows on TV had a plot revolving around a wealthy guy falling in love with a poor girl that his mother and another rich girl (that's always evil) may or may not torment. It's nothing new. It's been overused, done before. YR falls into the same trope, with Wilhelm being the wealthy guy and Simon the impoverished love interest in this scenario. But Wilhelm isn't just some random rich kid—he's also Sweden's crown prince. And that, I think, made the difference (which the review decided not to incorporate.)

While I do agree that media almost always portrayed wealthy characters as emotionally stunted due to cold detached parents and the poor characters as those with higher EQs caused by warm loving families (something that is not at all the case irl), the main root of Wilhelm's problem isn't wealth, but status. His gilded cage isn't made up of money, but of duty: as a royal, a crown prince, and most importantly and what I think is most damning, a public figure.

It would be easy to dismiss Wilhelm's problems as inconsequential, especially since we as viewers could never relate to being a royal, but that would be unfair to his character's purpose and journey. YR never tried to hide the fact that Wilhelm is privileged in every way, as it's reflected in both his words and actions.

Example: when he told Simon about the private tutoring lessons, he said it in an almost conspiratorial way, just some topic to get to talk to him. He had good intentions, but it was still upsetting to hear for someone like Simon who could not afford to pay for those (unfair) lessons. To Wilhelm, such a thing was normal, while for Simon, whose grades were directly tied to his opportunities, it was a punch to the gut. This disconnect was most evident during their fight at the Music Room, when Wilhelm was quick to scoff at Simon's drug dealing when he himself was guilty of using them. Although he said he did not want to put the blame on Simon, as was suggested by his peers (also note that Wilhelm aligned himself with them by saying "...and the guys think we should let you take the fall"), he did heavily imply that he was to be removed from this, that the situation was riskier for him because it would damage his reputation, family, and image.

Does that excuse his actions? No, but it does put it into perspective. Privilege had always been in Wilhelm's life, so the only way of living he's ever known is one that moves according to its hold. He does this unknowingly, sure, yet all the same it's there. It controls him the same way the institution that bestowed it upon him does. Fvck the monarchy

And that had always been the issue, wasn't it? Wilhelm's life was never his own. He won't get to live as a 'normal' person. The people would always be interested in his affairs and he'll always have to give a piece of himself to them. That's the price he had to pay for all the privilege that came with his title.

Wilhelm could never be himself—I don't think he even knows who he is, really—because one wrong move could trigger a chain reaction of negative press, only contributing more to his anxiety. Is this a "first-world problem", as the internet liked to jokingly call it nowadays? Yes, but not quite. While this type of dilemma is unique to persons with Wilhelm's status, the themes of societal and familial pressure, grief, and being lost and confused in your teen years, are universal. There's no set guidelines for what situations can be considered deserving of our empathy or not; we don't get to judge people on what makes them sad.

When I was a kid, I couldn't help but resent well-off friends of mine who got depressed, because as someone whose parents had to work over more than 12 hours every day just to make ends meet, I thought, "how could you, whose life never seemed to lack for anything, dare feel down?" But as I grew up, I learned that it wasn't a choice, that sadness and grief and paranoia didn't discriminate with its victims. Everyone's feelings are valid.

It's easy to get lost in the resentment and to be dismissive of someone else's trauma, but tragedy isn't a competition. There's no point in comparing baggage because everyone has different circumstances, and at the end there are no winners here.

Wilhelm's entire character arc was leading to his realization that the institution he'd chosen over someone he loves doesn't care about him, and it's time for him to take command of his own life. The thing is, up until that point, Wilhelm never had a say in his life, contrary to Simon's accusation that everything was on his terms. Wilhelm was moving in a limited capacity, trying to find compromises where he could, and even that's a hard task to do. Him wanting to continue the relationship even in secret (which was completely unfair to Simon and he was right to reject) was him trying to reconcile what he wanted vs what the monarchy would tolerate. But then again, even if Simon did agree, would that truly make them happy? Simon was right when he said that Wilhelm had to figure out what he wants, like what he really wants. Because while Wilhelm can't see it yet, a relationship with Simon is just one aspect of the thing he's truly craving for: a life where he can act, speak, and love freely.

Which led me to my next point: Simon is, and never was, Wilhelm's emotional crutch. While Simon does help a lot in regard to Wilhelm's anxiety and overall mental health, he never thought of him as the solution, nor expected him to be the one-all fix to his problems. One of the things I loved the most about their relationship was the amount of communication between them. Sure, they fight and walk out and may be prone to petty remarks as teenagers often are, but they make sure to address their issues right away and give constant updates. No one's kept in the dark when it came to matters concerning them both.

Their social standing is something they both can't ignore, but when they interact it barely matters. When Simon stands his ground, as seen in the Music Room Fight and the Break Up Scene that hurt me a lot, Wilhelm doesn't force him to stay or demand anything, because he's under no delusion about his title. He knows Simon doesn't give two shits about him being prince.

I agree that YR is a modern retelling of the classic prince/princess x pauper story, but only to a certain extent. Something like YR, which presents a narrative that is pretty simple and straightforward, could have easily been a mediocre piece of media if handled incorrectly. However, the creators of the show does a good job of taking common tropes and cliches then completely turning them around their heads. It isn't ambitious, but it is genuine in its delivery. It cares about its characters and manages to make them fleshed out enough—a feat for a series that only consists of six episodes—for us to stay with them.

Simon is no exception. He's written like the typical fairy tale love interest: he's poor, loves and takes care of his family, smart, and dreams of going beyond the confines of his town. But he's also outspoken and sassy, can lose his temper and resort to violence, makes stupid decisions that land him on hot water. It's those things and the little details they add, like always eating clementines and having close childhood friends, that makes him feel real and a person that exists outside of Wilhelm's character.

He has an entire storyline of his own that doesn't intersect with Wilhelm's. His interactions with his father are some of my favorite scenes in the series. I wish we could have seen more of Simon's story, but I suppose it would be difficult to fit in everything in six episodes, and Wilhelm is the main protagonist. Still, from what we've seen so far, you could tell that Simon has mix feelings of anger, shame, and resentment towards his father. He's not a bleeding heart, and he doesn't have to be. He's very much flawed, but that's what makes him a compelling character in his own right.

I could see why they'd think Simon was perfectly shaped to fit the poor-love-interest character type, one that showed, to quote, "emptier bank accounts, fuller hearts", but that was because Simon was never ashamed of their social standing unlike his sister Sara.

Sara's character and storyline was the antithesis to this idea. Her insecurities stems from being poor. The emptiness in her could only be satisfied by climbing the social ladder; her actions were slowly building up to this and culminated in her betraying her own brother for a chance to be a boarder at Hillerska.

The scenes with Simon's family are uncomfortable to watch sometimes, because I've been there. I know the feeling of not being able to afford a more expensive, better quality brand like Sara had wanted with her jodhpur, of feeling inferior in a school that caters to rich children (I studied at a private school on scholarship I am Simon) and feeling like a desperate person when asking after someone you know is at a better place than you.

I disagree that YR romanticizes poverty and forces us to empathize with the wealthy. I think it's because Simon's life, where he's living in a somewhat nice house and a present single mother, isn't the picture of poverty we have in mind, so we never really gave much thought to how his social class impacts his daily life. I've done some research and while Sweden is not perfect, their services is leagues above my country where there's not even something you can officially call middle class because there's such a huge disparity between the rich and poor. But the experiences are something that we collectively share, and I do think that YR did a good job showing the problems brought about by Simon and Wilhelm's social standings.

(Omg I didn't think it would be this long. If you read it until the end, THANK YOU. This is just me being really bored at work and deciding to write this down rather than actually checking my emails. Sorry for this and when will we get some yr content, I'm starving. Lisa, give Omar his phone 😭.)

#young royals #prince wilhelm #simon young royals #wilhelm x simon #sorry for the rant #is this a rant? #Analysis sounds formal I'm no professional #I'm just a fan with opinions

[skamenglishsubs]

Subtext and Culture, Young Royals, Season 1, Episode 6

We're picking up after Lucia, after the sex tape was posted to the internet, and the news has spread all over...

Lost in translation: The subtitles can't keep up with all the comments floating across the screen, but they say: "But OMFG I'm dyying!!!" "How will the monarchy survive this?" "Royal porn! 🔥🔥🔥" "Finally some news that puts Sweden on the map! haha!" "Poor boys. Feel sorry for them." "how clumsy to let someone record it! :-)" "The end of the monarchy, time for Sweden to become a republic!" "never been ashamed of being Swedish until now" "I know where he lives! see you there!" "Class traitor! Your mom cries for your sins" "I think the video is fake" "Love to the boys!" "sexiest video the world has seen!"

Lost in translation: And the subtitles can't keep up with the tabloid headlines either, which btw are hilariously close to what the real deal would look like: "Here is the crown prince's boyfriend" "The video that shook the royal family" "All the details about crown prince Wilhelm's new love" "[r]oyal family [i]s crown prince [w]ilhelm gay?" "we want t[o know] [is] it crown [prince] [w]ilhelm in the v[ideo?]"

Subtext: The royal court is very much a PR machine, and here comes the Queen herself to do damage control and to make sure everyone plays their part, including the school.

Culture: All the tabloids are real, except the one that features the story about Wilhelm and Simon. The name of the tabloid, Sett & Hört (Seen & Heard) is a spoof of a tabloid that existed up until a couple of years ago called Se & Hör (See & Hear).

Cinematography: In this nice fixed shot, the Queen starts off in the chair, all business, talking about what Wilhelm must do to manage this scandal, but then she moves to the bed to comfort him and actually be a mom, caring for her son.

Subtext: Note that the Queen isn't opposed to Wilhelm having a relationship with Simon in itself, and it's completely not an issue that Wilhelm likes boys, her main focus is the sex tape and the attention and the PR of the situation.

Blink and you miss it: Simon is casually stroking the picture of Wilhelm.

Subtext: Linda does everything she can to comfort her son, in stark contrast to how little comfort the Queen offered Wilhelm.

Subtext: And here's the main motivation for all of Sara's actions in this episode. She's still wearing the expensive hairpins she got from Felice, she's super happy having made real friends there, and now this scandal might result in her losing all of that, it might force her to go back to her old school where she was bullied, and she really doesn't want to do that.

Culture: Fredrika is talking about how Wilhelm and Simon would be styled if they're married when Wilhelm ascends the throne, but the current real-life king of Sweden is Carl XVI Gustaf, so it makes absolutely no sense that Wilhelm would be Carl XVII, because his name is not even Carl in the first place? I'm guessing the actors are ad-libbing here without knowing how any of this works. (They would be styled King Wilhelm I and Prince Simon, if Wilhelm is the first of his name in this fictional Sweden.)

Subtext: None of the girls are really bothered by the fact that Wilhelm likes boys, and are busy speculating about how this would play out, and the idea that one of them could volunteer to be a surrogate mother to the next monarch is fresh and exciting to them. I will be talking about the actual consequences and possibilities in case the only heir to the throne would be in a same-sex relationship in my next post, because I have a lot more to say about that!

Subtext: Also no homophobia in the boys' house. Walter and Henry are talking about how they should have picked up on Wilhelm and Simon's flirting with each other, while Vincent and Nils are concerned about which asshole took the video in the first place, and August is unusually quiet...

Culture: The Christmas season traditionally starts on the First Advent in Sweden, and in Simon's house we can see they've put up a traditional advent star and a seven-armed candelabra in the window.

Subtext: Everyone at Marieberg recognized Simon from the video, and there's apparently surprisingly little homophobia there as well.

Subtext: Rosh has nothing but contempt for the upper class, and that's the "them" she's talking about here. She's lumping Wilhelm together with the rest of the rich kids at Hillerska, and blames all of them for this happening to her friend.

Subtext: Not even the villain is homophobic! Yes, August's body language tells us that he is incredibly ashamed for leaking the video, but he is also earnest here.

Cinematography: Orange and Teal! But it actually works very well here, Wilhelm seems to almost blend into the background, as if he wants to disappear and be invisible, to not have all this attention on him. But Simon is his colour opposite in this scene, making him stand out 100%, because that's how Simon wants to live his life, fully open and visible.

Subtext: Simon stating the obvious here, it's unfair these two kids have to deal with this situation, only because Wilhelm is royal, but it's not their fault. And this line is also a reminder to us, the audience, that their love isn't wrong in any way.

Subtext: August's idea of helping Wilhelm is to make sure he gets accultured into the upper class, getting him to accept his fate and position as a member of the royal family, instead of actively rejecting the status and the position and wanting to live a normal life.

Subtext: None of the upper class kids give a shit about how any of this affects Simon, which is why August looks confused here. All of their attention is on how this affects Wilhelm, the royal family, and the monarchy, because that's what's important to them.

Subtext: Even though Sara initiates making out with August, she's clearly having second thoughts about the whole thing here.

Subtext: Sara has a very black-and-white view of their childhood. In reality, it's not that easy to break up and get out of a dysfunctional family. In hindsight, Linda should have broken up with Micke much earlier, but it seems she was willing to give him a chance...

Subtext: ...which is clearly something Simon is willing to do as well, both when it came to his dad, and when it comes to trusting that Wilhelm will do the right thing here.

Subtext: Sara is still wearing the hairpins, and also the dress she got from Felice. She tried to have a proper family dinner, she has the stuff, she blackmailed August to make sure she gets to stay at the school no matter what, but she clearly sees her limitations, that she might not have what it takes to blend in among the other upper class kids.

Cinematography: The show really likes this mirror shot of Wilhelm's room. Last time we saw this, he was all alone on his bed, but this time he's being comforted by Simon.

Subtext: Simon is obviously pleased that he has convinced Wilhelm to handle the thing the right way, that he shouldn't deny it's him in the video.

Subtext: The Queen could have completely ignored Simon, after all, she did tell Wilhelm not to see him, which he obviously did anyway. But she does greet him, she acknowledges him, because she actually wants to see this other boy that her son is having a relationship with.

Subtext: Again, the show highlights how all the royals are trapped by the institution, they're not free to live their lives as they want. All their privileges come at a steep personal cost.

Subtext: For Kristina, the answer is that it is worth it. The privileges of being Queen, of continuing the traditions and keeping the history and legacy of the royal family is worth whatever price she has had to pay for it, and she thinks Wilhelm would regret making the opposite choice.

Subtext: Wilhelm's statement is textbook bland politically correct PR-speak, and it's also a complete lie, because Wilhelm is not allowed to live as whatever he wants. He's just paying lip service to the idea of diversity and freedom, but it doesn't actually apply to him.

Subtext: For Wilhelm, this arrangement is nothing special. Maintaining a certain public image while hiding large parts of your private life is just the way his upper class world works, everyone does it. But for Simon, this is a class difference he can't accept.

Culture: He's not wrong, Wilhelm coming out would inevitably trigger a political constitutional crisis in Sweden.

Blink and you miss it: When Felice shows Wilhelm the sex tape, he flinches. Both because it reminds him of the good times with Simon, who just broke up with him, and because it's actually pretty embarrassing to watch a friend watching your sex tape.

Subtext: Wilhelm doesn't have any power to exclude August right now, but in time, Wilhelm will be king, which changes things.

Subtext: If the Queen has known for a couple of days, it means that she knew it was August when she picked Wilhelm up and convinced him to deny the video, and she did it anyway...

Subtext: ...because to her, preserving the monarchy is the most important thing, more important than the feelings and well-being of her own child.

Culture: Simon and the choir are singing "The Star of Betlehem", a Christmas song based on a poem from 1891 by author Viktor Rydberg. It was popularized in a song by composer Alice Tegnér in 1893, but Simon is singing the less known version made by composer Ivar Widéen in 1917. 1893 version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoP5irjh-C8 1916 version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgXf1QibJ74

Subtext: August doesn't know how Wilhelm found out that he leaked the video, and Sara doesn't know that Wilhelm knows and that her deal with August is off, so here's some excellent drama fodder for season 2!

Subtext: It's important to understand that this scene does not take place in public. It's the private end of the year event for the school, and everyone attending already knows that Wilhelm and Simon were in a relationship. But what Wilhelm is doing by hugging Simon is that he's confirming that it was him in the video, and he's contradicting the public statement he made earlier. To him, this is a small step towards being open about his love for Simon, but it's not enough.

Cinematography: Finally, the show ends with a lovely book-end of Wilhelm breaking he fourth wall and staring at us, just like the show started. But this time he's angrier and sadder, because in the beginning, public scrutiny forced him to attend a school he wasn't interested in, but now, all the attention and scrutiny made him lose Simon, the boy he loves.

#young royals #young royals subtext #young royals analysis

[eypril-eypril]

since watching young royals i have become very interested in scandals and conflicts within the (real) swedish royal family. i thought i would share some things i have read about these past weeks that some of you might find interesting! 

-prince bertil was responsible for a car accident in 1928 that killed his classmate at the boarding school, lundsberg (aka real life hillerska), that he attended. prince bertil was only 16 years old and did not have a drivers license. he was sitting behind the wheel during the accident, but was not charged with manslaughter. he only got a ticket for driving without a license. 

-prince bertil’s grandfather, gustaf v, met kurt haijby, a restaurant owner, in 1933. gustaf and kurt started a secret relationship during a time when homosexuality was forbidden. kurt haijby’s wife found out about the relationship and started to blackmail the king. even though a king cannot be charged with a crime in sweden, the monarchy was frail at the time and the royal court wanted to avoid a scandal. the whole thing became public knowledge anyway, and the story will actually be released as an svt tv series this christmas (2021 is apparently the year of swedish gay kings).      

-prince bertil met the love of his life, lilian, in 1943. lilian came from the british working class. bertil’s brothers had married non-royal/noble women without permission from the king and therefor given up their places in the line of succession. that left bertil and his oldest brother as the only two heirs in their generation. bertil felt a responsibility, and therefor, bertil and lilian couldn’t get married. however, they did remain a couple.

-prince bertil was right to consider the possibility that he might become crown prince. when he met lilian, his oldest brother had had four daughters in ten years, but no son. however, a son was finally born in 1946. one year later, prince bertil’s oldest brother passed away in a air plane crash. had the son not been born, prince bertil would have become next in line to the succession after his father. 

-the son is sweden’s current king. he became king when his grandfather, prince bertil’s father, died in 1973. bertil’s father’s official motto had been “duty adove all”, while the current king’s official motto is “for sweden - with the times”. true to this motto, the current king allowed prince bertil to get married to lilian in 1976 when asked for permission. 

-when the current crown princess, victoria, was born in 1977, a woman could not inherit the crown. the right wing government proposed that this should be changed, while the left wing opposition wanted to scratch the entire monarchy in favor of a republic. in 1980 the law was changed and victoria became crown princess. her brother was crown prince for almost a year in 1979 before the law change was approved by the parliament. the current king did not agree with the government’s decision to change the law. apparently, he’s not always “with the times”.      

-there is no law that says that royals have to marry other royals/nobles, but they do need the king’s permission. since 1973, royals are given permission to marry non-royals/nobles by the current king and therefor do not loose their place in the line of succession when doing so. crown princess victoria married the son of a postman, her brother married a woman who had previously competed in paradise hotel and her sister married a british-american business man.  

#young royals #this is mostly just prince bertil's biography #but also #tragic love stories #and the first crown princess is hundreds of years #also this whole erik died in a car crash thing doesn't seem as cliché/tropey after reading about all these accidents in the royal family #i am a left wing republican but this shit is interesting #mine

[eyeofthedrgn]

#1 Simon's POV of Wrecked

Notes: Hi friends! Ever since writing Wrecked and then someone on ao3 mentioning that I could make this into a series, I've been listening to Imagine Dragons and brainstorming. After writing Wille's redemption arc, I decided to try and write Simon's side. It will also be in three parts and also, not very long. Let me know what you think!

#1 (Number One)

It wasn’t easy.

That was a severe understatement. It had been the hardest thing he had ever done in his life. But he had to. He couldn’t be a secret. He has feelings that needed, no, need to be acknowledged. Sure, he isn’t the Crown Prince of Sweden, but why should that make him any less important? Especially in Wilhelm's eyes. He can’t keep putting Wille above himself. Can’t keep letting Wille make him feel lesser. Simon has to take care of himself, has to be his own number one because obviously he isn’t the prince’s. He lied. Even after he said he wouldn’t. He lied and it hurt. Like a knife stabbed into his heart. It wasn’t like it was the first time Wilhelm had let him down either. Simon shouldn’t have been surprised. When he really thought about it, he realized that he wasn’t surprised at all. There had been this tugging in his gut that told him things wouldn’t end well. He knew the way the queen manipulated her son for the sake of the crown. For the sake of appearances. For the sake of her legacy.

And what of his appearance? He gets stared at daily. Everyone knows his face. The attention seeker, the gold digger. The boy in the video. The video of child porn that for some reason isn’t getting taken down. They’re minors for god's sake! Not to mention the journalists and reporters that come to his door and hound him and his family. It’s disgusting. Pathetic. And for what?

Two people who love, consented in an intimate moment should be allowed their privacy. It doesn’t matter if it was the Crown Prince or not. That video was nothing but violation. It tainted a precious memory that will now forever be filled with heartbreak.

He said they could still be together. In secret. He didn’t want that, had never really wanted that in the first place. How could he have asked that after everything? As soon as he saw the tear fall down the prince’s face, he had to leave. Had to get away. Simon left him standing there. Alone. Simon could not, would not put himself last anymore. The Crown Prince had to do it alone. Wilhelm had to do it alone.

It felt terrible. Felt terrible leaving Wille by himself, alone. He knew the prince had no one. Erik was dead, Wilhelm’s parents were useless, and now he took himself out of the picture. But he was done letting his love be leached from him with no real reciprocation, no understanding of how this affected him. This was now on his own terms. It’s been said and done. His heart is broken, but he has to be true, has to have some inkling of respect for himself. He has to be his number one.

That was why he didn’t say it back on the last day of the term. When the prince had hugged him, apologized and said those three words. Those three words that wouldn’t fix anything. Those three words that hung heavy in the air. Simon hadn’t wanted to let Wilhelm go, they had always fit so perfectly, but it wasn’t meant to be. He had a feeling it would never be. And that probably hurt the most. There was something special between him and Wille. Something deep and ancient that couldn’t be explained. It was almost guaranteed that Simon would never get over the prince that stole his heart. A tragic love story.

Linda and Sara kept an eye on him. Both of them knew this hit harder than he was letting on. They knew he was hurting, knew this was going to be a long road of recovery, but they would be there. His family would give him a safe space.

What’s done is done.

#young royals #young royals fanfic #young royals drabble #wilmon #simon erikkson #prince wilhelm #wrecked #imagine dragons #number one imagine dragons