Saying Goodbye to Young Royals: A Fan Tribute to Wilhelm (Wille) — The Caged Bird

As we said in our previous tribute, bidding farewell to characters who mean so much to so many people is always tough. As with Simon, saying goodbye to Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding), or Wille as many of us have come to know him, is especially heartbreaking. When characters have impacted lives the way Wille has, it’s hard to find words that can truly express what he means to many. Nevertheless, we’ll do our utmost to honor his journey.

From the spare-turned-crown prince burdened with expectations to the vulnerable soul seeking freedom and love. Wille was the first character we met on the show, thrust into the spotlight when a viral video of an altercation at a party got him into trouble, leading him to finish his studies at Hillerska. For many, that moment of vulnerability and isolation was when Wille connected with the audience—when people saw this façade of privilege masking a profound loneliness.

Because yes, beneath his tough exterior lies a young man struggling with severe anxiety, a topic rarely addressed openly on mainstream TV. In fact, Wille’s struggles with anxiety, which often manifest through nervous habits throughout the three seasons of Young Royals, remind us of his humanity, as they mirror many of our own experiences with mental health.

Underneath his temperamental exterior, Wille is a soft-hearted individual who struggles with internalized homophobia and familial pressures. His journey of self-discovery and acceptance, especially in the context of his relationship with Simon, showcases the many ups and downs of navigating love, identity, and societal expectations at the same time. 

Wille is a complex, layered character, grappling with the weight of expectations—a fragile soul trapped in a world of rules and obligations. Wille is impulsive yet noble, temperamental yet understanding, a portrait of a multifaceted personality that resonates deeply with viewers. 

His growth as an individual, though tumultuous, is a testament to the strength of his character and the power of vulnerability. Wille’s arc highlights important themes of mental health, LGBTQ+ representation, and the pursuit of personal freedom. Wilhelm’s journey through healing and self-discovery was and will be a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges.

Despite his withdrawn nature, Wilhelm is a natural leader with a strong sense of justice and compassion. His relationship with Simon is transformative, guiding him towards self-acceptance and a deeper understanding of the world around him. For many, watching him grow from a conflicted prince to a young man who embraces his true self and fights for freedom and love is a testament to his strength and courage.

But Wille wouldn’t be the iconic character he is without the exceptional talent of Edvin Ryding. His electrifying performance as Wille was nothing short of outstanding. Ryding’s portrayal of Wille, particularly in moments of high emotional intensity, was nothing short of remarkable. Truly, Ryding’s portrayal of Wille is a force to be reckoned with.

His ability to embody Wille’s vulnerability and inner turmoil while maintaining precision and authenticity is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. Despite his young age, Ryding is a seasoned actor who commands the screen effortlessly.

As we bid farewell to Wille, our caged bird, we acknowledge the impact he has had on our lives. Thank you for teaching us that it’s okay not to be okay, and that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. Thank you for never giving up despite the odds, and for showing us the power of hope and love. We will carry your story in our hearts forever.

And Edvin? We thank you for everything you brought to Wille’s character, for sharing your incredible artistry with the world. Your dedication to this broken boy, your love for him, is truly unparalleled. Please know that your performance will stay etched in the hearts of fans forever. So all our respect to you sir, we have no doubt that this is just the beginning of your illustrious career as an international actor, we predict nothing but success and acclaim in your future projects. We ADORE you.

We invite you to read all the heartfelt comments and tributes that were used to write this piece. You can find them on our X(formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts.

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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Q+ community for sharing their farewell tributes and emotions with us as we say goodbye to Wille and the characters of Young Royals. Thank you for letting us be a part of this journey. We’re honored to have been a platform for your voices. With love, the Q+ team.

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All three seasons of Young Royals are available to stream on Netflix. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!

Featured image: Image Courtesy of Netflix