Saying Goodbye to Young Royals: A Fan Tribute to Simon — The Ultimate Protector

Of all the goodbye tributes we planned for Young Royals, Simon’s (Omar Rudberg) and Wilhelm’s (Edvin Ryding) were the ones we were dreading the most. Saying goodbye is always hard, but bidding farewell to characters who mean so much to so many people is even harder. What words can we say that truly reflect the depth of emotions felt by countless fans? How can we possibly cover the myriad of sentiments and opinions in just one piece? It seems like an impossible task, but we’re determined to do our best to honor Simon. 

We remember it like it was yesterday when we were first introduced to Simon, and what captured us all right from the start wasn’t just his sweet singing voice but also his infectious smile. However, as we got to know him through the episodes, we realized the gift Young Royals was actually giving us with this character.

Simon isn’t just a character representing the queer Latino community, which is highly underrepresented on mainstream TV, but he embodies the very essence of humanity in its purest form. His portrayal goes beyond mere representation; it delves deep into the core of authenticity, reflecting the diverse facets of human experiences and emotions.

Smart, brave, fearless, strong, selfless, generous, emphatic, understanding, focused, caring, kind, loyal to a fault, passionate, driven, and never afraid to speak his mind. With a clear moral compass and a heart made of gold, Simon stays true to himself, remaining authentic through and through. It doesn’t hurt either that he’s extremely talented (we will never get tired of hearing him sing) and very, very handsome. But we digress.

Despite his admirable qualities, Simon is not without flaws. Like all of us, he can react poorly at times, especially when blindsided, betrayed, or lied to. His impulsive reactions, though understandable for a teenager, remind us of his humanity and struggles. However, it is his ability to learn and grow from these experiences that makes him even more relatable and admirable.

As an individual, Simon navigates through societal challenges with resilience, standing firm in his values and identity despite the adversities he faces. But it’s when we see him with Wille, a boy who comes and changes his life completely, that we witness the raw vulnerability that exists in him. We see him face the challenges of his first love, of finding your person at such a young age. Inspiring, generous, and loving. A true friend and companion in every sense of the word, a caretaker who’s always there for the ones he loves. 

Throughout the three seasons of Young Royals, Simon undergoes a profound journey of self-discovery and growth. He teaches us invaluable lessons about bravery, self-love, and the complexities of relationships. He teaches us about the courage it takes to be open to love despite past hurts and the balance it takes to care for others and protect ourselves.

In a world that often tries to diminish his worth, Simon shines as a beacon of hope and resilience. His vulnerability, combined with his unwavering strength, makes him a character we can’t help but deeply connect with. We see ourselves in his struggles, his triumphs, and his determination to stay true to himself.

But Simon wouldn’t be Simon without the incredible work of Omar Rudberg — the young man behind the character. Rudberg’s raw and captivating performance brought Simon to life in ways that resonated deeply with audiences. For three seasons, Rudberg infused Simon with authenticity and depth; his dedication to the role elevated Simon from a character to a role model in queer media. 

After watching this young man’s work, one would never guess that Young Royals was his first acting gig, as he effortlessly and naturally embodies Simon’s complexities and nuances. His growth throughout the series is nothing short of remarkable, showcasing a talent destined for greatness. Mark our words, this young man is going places. 

So, as we all bid farewell to Simon, nuestro niño precioso, we acknowledge the impact he has had on all our lives. Simon, the ultimate protector, we hope that you never stop fighting for yourself and those you love. Thank you for teaching us the importance of self-love. We will love you forever.

And Omar? Thank you for bringing this unforgettable character to life and for sharing your talent with the world. Your performance as Simon will remain cherished and remembered by all of us forever. So hats off to you, sir, for your incredible work. While we cannot predict the future, we are certain that whatever lies ahead for you will be as bright as your talent and spirit. Thank you for Simon, for the lessons learned, for showing us who you are, for the songs, for the laughs, for the tears, for always being there. We ADORE you.

We invite you to read all the heartfelt comments and tributes from fans that went into writing this article. 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 with us their farewell tributes and emotions as we say goodbye to Simon and the rest of the characters of Young Royals. Thank you for letting us be a small 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