Saying Goodbye to Young Royals: A Fan Tribute to the Adults and Teachers – the Guiding Figures

As the curtain starts to fall on the universe of Young Royals, we find ourselves really traversing the bittersweet landscape of memories, reflecting on the intricate web of relationships woven by not just the young ensemble but also the guiding figures—the adults and teachers who’ve molded their paths. 

From the formidable headmistress of Hillerska to the parents and even the silent figures in the back, all these characters added depth and dimension to the narrative, enriching our viewing experience in profound ways. 

So join us as we bid farewell to some of them…

Hillerska’s Staff

Let’s take off our hats and pay our respects to the unsung heroes of Hillerska—the staff. Now, we all know that Hillerska is more than just a fancy boarding school; it’s practically the beating heart of Young Royals. And you know who keeps that heart pumping? The dedicated crew of teachers and mentors who’ve left an indelible mark on fans, some more than others. 

At the helm of Hillerska stands Anette Lilja (Ingela Olsson), the formidable headmistress whose presence exudes both authority and empathy. Man, oh man, do we miss her presence this season! The school just hasn’t been the same without her. There’s this one moment that’ll forever be etched in our memories—when Wille (Edvin Ryding) came back to school after Erik’s passing, and she was the only adult to offer him a hug. Anette had this uncanny ability to offer comfort while still being a rock-solid figure of authority. It’s no wonder she was admired by students and viewers alike. 

But let’s not forget about the rest of the crew—the housemasters, housemistresses, and teachers who were the backbone of the show. They were there through thick and thin, guiding our faves through the ups and downs of school life. So while we may not be mentioning y’all by name, know that you’re seen, admired, and respected. 

Now, if there’s one person who left an undeniable mark on all of us, it’s Boris (Claes Hartelius), the therapist. From the moment Wille was forced into those therapy sessions, Boris had us wrapped around his finger. His empathy, calm demeanor, and thoughtful approach to his students’ needs were nothing short of legendary. As many of our readers have expressed, his profound words to Wille reverberate beyond the confines of the screen. “We can’t choose who we’re born as, but we can choose how we want to live.” Powerful stuff. 

So here’s to Anette, Boris, and the rest of the Hillerska staff. Thanks for being the backbone of our favorite fictional school and for giving us some truly unforgettable moments.

Wille’s family

Kristina (Pernilla August), Ludvig (Magnus Roosmann), and Erik (Ivar Forsling). First off, we’ve got Erik, Wille’s late brother and the original Crown Prince. His passing rocked us to the core, sending shockwaves through the royal family and beyond. Like many of you, we still can’t shake the feeling of what could have been if fate hadn’t intervened. 

And let’s be real, this season dropped some major bombshells about Erik—like his involvement in those cruel initiations. But you know what? Despite his flaws, we like to think he was still a decent guy at heart who would have been there for his baby brother no matter what. We mean, who isn’t a little rough around the edges, right? Maybe realizing that Erik wasn’t perfect will help Wille shake off some of the pressure he feels to live up to his brother’s legacy. 

Now, let’s talk about Kristina and Ludvig, Erik and Wille’s parents. Whew, where do we even begin with these two? They’re like a rollercoaster of conflicting emotions for us fans. We get it—they’ve got their royal duties to attend to. But come on, couldn’t they have shown a little more love and support to poor Wille, especially after Erik’s passing? We know they love him, but their silence speaks volumes, and it stings. 

Especially when it comes to Kristina—let’s just say, we’ve never been her biggest fans. And it seems like we’re not alone in that sentiment. Many of you have shared your frustrations with us, and we hear you loud and clear. But we’ve also seen how empathic y’all can be with her situation and we want to honor that. As one of you said, “The pressure from growing up as a Royal changes a person, as does grief, ” and you’re right. For Kristina, everything is always been about the Crown because that’s the way she was taught. So here’s to Kristina and Ludvig finding some peace and maybe even learning a thing or two about unconditional love along the way.

Simon’s parents

Alright, let’s shift gears and shine a spotlight on Simon’s (Omar Rudberg) parental unit—Micke (Leonard Terfelt) and Linda (Carmen Gloria Pérez). Strap in, folks, ’cause this one’s a doozy.

First up, we’ve got Micke, the elusive absentee father. Now, saying goodbye to him is no walk in the park for any of us, especially considering the mess he’s left behind with his actions and addiction. Sure, we know he’s dealing with some serious issues, but that doesn’t give him a free pass to wreak havoc on his family. But here’s the thing—we can’t deny that beneath all the mess, Micke does care about his kids. He may not have the best track record, but he’s not homophobic towards Simon, and he’s trying to forge connections with Sara (Frida Argento) in Season 3. It’s clear he wants to mend those broken bonds, even if he’s not quite sure how to go about it. So, here’s to saying goodbye to Micke and hoping that one day he finds the strength to seek help and become the father his children deserve.

Now, onto Linda—the beloved matriarch of the family. Ah, Linda, nuestra mami consentida. She’s the epitome of everything Kristina is not—warm, supportive, and always there for her kids. Sure, she’s made her fair share of mistakes, like leaning too heavily on Simon to take care of Sara. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right? Linda is a shining example of motherhood, working tirelessly to provide for her children and instill valuable life lessons along the way. She’s the kind of mom who’s always got a listening ear and a comforting embrace ready for her kids, no matter what. And let’s not forget her unwavering strength in the face of adversity. Linda’s resilience in the face of life’s challenges is nothing short of inspiring, and it’s no wonder she’s earned the love and admiration of fans everywhere. So here’s to Linda—the heart and soul of the family, the glue that holds them all together.  As one of our readers put it, “gracias for todo lo que haces por tus niños, Linda.” You’re a true gem.

A very honorary mention: Malin

Now, let’s shine a spotlight on a hidden gem among the adults of the Young Royals universe—an unsung hero who’s been quietly holding it down from day one: Livvakt Malin (Anna Valkyria Petersson), one of Wille’s security detail.

Credit where credit’s due. Malin may not have had the flashiest role or the most screen time, but boy, did she make an impact. From the shadows, she stood guard over Wille, always ready to leap into action to ensure his safety, even when he was being a bit of a handful. But here’s the thing—Malin wasn’t just there to protect Wille physically. Oh no, she was also a silent witness to the blossoming love story between Wille and Simon. As one of you shared with us, while the rest of the world was none the wiser, Malin was quietly standing watch, discreetly safeguarding their secret romance.

We like to think of her as a bodyguard, a chaperone, a confidant, and a friend all rolled into one. So here’s to you, Malin. Thanks for all you did for the boys, for being a steady presence in their lives when they needed it most. You may not have gotten the recognition you deserved, but rest assured, you’ll always hold a special place in all our hearts.

And as we close out this heartfelt tribute to the adults and teachers, let’s take a moment to acknowledge those characters who may not have had their own section, but still left their mark on the Young Royals universe. To Jan-Olof (Magnus Ehrner) and Farima (Marall Nasiri), the palace figures who sometimes made Wille’s stress levels skyrocket—we know you were just doing your jobs and protecting the Crown. So here’s to you both, thanks for the headaches.

And let’s not overlook Marcus (Tommy Wättring). His presence had us all on edge, sending waves of panic through the fandom from the get-go. However, his role in Season 2 was undeniably impactful. Despite everything, it’s worth acknowledging that without Marcus’s involvement, perhaps Wille and Simon’s reunion would have been delayed or taken a different path altogether. So, Marcus, here’s a nod of appreciation for your part in the grand scheme of things. Thanks for the unexpected assist, even if it came with its fair share of turbulence.

Before we turn the page on these beloved characters and embark on new tributes, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible actors who breathed life into them. None of these characters would have sparked such strong reactions among fans if not for the talented actors who brought them to life. So to each and every one of them—Olsson, Hartelius, August, Roosmann, Forsling, Terfelt, Pérez, Petersson, Ehrner, Nasiri, and Wättring —thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your commitment to your characters. We appreciate you more than words can say.

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Our goodbye tributes are far from over, fam. Keep an eye on our website for more tributes to the characters who’ve captured our hearts. You can read Ayub and Rosh’s tribute here. 

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The first 5 episodes of Young Royals Season 3 are available to stream on Netflix. The final episode will drop worldwide on March 18. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!

Feature Image: Images Courtesy of Netflix.