Originals
Our favourite Swedish queer duo is back, finally!
WORDS BY SAM DAMSHENAS
HEADER BY LIV LAWRENCE
1st November 2022
Wilmon stans, unite: the sophomore season of Young Royals has finally hit Netflix and yes, there’s even more gut-wrenching, tear-jerking and adorable moments between our favourite Swedish queer teen duo.
Following the dramatic events of season one, which cracked the top 10 of various English-language countries around the world and catapulted its cast to global superstardom (just check their Instagram followings), Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding) and Simon (Omar Rudberg) return to Hillerska Boarding School and come to terms with the aftermath of their leaked sex tape, as well as the former’s resistance to ascending to the Swedish throne.
Speaking with GAY TIMES, Omar said he “fucking screamed with happiness” when he read the season two scripts because he lived for the “drama”, adding: “Give me some tea, girl. This season never gets boring.” He wasn’t fibbing, season two is Young Royals is the show at its most scandalous.
In celebration of Wilmon’s return, here are 10 of their best moments from season two – it goes without saying, but massive spoilers ahead.
“You’re supposed to say the ‘Crown Prince’”
Wilhelm displays a feistier new side (and haircut!) in the first episode when he tells – or rather, orders – August, his cousin and former best friend who leaked the intimate video of him and Simon, to address him as the “Crown Prince” from this moment on; eliciting a shocked response from the rest of the Hillerska students (and a ‘yaaas!’ from viewers). August, embarrassed, continues to tell Wilhelm – THE CROWN PRINCE – that he cannot enter the third-year celebrations, to which he responds with the utmost conviction: “Challenge me. Tell me what to do. See what happens.” This scene showcases a ballsier new side to the future King of Sweden and sets the stage for a severe second season.
Wilhelm and Simon reunite, finally!
Shortly after Wilhelm makes a mockery of his new nemesis – which we loved to see, we should add – he reunites with Simon for the first time since he awkwardly refused to reciprocate his proclamation of love in the closing moments of season one. The sound of thumping electronic music fades out in favour of more serene, idyllic sounds as the two intensely lock eyes from across the room. It’s the moment we’ve all waited a year for. Shame their phones weren’t turned off, huh?
Wilhelm breaks tradition
At the first luncheon of the year, Wilhelm continues to defy Hillerska’s outdated traditions (and August) as he leaves the table to collect some food. After being informed by August that “third-years go first”, Wilhelm initiates a vote on the hierarchical practice as he asks the room: “Who thinks we should stop serving the third-years, and instead, everyone can eat whenever they want?” A tense – we repeat, tense – stand-off between Wilhelm and August results in the latter dissolving the rule to the surprise of his loyal followers. Wilhelm didn’t come to play this season! Which brings us onto…
Wilhelm defies the queen
Her Majesty’s entourage burst into the middle of Wilhelm’s class and demand he pack his bags and leave Hillerska as a result of ‘threatening’ the Royal Family (so dramatic) A physical exchange between Wilhelm and Malin, a bodyguard, leads to a phone call with his mother, where she warns him that his recent conduct and secret relationship with Simon is a danger to their pristine image. Because Wilhelm breathes powerthis season, he emerges victorious and stays at Hillerska without his bodyguards; one of his “non-negotiable” terms.
“I cannot be your secret again”
With Wilhelm’s place at Hillerska secure, he informs Simon that the two can pursue a romantic relationship in secret until he turns 18. “Do you really think that I’m gonna sit around waiting for you for two years?” Simon (rightfully) tells his former beau, reminding him that he “couldn’t even be honest” about his involvement in the leaked video that saw his life invaded by the press while Wilhelm got away scot-free. Simon, who knows his worth, continues: “I cannot be your secret again.” We love you, Wilhelm, but Simon was right for this.
Simon’s Song
For the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Simon writes a new version of the classic Hillis song with added lyrics such as, “They say all wounds heal with time / You know it hurt / I gave up on myself / So fucking lost till I found my way.” Clearly referencing his heartbreak over Wilhelm, the revised track receives praise from his teacher. No surprise there, Omar Rudberg’s vocals are heavenly. Stream his latest album, OMR, now! Or else!
Wilmon (momentarily) reunite
Moments before he performs Simon’s Song in front of the school, Hillerska’s most acclaimed singer-songwriter and future Grammy winner pursues Wilhelm in the courtyard to discuss how “everything got so messed up” in their relationship. Dreamy, ambient music makes a return as the duo lock lips and seemingly reconcile, with the moment cut short by Simon’s rebound Marcus. Joining the choir, Simon performs his track to the elation of Wilhelm and it’s all very cute. Wilmon 4ever.
The curtains WILL be drawn this time!
Wilmon’s reconciliation continues to develop in the final moments of episode five when the duo make love, not before Wilhelm recognises that his bedroom curtain – the root of all their problems – isn’t drawn. Fans celebrated the characters’ development in regards to their sordid history with curtains; one tweeted “THE CURTAIN THANK THE LORD” while another wrote, “I cried when he closed the curtains. I have never cried over curtains before.” We are so proud of you, Wilmon, so proud.
“Get down on your knees!”
After August recruits Alexander to take the fall for the leaked video, Wilhelm pays tribute to Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande’s R&B classic Get On Your Knees as he confronts August – shotgun in hand. “I’m still the Crown Prince, not you,” he reaffirms, before demanding, “Get down on your knees!” Wilhelm proceeds to spit on the ground in-front of August. We don’t condone violence or shotgun usage of any kind, but c’mon… Edvin demolished this scene. Emmy, now!
“I love you” / “It was me in that video”
A rather angsty season of Young Royals concludes with Wilhelm admitting to the press that it was him in the video with Simon, moments after Simon tells him that he wants to be with him – in secret or not – and finally confesses his love. (We did cry, yes.) “It was a moment I didn’t want to share with anyone else, so I lied about it, but it was me,” Wilhelm says in his Jubilee speech, before turning around and smiling at Simon, who reciprocates with a relieved smile of his own. After all the drama between the two, all the secrets, threats and momentary lapses in judgement with other potential love interests, we finally reached – in the words of fans – “Wilmon endgame”. Bring on season three. Confirm it now. Netflix, confirm… it… now.
Young Royals season 2 is now streaming worldwide on Netflix.
Read our interview with Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg in the latest issue of GAY TIMES via Apple News+,ReadlyandFlipster.
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FAQs
Do Simon and Wilhelm get together in season 2 of Young Royals? ›
Simon tells Wilhelm he's willing to let their relationship be a secret, but he doesn't want any secrets between them. And that's how Simon and Wilhelm end up together to end season 2.
Did Wilhelm and Simon say I love you? ›"I Love You."
Wilhelm says these powerful words first, right before he leaves for holiday in the season 1 finale. It takes a while, but Simon finally reciprocates this in the season 2 finale after months of denying his feelings.
In the program, Simon is also supposed to be 16 years old, however he is seven years older than his role. What is Wilhelm's age in Young Royals? In the show, Wilhelm begins attending the elite private school Hillerska at the age of sixteen.
What did Wilhelm say to Simon? ›“You're the only one I can talk to,” says Wilhelm to Simon, because the Crown Prince gets what the Crown Prince wants. Just like August, Wilhelm is obsessive about what he wants — whether it be Simon's love or August's tears.
Does August actually like Sara? ›However, after he falls in love with Sara, he sells one of the valuable paintings he inherited from his father to buy the horse Rousseau for her. In the second season it is revealed that he is, following the death of Crown Prince Erik, second in the line of succession to the throne, immediately behind Wilhelm.
Why did Wilhelm kiss Felice? ›Wilhelm apologizes and admits he kissed her to see if it will feel different. Felice tells him that she was in love with him and it was crappy of him to kiss her when he knew how she felt.
Do Wilhelm and Simon have a happy ending? ›August, unaware of this, has made moves to show Sara how much he loves her by buying back the horse she lost. Most crucially of all, Simon and Wilhelm are now finally back together.
Who did Simon fall in love with? ›The first Bridgerton book, The Duke and I, centers around Daphne and Simon Basset's love story. During the 1813 season, Daphne and Simon pretend to court each other but end up developing real feelings for each other. They eventually share a kiss in the garden, which Daphne's brother Anthony witnesses.
Why did Simon not say I love you to Wilhelm? ›Just seconds before Wilhelm takes the stage, he and Simon slip away to a private corridor where Simon tells Wilhelm “I love you.” It's a tender moment in the midst of so much tension, and one that brings the couple full circle from the Season 1 finale when Simon did not reciprocate Wilhelm's “I love you” because he ...
Is Sara older than Simon? ›Frida Argento – Sara
Sara is Simon's sister who forms and unlikely friendship with Felice. She is a bit older than Simon and is meant to be around 17 years old. She has a five year age gap between her and her character.
What episode do Wilhelm and Simon sleep together? ›
However, Marcus quickly becomes aware that Simon still loves Wilhelm. In episode 4, Simon and Wilhelm kiss, and in episode 5, they have sex.
Who leaked the video of Simon and Wilhelm? ›Simon's Relationship With His Sister
Simon did not do this lightly, but because he finds out that Sara knew August had leaked the video and still began a relationship with him. It is a devastating betrayal for any sibling to do. They are not on speaking terms and Sara even leaves school in the end.
Golding hints that Simon may have epilepsy which makes him different from the other boys. Simon does, however, show bravery when he goes to look for the Beast. Simon is the only one of the boys who can really see what is going on and that they are being driven by the evil which is inside themselves.
When did Wilhelm say I love you? ›“I love you” / “It was me in that video”
A rather angsty season of Young Royals concludes with Wilhelm admitting to the press that it was him in the video with Simon, moments after Simon tells him that he wants to be with him – in secret or not – and finally confesses his love. (We did cry, yes.)
Set at the fictional elite boarding school Hillerska, the plot primarily follows the fictional Prince Wilhelm of Sweden (Edvin Ryding), his romance with fellow male student Simon Eriksson (Omar Rudberg), and the drama which results.
What mental illness does Sara have? ›Sara! Season 3 revealed that Sara (Ximena Lamadrid) suffered from dissociative personality disorder or schizophrenia.
Who is Sara in love with? ›Legends of Tomorrow: Sara Lance and Ava Sharpe's romance FINALLY became canon and fans love it.
Does Sara tell Felice August kissed her? ›They soon makeup, and even when Sara confesses that August kissed her in the stables, Felice sides with Sara and dumps him.
Did Felice sleep with August? ›At school, Felice knocks on August's door. She asks to come in, and tells him that she knows he's into her. They kiss and begin to have sex on his bed. At his home, Simon packs for an overnight stay.
Does Wilhelm ever come out? ›'Young Royals' Season 2 Finale Interview: Wilhelm Comes Out, Sex Tape - Variety.
Does Wilhelm have anxiety? ›
Fandoms: Young Royals (TV 2021)
Wilhelm still felt underwater, but he was no longer in his glass box, and he could see the sun in the top of the water. Wilhelm struggles with anxiety and dissociation, but Simon's always there for him.
Felice has a crush on Wilhelm because of his royal status, but Wilhelm doesn't feel the same about her, rejecting her after she kissed him in episode 3. Even so, they agree to forget about it, and Wilhelm cares about Felice and comforts her when she is feeling down, despite not being interested in her romantically.
Does Wilhelm choose Simon? ›She tells him that she, too, had an unfortunate romance at his age, implying she thinks his relationship with Simon is 'unfortunate'. Wilhelm mulls over this, and ultimately decides to deny being the one in the video.
What is Daphne's sons name? ›Four years later, Daphne gives birth to their fourth child and first son, David. Simon knows he will love his son no matter what, just as he does his three daughters.
How many kids do Daphne and Simon have? ›Much like her mother, Daphne follows family tradition and names her five children in alphabetical order. Starting with the couple's first child Amelia, the Hastings give birth to two more daughters, Belinda and Caroline, and then two sons, David and Edward.
Why is Daphne not in season 3? ›Violet Bridgerton and her daughter Daphne in Bridgerton season 1. There's a simple reason as to why Dynevor's Daphne won't be returning: she's had her fill of festivities and must now respectfully decline any invitations from the ton.
Was Wilhelm II in love with his mother? ›According to experts who have uncovered new evidence of an incestuous obsession, this unnatural love for his royal mother was at the heart of Kaiser Wilhelm II's hatred of Britain in the years before the First World War.
Are Omar and Sara twins? ›She is the younger sister of Princess Ayah and Prince Omar, and is also the twin of Princess Aisha.
Is Laurel older than Sara? ›Sara Lance was born on December 25, 1987, Christmas Day, to Quentin and Dinah Lance in Starling City and had an older sister, Laurel.
Do August and Sara sleep together? ›Sara sneaks into August's room as he had asked her to talk. She initially thought he wants sex but he just wants to talk. He tells her about the queen's summon and she encourages him to be honest and remorseful. They end up having sex and Sara is excited about being with him but lies about her whereabouts to Felice.
Do Wilhelm and Felice kiss in Season 2? ›
However, the relationship between Felice and Wilhelm became complicated in season two after he kissed her and they started making out. This intimate moment was cut short when another student walked in on the pair with Felice and Wilhelm quickly denying the whole thing.
Who killed Simon the King? ›Simon Henstridge was the King of the United Kingdom until his assassination by former Head of Royal Security, Ted Pryce .
What episode do Wilhelm and Simon have their first kiss? ›Wilhelm & Simon: First Kiss. Young Royals, season 1 episode 2.
Why did Simon vomit? ›Watching the parachute rise and fall with the wind, Simon realizes that the boys have mistaken this harmless object for the deadly beast that has plunged their entire group into chaos. When Simon sees the corpse of the parachutist, he begins to vomit.
What leads up to Simon's death? ›In Lord of the Flies, Simon was crucified through a beating from the rest of the boys. He was on his way to tell the boys about his revelation that what they thought was the beast was actually a downed parachutist. The boys mistook him for the beast, causing them to beat him to death.
What was Simon's secret? ›Simon's Secret (written by Fred Baker , drawn by Ramiro Bujeiro) , featured a young boy whose footballing abilities were enhanced by "cybernetic" implants received after a car crash. Simon Benson played for Westlake School's third eleven, although he was not very good at football.
Who is the first to say I love you? ›Who should say 'I love you' first? Either partner can say “I love you” first. If you're feeling it and want your partner to know, it's OK to be the one who takes the plunge. In 2011, a study on relationship commitment among college students found most of them believed women generally say “I love you” first.
How early did you say I love you? ›While men tended to consider confessions of love acceptable after about a month or so, women tended to say it was better to wait 2 to 3 months or so. Confessions of love generally inspired feelings of happiness, but men felt more positive about confessions that happened before the relationship became sexual.
How old was Wilhelm II when he died? › Is Hillerska a real school? ›Hillerska Boarding School is a fictional prestigious boarding school that serves as the main setting of Young Royals. The school is located in Sweden close to a town called Bjärstad, where Simon and Sara live with their mother and commute to and from school everyday.
Do Wilhelm and Simon hook up in season 2? ›
WARNING: YOUNG ROYALS SEASON 2 SPOILERS BELOW
However, Marcus quickly becomes aware that Simon still loves Wilhelm. In episode 4, Simon and Wilhelm kiss, and in episode 5, they have sex.
While Felice is no longer interested in Wilhelm romantically, she continues to have a positive friendship with him, something that infuriates August because he feels Felice should be supporting him more than Wille.
Does Wilhelm get outed? ›Prince Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding), the series' protagonist and reluctant heir to the throne, is caught in the aftermath of being publicly outed on tape by August (Malte Gårdinger), his second cousin and the troubled popular boy at school.
Who does Wilhelm end up with in season 2? ›After a dramatic season of romance and a love triangle, Wilhelm and Simon do find their way back together.
Why do Simon and Wilhelm not end up together? ›They would take their relationship slow, but it did not make sense to him to end it just because Simon was not ready for a serious commitment yet. After watching Simon and Marcus kiss each other after the rowing match, Wilhelm sought support from his best friend, Felice.
What is Wilhelm and Simon ship name? ›Wilmon is the slash ship between Prince Wilhelm and Simon Eriksson from the Young Royals fandom.
Do Wilhelm and Simon kiss in Episode 3? ›Episode 3 of Young Royals starts with Wilhelm helping Simon play the piano. Conversation soon reverts to their kiss; Wilhelm says he believes they should stay friends and forget about the kiss.
Who ends up with Simon? ›Simon developed romantic feelings for the girl, but never confessed them due to being shy. When Clary first realized her identity as a Shadowhunter, Simon was quick to follow her into the Shadow World and brave through all the dangers. Eventually, he admitted his feelings to Clary, and they became a couple.
Who ends up killing Simon? ›In the show, Jake is the evil mastermind behind Simon's death. In the book, things aren't quite as twisted. Janae reveals that Simon was majorly depressed, and he was obsessed with death. In the book, Simon intended to commit suicide under the guise of the ill-conceived prank.
Why is Simon mad at Wilhelm? ›Simon is frustrated and tells Wilhelm that kissing at the Valentine's Ball was a mistake. Wilhelm reveals to Simon that it was August who intentionally leaked the video, and he didn't tell him to protect him. This does not help Simon's anger, and he walks away.