New series about the young love of King Carl Gustaf and Silvia causes displeasure

According to Swedish media reports, the couple has spoken negatively about the series. In an interview with the newspaper Dagens Nyheter, Carl Gustaf said: "Ich finde es schrecklich." He also compared the project to "The Crown," the successful series about the era of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. He also criticized: "Die Figuren müssen ja von jemandem dargestellt werden, der alle Ausdrücke übertreibt, von denen man selbst weiß, dass man sie hat."

Queen Silvia also expressed concerns. She finds it "merkwürdig" that series are being made about people who are still alive, she said. She also added: "Das bedeutet, dass wir vielleicht mit Halbwahrheiten weiterleben müssen. Und dass wir vielleicht über einen Film beurteilt werden, an dem wir überhaupt nicht beteiligt sind."

The two lead actors nevertheless approach their task with seriousness and joy. Alicia von Rittberg explained that it really helps to focus on the feeling of young love and to discover adventure and joy within it. Von Rittberg also said that she herself does not find it desirable to be a queen or a king.

Edvin Endre emphasized that his approach is to find the human element in the story and to examine why Silvia and Carl Gustaf chose each other. He also admitted that it is difficult to put oneself in the role of a queen or a king.

The series is intended as a tribute to the couple's marriage, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026. The golden wedding anniversary falls on 19 June 2026, with official celebrations planned for 13 June 2026. The broadcast of the series will not, however, coincide with this date.

Background

The premiere is currently scheduled for spring 2027. The series is to appear first on Prime Video, followed by a planned broadcast on Sat.1.

The Swedish Royal House and Media Portrayal

Background

The Commoner as Queen

The Swedish Royal House and Media Portrayal

The Comparison with "The Crown"

The Swedish monarchy is one of the oldest in Europe, but has always been caught between tradition and the modern media society. King Carl Gustaf ascended the throne in 1973 following the death of his grandfather Gustaf VI. Adolf. His wife Silvia, née Sommerlath, was the first commoner to marry into the Swedish royal house at the time of her wedding.

The Commoner as Queen

Silvia Sommerlath met Carl Gustaf in 1972 at the Olympic Games in Munich, where she worked as chief hostess for the organizing committee. Her role as queen developed over the following decades into one of the most defining of the Swedish monarchy, shaped by charitable commitment and a notably approachable public image.

The Comparison with "The Crown"

Carl Gustaf's reference to "The Crown" is noteworthy, as the British series accompanied the British royal family over decades and triggered intense debates about historical accuracy and portrayal. In Sweden, too, the new series raises questions about how to deal with public figures who are still alive.