Young Royals Season 3 Could Have Ended More Courageously

The final episode of Young Royals Season 3 isn’t courageous in storytelling, and the ending is predictable, but credit can be given to the meaning behind it. Yes, Wilhelm and Simon end up together, but it’s the manner in which they rekindle their romance that makes it emotional, giving a fair conclusion to the series for the fans. Episode 6 is as generic as it can be for a teen drama, with the usual partying, and quickly sewn-up plot points, but if I’m being realistic, I doubt anyone cares for the other subplots. All eyes are on Simon and Wilhelm.

Hillerska is Shutdown in One Last School Drama For Season 3

The students are devastated that Hillerska is shutdown in Young Royals Season 3 Episode 6 (Credit – Netflix)

The aftermath of Episode 5 is immediately apparent in the sixth and final episode of the series. Wilhelm and Simon have broken up, leaving an air of sadness to open with. Wilhelm understands Simon’s reasons, which are fleshed out near the end of the chapter.

However, there are important matters in the finale of Season 3 that hold little drama because the writers had little time to make it impactful. Hillerska has been shut down by the Inspectors, and the school is no longer allowed to operate. Of course, there’s panic amongst the students, and this is a perfect excuse to throw one last big party to fulfill the teen genre. August apparently wants to be careful at this party because he’s in line for the Royal Succession, but it does not take too long for him to be convinced to get involved.

Wilhelm is too depressed to attend the party at first and confides in Felice. Like any teenager, Felice solves the problem by giving Wilhelm alcohol, and instantly, he changes his mind. Simon also considers not attending the party too, but his friends fondly remind him that he may never see Wilhelm again. All this tees up the audience — the final obstacles for Wilhelm and Simon are laid bare.

The Final Party Helps Heal Some Wounds, Especially Wilhelm and August

Predictably, Wilhelm and Simon cannot stop looking at each other at the party. Why would they think that attending an alcohol-fuelled party was going to be the perfect recipe for their break-up? However, surprisingly, the reconciliation I did not expect came from Wilhelm and August.

Wilhelm hides from the party but ends up in the same room as August. They share a drink, and Wilhelm apologizes to August for what his brother Erik did to him at the initiation. August helps aid the reconciliation and tells Wilhelm that his brother loved him. The “enemies” storyline ended rather abruptly.

Sara Breaks August’s Heart in Shocking Break-Up

Sara breaks August’s heart in Young Royals (Credit – Netflix)

But from reconciliation to heartbreak; August is excited to see Sara at the party, but she’s not as enthusiastic to see him. She tells him their relationship is over, leaving August looking wounded. Sara explains that August does not “see her” for who she is, but she does leave him with a parting kiss, and says “It’ll pass.” August should have seen this coming. He’s put himself above others, and that has led to him losing out on something meaningful with Sara. However, with his fate leaning toward the Royal Family, it’s no surprise that the writers opted to pave a clear path for him.

Wilhelm and Simon Agree to Have One Last Night Together

If I’m completely honest with you, this entire generation embracing “situationships” is growing tired. It reeks of a lack of accountability. But the younger generations of today enjoy it, so it’s no surprise they make a sweet story out of the concept in the finale of Young Royals. At the party, Wilhelm and Simon talk to each other after a lot of eye contact. They agree to forget about their break-up and have “one night” together, which, if I may add realism to this, is the worst idea ever. If you ever want to stick to a breakup, don’t make it a situation afterward.

They head out to the lake together, both still feeling the heavy weight of their breakup, but savoring their apparently final moments. They talk about the time they went into the lake together, naked, and shared a kiss. Wilhelm and Simon cannot comprehend breaking up.

But then again, it’s hard to comprehend a breakup if you pretend that you are not breaking up.

Young Royals Season 3 Ending Sees Wilhelm and Simon Together Again But With a Salient Message

Simon (L) and Wilhelm (R) painfully say goodbye to each other in Young Royals (Credit – Netflix)

As we reach the ending of Episode 6, the partying is over, and seemingly, the end of Hillerska is out of their hands. However, the school still holds a graduation, and the Acting Principal announces that the Inspectorate’s decision to shut down Hillerska will be appealed.

And so, graduation is bittersweet, and the series really does feel like it’s ending at this point. Wilhelm is surprised to see his parents attend, but the story injects the importance of family right before the most significant moment to highlight some logic in Wilhelm’s decision-making. Wilhelm mother’s apologizes for not being there for him and asks for forgiveness, and he accepts.

And there is one last obstacle before the series closes out: Wilhelm sees Simon leaving the graduation event, so runs after him. Simon tells Wilhelm he did not give up on him, but he gave up on the Royal Family. This leads to a painful goodbye.

The subject of progressiveness and the Royal Family has been a key theme throughout this series, and it comes full circle in the final moments of Season 3. Wilhelm realizes he does not want to be King, and he strongly raises it with his mother, insisting he is not being impulsive, and argues that he does not like what the role represents. He gives his blessing for August to take on the mantle of the next heir. The mother-son relationship is truly healed as she barely reacts, and it’s telling that she accepts his wishes in silence, along with his father.

And so, in a romantic, but predictable moment, Wilhelm, now free from the pressures of being a successor to the throne, runs after Simon’s car. Even in this moment, the series teases whether Simon will stop the car, but, he does. Wilhelm tells Simon he’s given up his right to be King, and more importantly, he did it for himself. Wilhelm tells Simon he wants to be with him and they kiss passionately, confirming to relieved fans that they do end up back together. It’s also very touching how they accompany their rekindled love with flashbacks, detailing their relationship from the start of the series.

Simon and Wilhelm get back together and kiss in the Young Royals Season 3 Finale (Credit – Netflix)

Final thoughts on Young Royals Season 3

I liked this ending of Season 3. While I knew that they were going to end up together, I liked the bravery of Wilhelm to finally confront the fact that he did not want to be King. Integrity is the cornerstone of Wilhelm and Simon’s relationship. Simon could not be with Wilhelm due to his progressive beliefs and his stance on anti-monarchy, and Wilhelm could not be with Simon due to being in line for the King and being someone he flagrantly isn’t.

Simon had to break up with Wilhelm to keep his integrity intact, and Wilhelm had to vacate his privileges to be who he wanted to be and have the relationship he wanted.

However, it would have been funny if Wilhelm gave up a life of being King, and Simon still rejected him. But maybe that’s the evil in me.

Other Important Points from the Young Royals Season 3 Finale

• Wilhelm and Sara’s father has left them, which comes as no surprise.
• Sara tells Felice she has feelings for August, but has more important feelings for everyone else and herself. The friends talk of nostalgic memories, repairing the damage to their friendship. Felice admits she told the inspectors what Hillerska is like (initiations, abuse, bullying), which likely led to the shutdown.
• At the party, Nisse comes out as homosexual.

What did you think of Young Royals Season 3, Episode 6, and the ending? Comment below!