jumper. Canali
trousers. Ami Paris
opposite
full look. Nanushka
The cast of Young Royals is putting their crowns on for one last time. The hit Swedish teen Netflix romance drama became a beloved show across the globe with fans relishing in the romance between the fictional Prince Wilhelm of Sweden and fellow student Simon Eriksson. Swedish actor Malte Gardinger portrays third-year student August Horn of Årnäs, prefect, captain of the rowing team, and, naturally, a member of the noble family by being second cousins with Wilhelm. Although audiences first see August being tasked with helping Wilhelm get used to the new school, he has his own secrets of his own that viewers bear witness to.
Amid the fervour and fanfare surrounding the hit series Young Royals, Schön! sits down with Gardinger to discuss the ending of the series, his passions outside of acting, and beyond.
jacket, vest + trousers. Zegna
shoes. Ami Paris
opposite
jacket. Tiger of Sweden
tank top. Diesel
jeans. JW ANDERSON @ Selfridges
shoes. Ami Paris
Outside of acting, what passions or hobbies do you pursue that fans might be surprised to learn about?
I’m quite passionate about music, and I spend a lot of my free time playing and exploring different musical genres. Though some fans may already be aware of this, music is a significant part of my life outside of acting.
The transition from acting in Sweden to gaining international recognition can be challenging. What advice would you give to aspiring actors in Sweden aiming for a global audience?
Persistence is key in the acting industry. If you’re passionate about acting, continue honing your craft and be consistent in your efforts. There’s no single path to success in this field, so focus on what you love and stay true to your passion.
jacket. Tiger of Sweden
tank top. Diesel
opposite
coat + trousers. Missoni
shoes. Christian Louboutin
How has your experience on Young Royals influenced your approach to new projects or roles you’re considering for the future?
My role in Young Royals has made me eager to pursue more complex characters—those that offer depth and a challenge. Working on this project has heightened my interest in roles that allow for a rich exploration of character dynamics.
Given the intense emotional range required for acting, how do you maintain your mental and physical health under the pressure of filming?
Balancing work and personal life is crucial. I focus on not overworking or overthinking, staying positive, and practicing gratitude for the opportunities I’ve been given. It’s about managing stress and remembering the joy that acting brings to my life.
What initially attracted you to the role of August in Young Royals, and how did you prepare for this character?
I was drawn to August’s complex backstory, particularly his reaction to his father’s passing. Preparing for the role involved deep discussions about his character’s emotional responses and exploring the depth of his trauma.
jumper. Marni @ Selfridges
trousers. Jacquemus @ Selfridges
shoes. Onitsuka Tiger
opposite
jumper. Marni @ Selfridges
trousers. Jacquemus @ Selfridges
Can you describe the evolution of your character from Season 1 to Season 2 and how it challenged you as an actor?
Transitioning August from a stereotypical antagonist to a more nuanced character with visible vulnerabilities was a challenge. It required delving deep into his psyche in Season 1 and then revealing his more fragile side in Season 2, offering a rewarding and exciting acting challenge.
How did the dynamics between characters on-screen influence your performance and off-screen relationships with the cast? Is there a memorable experience that you can share while working on the project?
The initial nervousness shared among the cast during Season 1 translated into a genuine on-screen chemistry that benefited our performances. A memorable moment was filming a scene with Edvin late at night, where an improvised emotional outburst led to a powerful and euphoric sense of connection among the cast and crew.
Season 2 dives deeper into character complexities, including August’s. Was there a particular scene or moment that was impactful for you?
Scenes showcasing August’s love for Sara and revealing his vulnerable side were particularly important. These moments challenged me to portray his complexity subtly without overemphasizing his fragility.
full look. AMI Paris
opposite
full look. Nanushka
In terms of character development, what aspect of August’s journey do you find most compelling or relatable?
August’s pursuit of desires he believes will fulfill him, only to realize perhaps too late that fulfillment lies beyond these ambitions, is a profoundly relatable journey. It speaks to the universal experience of reevaluating one’s priorities and values.
If you could switch roles with any character in Young Royals for a day, who would it be and why?
If given the chance, I’d be interested in experiencing the role of Wilhelm or perhaps a high-ranking character like the queen. It would offer a unique perspective and a different set of challenges within the show’s narrative.
Young Royals touches on themes of identity and belonging. How has your journey with the show influenced your own views on these themes?
While my views haven’t dramatically changed, the show has highlighted the ongoing struggle for acceptance and freedom of identity. It’s underscored the importance of progress toward a more inclusive society, especially outside of Sweden’s liberal context.
Looking ahead, if you could write a storyline for August in future seasons, what direction would you take his character?
I’d explore August’s relationship with his father before his passing, delving into the complexities of their dynamic. This storyline would provide a deeper understanding of August’s character and motivations.
jacket, vest + trousers. Zegna
shoes. Ami Paris
Young Royals is streaming now on Netflix.
photography. Alex Rorison
fashion. Koulla Sergi
talent. Malte Gardinger
grooming. Paul Donovan
production. Clara La Rosa
photography assistant. Alex Wilson
fashion assistant. Chessie Friend
location. The Landmark London
interview. Alper Kurtel
