Queen Silvia: A Heartfelt Royal Romance Inspired by ABBA Set to Premiere on Prime Video
Exclusive: Dramatization of Swedish Royal Love Story Underway
A new drama series titled Queen Silvia is currently in production, inspired by the chance meeting between German-Brazilian interpreter Silvia Sommerlath and Sweden’s Crown Prince Carl Gustaf during the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. The series, available on Prime Video in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Nordic countries, will also be aired free-to-air in Germany by SAT.1. Beta Film is handling international distribution for the project.
Silvia Sommerlath encountered the young Crown Prince while she was working at the Olympics. Their love story has become closely linked with the iconic ABBA song "Dancing Queen," which famously debuted during their wedding celebrations.
Queen Silvia aims to capture the essence of royal relationships and significant events, reminiscent of the acclaimed series The Crown. The role of Silvia will be portrayed by German actress Alicia von Rittberg, known for her work in Call My Agent! Berlin, while Swedish actor Edvin Endre, recognized from Vikings, will play Carl Gustaf. The story unfolds across Munich, Stockholm, and the French Riviera.
Miguel Alexandre, who directed Gran Paradiso, helms the project from a screenplay he co-wrote with Lisa Hofer (Black Island) and Pauline Wolff (VAKA). The showrunner for the series is Carsten Kelber. Production duties are shared between Germany’s Pyjama Pictures and Sweden’s Unlimited Stories, with Beta Film overseeing distribution. The announcement comes at an opportune moment, coinciding with the ongoing Series Mania event in Lille.
The narrative focuses on Silvia’s journey as she meets the playboy Crown Prince, who was attending the Games as a guest of honor.
“Queen Silvia is not just another royal drama,” stated Justus Riesenkampff, EVP Nordics & Benelux at Beta Film. “It tells the unique story of two people who come from completely different worlds.”
Producer Carsten Kelber from Pyjama Pictures emphasized the significance of the story, declaring it “one of the biggest love stories of our time—not only between two people, but also between two countries.”
Frida Wallman, Producer at Unlimited Stories, expressed her enthusiasm: “Being part of the first dramatized series about our Swedish Royal couple is both a privilege and a thrill. With the depth of research woven into the scripts, and the remarkable collaboration between Sweden and Germany, we cannot wait for audiences everywhere to see what we have created.”
Beta Film has a notable reputation for royal-themed productions. Following the success of the Dutch series Máxima, a spin-off titled The Other Royals – A Máxima Story is set to release soon, along with Ludwig, focused on King Ludwig II. The demand for regal narratives continues to thrive, and the Beta team will be present at Series Mania to discuss their latest royal offering during the series of industry-focused events this week.
