The hit royal drama Maxima, inspired by the life of Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, is expanding its universe with its first spin-off: The Other Royals – A Maxima Story.
A New Chapter in the Franchise
Produced by Millstreet Films in co-production with FBO and Beta Film, the five-hour series will focus on Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau and Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme. Set in 1999, the story follows their early encounters with future royal partners. Claire Bender stars as Princess Mabel, alongside Bram Suijker as Prince Friso. Saskia Diesing, who directed Maxima, will return to helm the spin-off with Hiba Vink. Producer Rachel van Bommel explained that while Season 2 of Maxima introduced the Dutch royals, their stories were left largely unexplored.
“There was so much more to tell,” she said.
A Human Perspective
The spin-off promises to stay true to the franchise’s focus on female perspectives and relatable human experiences. Justus Riesenkampff, EVP Nordics & Benelux at Beta Film, emphasized that the series will highlight the struggles of Mabel and Margarita, contrasting Máxima’s seemingly charmed journey.
“Mabel’s journey is much more tragic than Maxima’s. This serves as a counterpoint,” he noted.
The show aims to balance royal spectacle with intimate storytelling, portraying the challenges of love, family, and public life.
Season 2 and Beyond
Season 2 of Maxima premieres locally on March 14, with an international rollout to follow. The season will feature larger-scale events, including the royal wedding and coronation. Producers worked closely with Amsterdam’s public authorities to ensure authenticity, even filming in real locations rather than studio sets. A third season is already in development, promising to explore life after the coronation as Máxima and Willem-Alexander step into their roles as king and queen.
Global Appeal
The franchise has resonated internationally by blending historical accuracy with emotional storytelling. Van Bommel noted that audiences, especially immigrants and Hispanic communities, connect deeply with Máxima’s journey of adapting to a new culture.
“It’s a very universal and urgent story,” she said.
With The Other Royals, the franchise is poised to expand further, offering new perspectives on royal life and its human complexities.
