Queen Silvia: Royal Drama Premieres at MIPCOM Cannes!

EXCLUSIVE: Queen Silvia, the captivating period drama from Prime Video and ProSiebenSat.1, is set to make its global debut at MIPCOM Cannes.

Produced by Pyjama Pictures and Unlimited Stories, this drama draws inspiration from the enchanting real-life love story of Sweden’s Queen Silvia and King Carl Gustaf. The premiere will take place on Tuesday, October 13 at 6 PM local time in the Grand Auditorium at the Palais des Festivals, and will be accessible to the general public featuring English and French subtitles.

According to the series description, viewers will be introduced to “the extraordinary tale of a young German woman whose serendipitous meeting with the future king of Sweden would alter the trajectory of their lives—eventually leading her to become not just the Queen of Sweden, but also one of the continent’s most beloved and lasting royal figures.”

Queen Silvia spans across locations like Munich, Stockholm, and the French Riviera, tracking the journey of German-Brazilian interpreter Silvia Sommerlath (portrayed by Alicia von Rittberg) and Sweden’s youthful Crown Prince, Carl Gustaf (played by Edvin Endre). Their journey begins with their initial encounter at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, blossoming into an unexpected romance and evolving into a forbidden love that struggles with public scrutiny, the constraints of royal tradition, and the pressures of the Swedish crown.

The unveiling of the first episode will be accompanied by a Q&A session featuring key figures such as Alicia von Rittberg (Charité), Edvin Endre (Eddie the Eagle), series showrunner Carsten Kelber, director Miguel Alexandre (Sisi), and Beta Film’s Justus Riesenkampff.

We previously announced this show in March, noting that Prime Video acquired the rights for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Nordics while German free-TV broadcaster SAT.1 was also involved. Beta is handling the international sales of the show.

Director Miguel Alexandre also co-authored the screenplay with Lisa Hofer (Black Island), both serving as head writers along with Pauline Wolff (Stockholm Requiem). Executive producers include Tina Ermuth, Frank Buchs, Carsten Kelber, Emil Wiklund, Manya Lutz-Moneim, and Justus Riesenkampff, with Pia Lüke, Tim Bahalou, and Frida Wallman as producers. Jallo Faber is the director of photography. The series received support from the German Motion Picture Fund, Medienboard Berlin Brandenburg, and FilmFörderung Bayern.

“This love story is unique and pertinent, and surprisingly, it steers clear of the typical Cinderella narrative,” remarked Kelber, who manages Pyjama Pictures alongside Buchs, emphasizing a contemporary approach to relationships and marriage. “It portrays Queen Silvia as a woman far ahead of her era. And now, fifty years later, this couple’s story remains as epic as ever.”

Justus Riesenkampff, EVP Nordics & Benelux for Beta, added: “Queen Silvia ultimately explores themes of love and identity—about a young woman thrust into a royal world she never anticipated, who remains true to herself and ultimately captures the affection of an entire nation.”

“The premiere provides an opportunity for those in Cannes to experience this eagerly awaited new drama on a grand scale, while also presenting the series to the global television community gathered at the market,” stated Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM Cannes. “We are delighted to open this screening to the public, sharing this compelling royal narrative with both the attendees of MIPCOM Cannes and the wider audience.”