What happens after an almost fairytale romance? That’s what we get to discover in season 2 of Maxima, which continues the story of Máxima Zorreguieta, born and raised in Argentina, who fell in love with Willem-Alexander, the Dutch Crown Prince.
Many stories of princesses and princes end with a proposal, but for the real-life Máxima and Willem-Alexander, that was the start of another powerful chapter of their life together. It’s that next stage that unfolds in the new season: From their wedding to the coronation 10 years later, we follow Máxima as she finds her feet in the royal family.
Delfina Chaves and Martijn Lakemeier (recently seen in Irish crime drama Safe Harbor, also streaming at SBS On Demand) return as the royal couple. Co-director Saskia Diesing says the chemistry between the pair is crucial to the story.
“Delfina Chaves … embodies the essence of Máxima, radiating the captivating aura that draws people in, coupled with the versatility needed to portray the multifaceted aspects of her character. The chemistry between Delfina Chaves and Martijn Lakemeier becomes the linchpin of the narrative. It’s not about grand gestures, but the unspoken tension, the pauses, and the unfiltered authenticity of their connection. And of course, we will cherish the sense of humour that they share!
“Season 2 delves into the complexities of Máxima’s struggle to maintain autonomy while navigating the intricate systems and protocols of the Dutch royal family and integrating in society at large. Her journey becomes a poignant exploration of identity, duty, and the delicate balance between personal aspirations and the responsibilities of a future queen.”
Becoming a princess, and then a queen, brings many challenges. How will find her own way through the demands of royal life, which puts her firmly in the spotlight?
As fellow series director Joosje Duk says, “Who does she become now that she is the most public person in The Netherlands, and what does this do to her as a human being who has started a new life on the other side of the world?
“Máxima has to slowly come to terms with the fact that she isn’t entirely in control of her own life anymore. She is a public person who isn’t allowed to choose her own wedding dress, follow her own schedule, determine whether or not she wants children, or buy a vacation home without the entire country throwing a fit. She has to learn how to find freedom within a controlled environment, something each member of the royal family has been used to since childhood, but which is an entirely new experience for her.”
In this new season, along with Elsie de Brauw and Sebastian Koch returning as Queen Beatrix and Prince Clause, Willem-Alexander's parents the story widens to include the Crown Prince’s brothers: Prince Friso (Bram Suijker) and Prince Constantijn (Steef de Bot), and their partners. Some will warmly welcome Máxima; others add to her challenges. Another addition is Rifka Lodeizen as Noor Kramer, a (fictional) personal advisor who provides some level-headed balance to Máxima’s independent nature.
This is more than a fairytale, showing the ups and downs faced by the royal family, including a family tragedy along with the joy of the couple becoming parents, but it is a love story, too.
“Our intent is to immerse the audience in a compelling story that transcends the regal façade, revealing the human complexities beneath. Through Máxima’s journey from princess to queen, we invite viewers to witness a captivating tale of love, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a woman navigating the intricate dance between duty and autonomy,” says Diesing.
This article includes edited extracts from material supplied by Millstreet Films.
Season 2 of Maxima is now streaming at SBS On Demand, along with season one.
