Maxima Franchise Expands with First Spin-Off, 'The Other Royals - A Maxima Story'

New series will focus on Princesses Mabel and Margarita, providing a counterpoint to the 'almost untouchable' Queen Maxima

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The popular 'Maxima' TV series about the life of Queen Maxima of the Netherlands is getting its first spin-off, titled 'The Other Royals - A Maxima Story'. The new five-hour series will focus on Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau and Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme, exploring their stories as they meet their future royal partners in 1999. The spin-off will provide a counterpoint to the main 'Maxima' series, which has been praised for its emotional journey and universal appeal.

Why it matters

The 'Maxima' franchise has been a hit internationally, reinventing the royal drama genre by staying close to the Argentina-born protagonist. The spin-off 'The Other Royals' will explore darker storylines and the struggles of other Dutch royals, providing a more well-rounded perspective on the royal family beyond just Queen Maxima's journey.

The details

The spin-off series is produced by Millstreet Films in co-production with FBO and Beta Film. Claire Bender stars as Princess Mabel and Bram Suijker as Prince Friso. Saskia Diesing, director of 'Maxima,' will direct with Hiba Vink. The series will focus on Mabel and Margarita's stories in 1999 as they meet their future partners, providing a counterpoint to the 'almost untouchable' Queen Maxima.

  • Season 2 of 'Maxima' will premiere locally on March 14, 2026, followed by an international rollout.
  • The spin-off 'The Other Royals - A Maxima Story' is a five-hour series that begins in 1999.

The players

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands

The protagonist of the 'Maxima' TV series, which is inspired by her life.

Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau

One of the central characters in the 'The Other Royals - A Maxima Story' spin-off, whose journey is described as 'much more tragic' than Queen Maxima's.

Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme

Another central character in the 'The Other Royals - A Maxima Story' spin-off, who will also meet her future royal partner in 1999.

Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau

A Dutch royal who is introduced in Season 2 of 'Maxima' but whose story is not fully explored.

Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands

Another Dutch royal who is introduced in Season 2 of 'Maxima' but whose story is not fully explored.

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What they’re saying

“In the second season, we introduced the Dutch royals a bit more, but we couldn't use everything. We show [Princes] Friso of Orange-Nassau and Constantijn of the Netherlands yet we never delve into their stories. There was so much more to tell.”

— Rachel van Bommel, Producer (Variety)

“Mabel is introduced in the second season and then her journey is much more tragic than Maxima's. This serves as a counterpoint. Maxima seems almost untouchable at times. Everything works out for her. Mabel and Margarita struggle much more. And that, again, is actually very human.”

— Justus Riesenkampff, EVP Nordics & Benelux, Beta Film (Variety)

“Sometimes, we use archives in the series. It helps, because you suddenly realize: 'Oh, this actually happened.' But because we stay so close to her, people see it more as an emotional journey than a period piece.”

— Rachel van Bommel, Producer (Variety)

What’s next

With a third season of 'Maxima' already in development, the producers plan to explore what the lives of King Maxima and King Willem-Alexander will look like after their coronation, as they transition to becoming the new Dutch monarchs.

The takeaway

The 'Maxima' franchise has found success by focusing on the emotional journey of its Argentina-born protagonist, rather than just presenting a period piece about the Dutch royal family. The new spin-off 'The Other Royals' will provide a counterpoint by exploring the darker and more tragic storylines of other Dutch royals, offering a more well-rounded perspective on the royal family.