Maxima: Maintaining the Love of the Dutch People
A Royal Biopic and a Question of Popularity
In the wake of the popular series chronicling the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, another crowned head, Maxima, the Queen Consort of the Netherlands, takes center stage in her own biopic. The first season of the aptly named series, “Maxima,” debuts on the Videoland streaming platform on April 20, with a second season already in the works.
From Argentina to the Netherlands
The six-episode premiere season follows the life of Máxima Zorreguieta, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1971, up to her engagement to the Crown Prince of the Netherlands. Based on Marcia Luyten’s bestseller, the trailer depicts a young Máxima, played by Argentinian actress Delfina Chaves, dancing with abandon at a party, while Willem-Alexander, played by Martijn Lakemeier, gazes at her with infatuation.
“The first season shows how an Argentinian girl transforms into a self-assured young woman who falls head over heels in love with a Dutch prince,” said Peter van der Vorst, Director of Content at RTL Nederland, which owns Videoland.
A Royal Romance and Dutch Society
Máxima and Willem-Alexander met in 1999 and married in 2002. The couple has three daughters, with Crown Princess Amalia making her official debut at a state visit earlier this month.
Máxima’s journey from the daughter of an Argentine minister in the dictatorial government of General Videla to a beloved figure in the Netherlands has been well-documented, yet her popularity has recently waned. According to public broadcaster NOS, Dutch citizens now rate her 7.1 out of 10 (6.6 for Willem-Alexander), down from 8 in 2020.
Challenges on the Horizon
“In the second season, Máxima will discover that keeping the love of the Dutch people is not as easy as winning it,” said Rachel van Bommel of production company Millstreet Films. “She will face criticism and have to overcome obstacles that will test her identity as a queen.”
International Appeal and Royal Cooperation
The series has already been sold to several countries, including Germany and Belgium, as well as several in Latin America. The production company has stated that they informed the Dutch Royal Information Service (RVD) of the project, but they have not been otherwise involved. The RVD did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment. Filming for the second season is set to begin in October.
As the series airs, it will shed light on the challenges faced by Queen Maxima in maintaining the affection of the Dutch people, navigating the complexities of royal life, and balancing her personal identity with her public role as the consort of a reigning monarch.
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