‘Maxima’ Spin-Off ‘The Other Royals – A Maxima Story’ Announced

Variety

by Marta Balaga

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Maxima franchise, inspired by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and starring Delfina Chaves, is set to expand with its first spin-off titled *“The Other Royals – A Maxima Story.”* This new five-hour series will focus on Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau and Princess Margarita de Bourbon de Parme, exploring their lives as they navigate love, identity, and the pressures of royal life in 1999. While Season 2 of *Maxima* premieres locally on March 14, the spin-off aims to delve deeper into the untold stories of these lesser-known royals, offering a fresh perspective on their struggles and triumphs. Producer Rachel van Bommel explained that the spin-off is inspired by the format of *Bridgerton’s* standalone series, *“Queen Charlotte – A Bridgerton Story,”* which allows for more focused storytelling. Directed by Saskia Diesing, the series will star Claire Bender as Princess Mabel and Bram Suijker as Prince Friso. It promises to highlight the human experience of royalty, focusing on themes like immigration, cultural adaptation, and the emotional challenges of parenthood. Unlike Maxima’s journey, which often appears seamless, Mabel and Margarita face more adversity, adding a darker yet relatable dimension to their narratives. The *Maxima* franchise has gained international acclaim for its unique approach to royal dramas, emphasizing Maxima’s personal journey rather than just her status as a queen. Van Bommel noted that the series resonates with audiences because it prioritizes emotional depth over grandeur, making it accessible to a global audience. The spin-off continues this tradition, staying true to the franchise’s female-centric storytelling while exploring new characters and their experiences. With its limited budget, *Maxima* has proven that quality production doesn’t always require massive funding. By collaborating closely with creative teams, the show has successfully recreated major events like royal weddings and coronations, ensuring authenticity without relying on

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Originally published on Variety on 2/20/2026