When Netflix's Indian romantic-comedy drama series The Royals hit screens, viewers quickly became obsessed with decoding its web of palace secrets, financial pressures, and high-society scandals. Among the most discussed figures in the series is a character known by the moniker Maurice. Far from being a traditional palace employee or a standard fixer, this enigmatic individual sits at the center of the narrative's most explosive twists.
Understanding who Maurice is requires looking past his quiet demeanor and examining his deep ties to the late Maharaj Yuvanath Singh. Played by actor Luke Kenny, Maurice—whose actual birth name is Adi Mehta—is a historian whose past relationship with the monarch sets off a chain reaction that threatens to tear the royal family apart.
Who Is Maurice? Uncovering Adi Mehta
Maurice is introduced to the audience as a quiet, thoughtful historian who is writing a memoir chronicling the life and reign of the late Maharaj Yuvanath Singh (played by Milind Soman). However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that his connection to the royal household is much more personal than professional.
Years prior to the events of the show, Adi Mehta and Yuvanath shared a romantic relationship. The moniker "Maurice" itself serves as a literary nod to E.M. Forster's classic novel about a gay man navigating society, a clever reference that forged a private bond between the two men. When Yuvanath passed away, he left behind memories and documentation of a life that had to remain largely hidden behind the rigid traditions of the Morpur monarchy.
The Memoir and the Threat to the Royal Family
The primary tension surrounding Maurice stems from the historical book he is writing. Rani Padmaja (played by Sakshi Tanwar) discovers that Maurice is penning a memoir detailing his time with the late king. Terrified that private details, intimate disclosures, and potential succession scandals will become public knowledge, Padmaja confronts Maurice directly.
She warns him to keep her children out of the publication. Maurice, however, maintains that he intends to handle the sensitive material respectfully, even suggesting code names or altered details to protect reputations. Despite his assurances, his very presence with these secrets makes him a walking hazard to the stability of the Morpur throne.
The Leak: Did Maurice Betray the Royals?
The climax of the series hinges on a massive public leak that reveals two devastating truths: the late king's sexuality and the shocking revelation that Aviraaj (played by Ishaan Khatter) is adopted rather than a biological heir.
When this information hits the press, absolute chaos ensues. Padmaja immediately points the finger at Maurice, calling him to demand how he could break his promise. However, Maurice firmly denies leaking the information, stating, "This wasn't me".
The Real Source Behind the Scandal
While Maurice holds the keys to the history, he is not the one who weaponized it against the family. It is later revealed that Nawab Dhondi Sabab (played by Alyy Khan) was the actual source of the leak, motivated by personal vengeance and past grievances. Maurice's manuscript remains a separate entity, proving that while he possessed the truth, external forces rushed to expose the family for their own tactical advantage.
Why Maurice Matters to the Story
Maurice functions as a bridge between rigid royal tradition and modern emotional reality. Through his character, the series explores themes of identity, hidden love, and the heavy toll of maintaining outward appearances in a changing world. He isn't a malicious villain or an active saboteur; instead, he represents the past catching up to the present.
For viewers watching through Netflix, Luke Kenny's portrayal provides a grounded, melancholic anchor amidst the high-drama antics of the fictional Morpur estate. His interactions with Padmaja and the lingering echoes of his relationship with Yuvanath set up heavy narrative stakes as the show heads into future seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maurice's real name in The Royals?
His real name is Adi Mehta, and he works as a historian.
Is Maurice a villain?
No. While he possesses explosive information about the late king, he does not leak the family secrets to the press. The leak is orchestrated by Dhondi Sabab.
Who plays Maurice on Netflix's The Royals?
The character is played by Indian actor and musician Luke Kenny.
How does Maurice's storyline impact Aviraaj?
Maurice's memoir touches on the history of the late king, indirectly aligning with the revelation that shakes Aviraaj's understanding of his own lineage and place on the throne.
