Princess Sofia (source: Swedish royal court, and Wikimedia Commons)

Princess Sofia (source: Swedish royal court, and Wikimedia Commons)

Before she became ‘Her Royal Highness’ Princess Sofia of Sweden, Sofia Hellqvist was a name that did spark a lot of curiosity around. And of course, controversy. She was raised in Sweden by a marketing manager mother and a Danish-Swedish father. This is clear that she grew up far away from the grandeur of royal life. With her striking blue eyes and dark cascading hair, nobody in fact, could have stop her from being a royalty. Her appearance quickly drew attention. She completed her arts programme at Vansbro Education Centre, and soon stepped into the world of modelling. This is where a provocative magazine shoot featured her only in bikini briefs and a snake. Of course, this had to make headlines. This bold feature landed her on Paradise Hotel, a Swedish reality show with a format, pretty similar to Love Island.

However, Sofia’s time in the entertainment industry was only for a while. She left it all behind, for another career in New York. This is where she studied accounting and business development, taught yoga, and pursued further education through Stockholm University. It was a reinvention that hinted at the depth beneath the headlines which had been made.

The Royal Life

Sofia’s life took an unexpected turn when she crossed paths with Prince Carl Philip, second child of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. The couple reportedly met at a nightclub—hardly the setting of a traditional royal courtship. But sparks flew. “He looked very humble,” she said in an interview with Vogue, recalling how she was drawn to his kind, brown eyes.

Their relationship became public in 2010, and with it came an avalanche of scrutiny. The press resurrected her old modelling photos, and online forums filled with commentary on her past. Sofia later described it as a “huge hate storm.” But through the turbulence, the couple stayed strong. In 2014, they announced their engagement, and a year later, they were married in a fairytale ceremony that marked her official transformation into Princess Sofia.

New Roles While Facing Old Challenges

Ever since she got married, she had also taken on the royal duties, and too with determination. She and Prince Carl Philip live in Villa Solbacken, a 1930s property in Djurgården, Stockholm. Their move-in was delayed due to the discovery of asbestos, but by 2017, the family had settled into their home.

The couple have three sons together: Prince Alexander, Prince Gabriel, and Prince Julian—who, while retaining their royal titles, do not hold formal royal status. The decision, announced by King Carl Gustaf in 2019, was welcomed by Sofia and Carl Philip. They said it would offer their children greater freedom and allow them to carve their own paths.

What Is A Modern Royal Like?

Today, Princess Sofia is a respected figure within the Swedish royal family. She’s known not just for her poise and elegance, but also for her advocacy. Having faced online bullying herself, she now supports efforts to combat it. As patron of Sophiahemmet, a prominent Swedish nursing school, she regularly attends key ceremonies and health-related engagements. Most recently, she drew admiration for her Vogue Scandinavia cover, a portrait of quiet strength and beauty.

Princess Sofia may not have taken a traditional route to royalty, but her story is a modern-day tale of resilience, reinvention, and redefining what it means to wear a crown.