Pregnant Princess Sofia of Sweden Reveals the Trait That First Attracted Her to Prince Carl Philip in Rare Interview

Princess Sofia of Sweden recently gave a rare and intimate glimpse into her life as a royal during an exclusive Princess Sofia of Sweden interview to mark her 40th birthday. The 39-year-old opened up about her relationship with Prince Carl Philip, her charity work, and life as a mother. The interview, published ahead of her birthday on December 6, is accompanied by a stunning Vogue Scandinavia cover shoot taken in her childhood village of Älvdalen and the Royal Palace of Stockholm.

What First Drew Princess Sofia of Sweden to Prince Carl Philip? Insights from the Interview

One of the most heartwarming parts of Sofia’s Princess Sofia of Sweden interview was her reflection on the early days of her relationship with Carl Philip. She shared that it was his “big, brown, very, very kind eyes” that initially drew her in. Sofia described Carl Philip as “very humble,” with a warm presence that stood out to her. Though the details of their first meeting are private, it’s believed they crossed paths at a nightclub in Stockholm in 2009.

Princess Sofia’s Transformation: From Glamour Model to Royal in the Princess Sofia of Sweden Interview

Princess Sofia’s path to royalty is unique. Born Sofia Hellqvist on December 6, 1984, in Danderyd, Sweden, she grew up as the middle child of three girls. After completing her studies at Vansbro Education Centre, she worked as a model to support herself while living in Stockholm.

Her first high-profile modelling shoot at age 20, for Slitz magazine, raised eyebrows. In the shoot, she posed topless holding a boa constrictor, a provocative image that led to her being crowned Miss Slitz 2004. Though she continued to model, she also worked for mainstream brands like La Redoute in France.

Sofia later moved to New York in 2005, where she studied accounting and business development. She also became a certified yoga instructor. After returning to Sweden, she pursued further studies in global ethics, child studies, and international relations.

Exclusive Princess Sofia of Sweden Interview: The Love Story with Prince Carl Philip

When Sofia’s relationship with Prince Carl Philip became public in 2010, it sparked a media frenzy. Critics pointed to her past as a glamour model, creating a wave of public scrutiny. Despite the harsh backlash, Sofia has since become a beloved member of Sweden’s royal family. The couple announced their engagement in 2014, and married the following year on June 13, 2015. Over the years, Sofia has built a reputation for her charity work and dedication to family.

Sofia has openly discussed how difficult it was to cope with the public backlash, particularly the online hate. In a 2021 interview with Swedish TV channel TV4, she admitted that it was a painful experience. “I didn’t understand that people had such a need to express how badly they felt about me,” she said. However, she has since learned from the experience, stating, “I don’t regret anything. All these experiences have made me the person I am.”

Charitable Work and Royal Duties: Princess Sofia of Sweden’s Impact

Princess Sofia now devotes much of her time to charity work. She and Prince Carl Philip launched the Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia Foundation in 2014. The foundation’s mission is to help young people navigate the online world safely and to raise awareness about dyslexia.

In addition to her charity work, Sofia is a dedicated mother. She and Carl Philip are parents to three young sons: Prince Alexander (8), Prince Gabriel (7), and Prince Julian (3). In September 2024, the royal couple announced they are expecting their fourth child, due in February 2025.

Princess Sofia of Sweden: Balancing Royal Life and Family Responsibilities

Despite facing challenges as a new royal, Sofia has found a balance between public life and family. In an interview with Royal Central, she said she had never considered stepping back from her royal duties, unlike some other members of European royal families. “I think I have found such a fantastic balance,” she explained. “It is a huge advantage to stand in both worlds.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sofia also took a three-day medical course at Sophiahemmet University College in Stockholm. This allowed her to support healthcare workers during the crisis. Photos of her working in scrubs at Sophiahemmet Hospital earned her admiration for her dedication to public service.

As Princess Sofia approaches her 40th birthday and prepares for the birth of her fourth child, she reflects on her journey from glamour model to royal. Today, she is regarded as one of Sweden’s most admired royals, praised for her charitable work and devotion to her family. Her ability to navigate royal life with grace, while maintaining her authenticity, has earned her the respect of both the public and her peers.

What do you think about Princess Sofia’s transformation from glamour model to respected royal? Do you believe that her past experiences have helped shape the person she is today? Share your thoughts in the comments below!