Princess Sofia, Duchess of Värmland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Princess Sofia |
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| Duchess of Värmland | |
Princess Sofia in 2015
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| Born | Sofia Kristina Hellqvist 6 December 1984 Danderyd Hospital, Danderyd, Sweden |
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| House | Bernadotte (by marriage) |
| Father | Erik Oscar Hellqvist |
| Mother | Marie Britt Rotman |
| Swedish Royal Family |
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HRH Princess Birgitta Extended royal family
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Princess Sofia, Duchess of Värmland (born Sofia Kristina Hellqvist; 6 December 1984), is a member of the Swedish royal family. Before marrying Prince Carl Philip in 2015, Sofia worked as a model and participated in television. They have four children: Prince Alexander, Prince Gabriel, Prince Julian, and Princess Ines. These children are fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth in the line of succession to the Swedish throne, respectively.
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Early Life and Education
Sofia Hellqvist was born at Danderyd Hospital in Danderyd, Sweden. Her mother, Marie Britt Rotman, worked as a marketing manager. Her father, Erik Oscar Hellqvist, was an employment counselor. Sofia was baptized on 26 May 1985. When she was six years old, her family moved to Älvdalen.
Sofia has two sisters: Lina Hellqvist, who works with humanitarian projects, and Sara Hellqvist, a criminologist. Sofia attended Älvdalen Montessori School and Älvdal School. She also studied arts at Vansbro Education Centre.
Career and Studies
When she was 20, Sofia worked as a model. She also participated in a television show. In 2005, she moved to New York City. There, she studied accounting and business development. She also became a certified yoga instructor.
After returning to Sweden, Sofia continued her studies at Stockholm University. She focused on global ethics, child and youth science, and children's communication. She also learned about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. During this time, she worked part-time as a waitress.
Marriage and Family Life
In July 2010, the Swedish Royal Court confirmed that Sofia Hellqvist and Prince Carl Philip were in a relationship. In April 2011, the couple moved in together in Djurgården, Stockholm.
Their engagement was announced on 27 June 2014. In December of that year, Sofia attended the Nobel Banquet with her future husband. In May 2015, it was announced that she would receive the title of princess. The couple married at Slottskyrkan in Stockholm on 13 June 2015.
Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip have four children:
- Prince Alexander Erik Hubertus Bertil, Duke of Södermanland, born on 19 April 2016.
- Prince Gabriel Carl Walther, Duke of Dalarna, born on 31 August 2017.
- Prince Julian Herbert Folke, Duke of Halland, born on 26 March 2021.
- Princess Ines Marie Lilian Silvia, Duchess of Västerbotten, born on 7 February 2025.
All four children were born at Danderyd Hospital.
On 7 October 2019, the King, Sofia's father-in-law, made a change. He decided that Prince Alexander and Prince Gabriel would no longer have the official royal status. This was done to connect Swedish royalty more closely to the role of the head of state. However, they are still called princes and dukes of their provinces. They also remain in the line of succession to the throne. Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip said this change would give their sons more freedom in their future lives.
Charity Work
In 2010, Sofia Hellqvist helped start Project Playground. This is a non-profit organization that helps children in need in South Africa. Princess Sofia is now the honorary chair of this charity.
To celebrate their marriage in 2015, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia created their own foundation. This foundation works to prevent bullying.
Since 2016, Princess Sofia has been the honorary chair of Sophiahemmet. This is a healthcare institution. She took over this role from Princess Christina, Mrs. Magnuson.
In April 2020, Princess Sofia completed a special online training course. This course was from Sophiahemmet University. It was designed to help hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. She then volunteered at Sophiahemmet Hospital in Stockholm. Her work included helping with kitchen shifts, cleaning instruments, and general cleaning.
Titles and Honours
Princess Sofia is known as Her Royal Highness Princess Sofia, The Duchess of Värmland.
Honours from Sweden
- Member and Commander of the Royal Order of the Seraphim
- Member of the Royal Family Decoration of King Carl XVI Gustaf
- Recipient of the 70th Birthday Medal of King Carl XVI Gustaf
- Recipient of the Golden Jubilee Medal of King Carl XVI Gustaf
Honours from Other Countries
Chile: Grand Cross of the Order of Bernardo O'Higgins (10 May 2016)
Finland: Grand Cross of the Order of the White Rose (17 May 2022)
France: Grand Officer of the Order of the Legion of Honour (30 January 2024)
Iceland: Grand Cross of the Order of the Falcon (17 January 2018)
Italy: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2 November 2018)
Netherlands: Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown (11 October 2022)
Spain: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit (16 November 2021)
See also
In Spanish: Sofía Cristina de Suecia para niños
