The Story of Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and Reality Show Star Sofia, Who Proved That Anyone Can Become a Princess
Just as they did centuries ago, modern-day kings and queens wish that their children will, one day, marry other members of the aristocracy. But the heart wants what it wants, and sometimes, members of the royal bloodline fall in love with mere mortals. However, if before, an ordinary girl could marry a prince only in fairy tales, nowadays this dream may well have a chance of becoming reality.
Here at CHEERY, we want to share with you the love story of Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and an ordinary girl, Sofia. Before meeting her Prince Charming, she starred in a reality show. However, she showed sheer bravery in the face of public judgment and managed to conquer the hearts of the royal family, and the entire country, with her charm.
Former heir and playboy Prince
Carl Philip was born on the 13th of May, 1979, and immediately received the title of Crown Prince. However, he lost it seven months later. On the 1st of January, 1980, a constitutional change came into force that made the natural order of birth the basis of succession to the throne, rather than the principle of preserving the male line. Philip’s eldest sister, Victoria, became the new heir.
In his youth, Philip received a diverse education: he studied science, graphic design, and even agriculture. But the prince’s real passion was racing. In 2003, he completed the historic Swedish “Vasaloppet”, the longest ski race in the world. He hasn’t ignored car racing, either, and since 2013 he has competed in the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship. The young royal was also known for his love affairs. He was even nicknamed the “playboy Prince”.
Glamour model and reality show star
Sofia Kristina was born into an ordinary Swedish family. Her mother was a marketing manager in the plastic industry, and her father was a recruitment consultant. Sofia attended an arts program at the Vansbro Education Center, before starting out as a model.
At the age of 20, a photo of Sofia appeared in the men’s magazine Slitz. The readers thought she looked so good, that in 2004 she was voted Miss Slitz. Sofia then went on to star in the reality show Paradise Hotel.
The show follows a group of single people, who check into a luxury hotel, to see who can stay in it the longest. Sofia even made it to the final. Some newspapers claimed that she kissed the provocative American film star Jenna Jameson while she was in Las Vegas, precisely to secure her place in the Swedish version of the reality show Paradise Hotel.
A chance encounter and a struggle with feelings
Philip and Sofia met in 2010. They were dining at the same restaurant, and their friends happened to know each other. Surprisingly, the “playboy Prince” and the seductive model didn’t display their usual confidence when they first met. “We started with a shy greeting and everything followed,” was Carl Philip’s comment about their first meeting, in an interview after the engagement.
The couple’s relationship displeased much of the Swedish public. And the press didn’t stay away, either. All the details of Sofia’s life were made public, including her love of partying. Magazines and newspapers jumped at every opportunity to expose all the details of her turbulent past.
Support from the royal family
The press attacks were so overwhelming, that the couple even had to make an appearance, denying the allegations that the groom’s family did not approve of Philip and Sofia’s union.
Sofia also talked about the support she received from the royal family. She noted that she was made to feel at home from day one, and added that she had no regrets about her past.
The public’s approval came with time. Sofia started dressing more modestly and doing volunteer work. In 2010, she co-founded Project Playground, an organization that helps vulnerable children and young people in South Africa. Because of this, as well as the unconditional support of the royal family, many Swedish people eventually fell in love with the new princess.
The long-awaited wedding
The prince’s proposal came as a complete surprise to Sofia. Usually, she would be the first to wake up, but this time, Philip got up early and stunned the bride-to-be with his question.
The couple officially announced their engagement on the 27th of June, 2014. In May 2015, it was announced that Sofia would officially receive the title of Princess, and on the 13th of June, 2015, the couple was finally married. It was the first time in over a century that an ordinary Swedish citizen became a princess.
The ceremony took place in the Chapel of the Royal Palace of Stockholm. Inspired by the groom’s sister, Crown Princess Victoria, Sofia chose a fashion house from her native country and looked stunning in her dress by Swedish designer Ida Sjöstedt.
Once the service ended, Philip and Sofia left the chapel to the sounds of singing and applause of the congregation and delighted their fans with the first kiss as husband and wife. The couple then returned to the royal palace for a celebratory meal and dancing.
The first-born
Just four months after the wedding, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child. The Swedish royal palace told the happy news on Facebook, and confirmed that Sofia will give birth to the baby in spring 2016.
Although they were very excited about the addition to the family, Philip and Sofia decided that they don’t want to find out the sex of the baby until it is born. They preferred to keep it a surprise.
In April 2016, the couple had their first son, Prince Alexander Erik Hubertus Bertil. The two easily took to parenthood and focused all their love and attention on raising their firstborn.
Another addition to the family. And another
Parenthood came so naturally to Philip and Sofia that on the 23rd of March, 2017, the couple announced the coming of a new baby. On the 31st of August, 2017, the couple had their second son, Prince Gabriel Carl Walter.
Three weeks later, the happy parents posted a touching photo on Instagram of their eldest son Alexander greeting his younger brother.
The couple’s youngest child, Prince Julian Herbert Folke, was born on the 26th of March, 2021. Philip and Sofia now have three sons and they make a charming family.
On the 7th of October, 2019, the King of Sweden, father of Carl Philip, issued a statement canceling the royal status of Prince Alexander and Prince Gabriel but noted that they remain in the line of succession to the throne. Philip and Sofia noted that their sons would now have more freedom of choice for their future lives.
They remain a strong family
Through all the challenges, Philip and Sophia’s union came to be a strong and love-filled one. Meanwhile, the Swedish princess showed everyone that whatever your past is, it doesn’t determine your future. The latter depends on yourself, and the people who support you.
Even before the wedding, in an interview with a Swedish channel, the couple talked about how they support each other. With this we can conclude that Philip and Sofia have taken care of each other through the years, setting an example of a strong and loving family for their children.
What about you, would you like to marry a prince or a princess?