Sofia Hellqvist, now known as Princess Sofia, Duchess of Värmland, has been recognized for her transition from glamor model and reality TV contestant to member of the Swedish royal family.
Her journey began when participating in a reality show Paradise Hotel and was later featured in provocative photos for men’s magazines.
These early experiences set the stage for her relationship with Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, which became public in 2010 and eventually led to her marriage in 2015.
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- Full name: Sofia Kristina Hellqvist
- Date of birth: December 6, 1984
- Age: 41 years old
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Danderyd Hospital, Danderyd, Sweden
- Nationality: Swedish
- Occupation: Princess, former glamor model, reality TV contestant
- Height: 5′ 7″
- Parents: Erik Oscar Hellqvist, Marie Britt Rotman
- Siblings: Lena Hellqvist (born 1982), Sara Hellqvist (born 1988)
- Spouse: Prince Carl Philip, Duke of Värmland (married June 13, 2015)
- Children: Prince Alexander (born April 19, 2016), Prince Gabriel (born August 31, 2017), Prince Julian (born March 26, 2021)
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Church of Sweden
- Ethnicity: Swedish-Danish
- Net worth: $10 million
Early life and education
Sofia Kristina Hellqvist is currently aged 41. She was born on December 6, 1984 to Erik Oscar Hellqvist and Marie Britt Rotman. Erik works as a career consultant while Marie is a marketing director.
Sofia spent her early years in Täby until the age of six when her family moved to Älvdalen in Dalarna County. Growing up in Älvdalen gave her a unique culture and access to outdoor activities. She has two older sisters, Lena and Sara.
Sofia attended Älvdalen Montessori School and then Älvdal School. She pursued art at the Vansbro Education Center before moving to New York City at age 20 to study accounting with an emphasis in business development at the New York Academy of English and Business.
During this time, she also worked as a certified yoga instructor. After returning to Sweden, she enrolled at Stockholm University, where she studied global ethics, child and adolescent science, children’s communication, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Personal life
Sofia’s personal life took a dramatic turn when she met Prince Carl Philip through mutual friends while out to dinner in Stockholm. Their relationship became public in April 2010 amid media scrutiny about her past as a glamor model.
The couple announced their engagement on June 27, 2014. They married on June 13, 2015, at Slottskyrkan in Stockholm. Together they had three sons: Prince Alexander, Prince Gabriel, and Prince Julian.
Career
Sofia Hellqvist’s career has been a remarkable journey, going from glamor model and reality TV contestant to prominent member of the Swedish royal family. Her early career began at the age of 20 when she gained attention for her modeling work, especially in the men’s magazine Slitz.
In a prominent photo shoot, she posed wearing only a bikini, holding a live python, which led to her being voted Miss Slitz 2004 by readers. This appearance marked the beginning of her public persona. her, will later be scrutinized as she enters royal life.
In 2005, Sofia participated in a reality TV show Paradise Hotelwhich featured young singles competing for a luxury vacation at a resort. Her time on the show was characterized by dramatic interactions, including a notable feud with co-star Olinda Castielle and an incident in which she kissed American adult film star Jenna Jameson during filming in Las Vegas. Sofia made it to the finals but was eventually eliminated from the show.
This reality television experience further cemented her status in Swedish popular culture, although opinions were mixed about her suitability for royal life. After participating in reality television, Sofia moved to New York City to pursue further education. She studied accounting at the New York Institute of English and Business while also working as a waitress and certified yoga instructor.
During this time, she co-founded a yoga clothing brand called Drop of Mindfulness, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit alongside her academic pursuits. Her commitment to yoga and health has become an integral part of her identity over these years.
Upon returning to Sweden, Sofia continued her studies at Stockholm University, focusing on global ethics and child development. This educational background laid the foundation for her future philanthropic endeavors.
In 2010, she co-founded Project Playground, an organization aimed at supporting vulnerable children and youth in South Africa. This initiative has become one of her most important contributions, allowing her to apply her experience to meaningful work that aligns with her values.
Net worth
Sofia Hellqvist’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This wealth was accumulated through her many modeling contracts, television appearances, and her involvement with charitable organizations.
Social Media
- Instagram: prinsparet
- Twitter: Not applicable