The Swedish royal family has released a fresh statement after a photograph allegedly showing Princess Sofia was sent to Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced.
The image reportedly marked Epstein’s 55th birthday and has reignited questions about the princess’s past connections with the disgraced financier.
Earlier this week, the family acknowledged that Sofia met Epstein a few times around 2005—years before his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Leaked Emails Bring Past Meetings to Light
Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter published leaked emails suggesting a businesswoman introduced the 21-year-old Sofia to Epstein.
The messages indicated that Epstein offered the then-glamour model trips to his infamous Caribbean island, nicknamed “Paedophile Island,” as well as access to acting lessons.
In response to the leaks, the royal family emphasized that Sofia has not had any contact with Epstein for 20 years.
Birthday Photograph Sparks Renewed Attention
Now, a further email has emerged showing Sofia’s former mentor, Barbro Ehnbom, allegedly sending a photo of the young princess to Epstein as a birthday gift in January 2008—five months before his conviction.
The photo reportedly shows Sofia smiling beside Ehnbom, with two other young women nearby, in front of sparkling Christmas trees.
Expressen, the Swedish outlet that published the image, claims the file was named “Swedish girls” and the email included birthday congratulations.
Princess Sofia’s Past in the Spotlight
Before marrying Prince Carl Philip in 2015, Sofia Hellqvist was a reality television star and lingerie model.
Her lavish wedding at Stockholm’s Royal Palace drew thousands of cheering well-wishers, cementing her transition from commoner to princess.
The new revelations have reignited public scrutiny, despite the royal family insisting the princess never accepted any of Epstein’s offers and has had no contact with him since.
Epstein Introductions and Social Connections
According to leaked emails, Ehnbom introduced Sofia to Epstein during her early 20s, promoting her into high society.
One email suggested a potential trip to the Caribbean, while also mentioning acting school opportunities.
Sofia and her friend Camilla reportedly faced visa issues, and neither pursued Epstein’s offers.
German media reported that some meetings took place at social events, including dinner parties organized by Ehnbom.
Royal Family Clarifies the Nature of the Meetings
The Swedish royal court issued a statement to clarify that Sofia’s interactions with Epstein occurred in social settings such as restaurants and movie premieres.
They also firmly denied that Epstein helped Sofia with acting lessons or visa arrangements, emphasizing she has never been dependent on him in any way.
Princess Sofia Reflects on Her Youth
Sofia, now 41, described the past offers as “unpleasant” in hindsight.
She acknowledged she was young at the time, and the power and wealth Epstein wielded made the situation unsettling.
From Reality Star to Charity Work and Royal Life
Sofia’s early career included topless modelling, yoga instruction, and the reality show “Paradise Hotel” in 2005.
By 2010, she co-founded Project Playground, a charity helping disadvantaged children in South Africa.
She met Prince Carl Philip in a Stockholm nightclub in 2010, and within a year, they settled in Djurgården, Stockholm.
The couple now has four children, including Princess Ines, born in February 2025.
Keeping a Low Profile Amid Family Life
The princess has remained mostly out of public view in recent months to focus on her young family, skipping events such as the Nobel Banquet in December.
The royal court emphasized that Sofia’s priority is caring for her daughter, reflecting a quieter chapter in her life amid renewed media attention over her past.
Epstein’s Death and Legacy
Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial in New York on sex-trafficking charges, leaving a lasting shadow over the high-profile figures connected to him.
The new revelations about Princess Sofia have sparked debate on how past associations with controversial figures intersect with public perception, royalty, and personal legacy
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn