Swedish Princess Addresses Epstein Connections After Court Document Release
Princess Sofia of Sweden has broken her long-standing silence regarding her associations with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The 41-year-old royal, formerly known as Sofia Hellqvist before marrying into the Swedish monarchy, has acknowledged meeting Epstein at two separate social occasions during her younger years in New York.
Epstein Court Documents Reveal Royal Connection
The princess's name emerged in the latest batch of Epstein-related documents released by the United States Department of Justice approximately two weeks ago. These court papers specifically list Princess Sofia as Epstein's companion on a guest list for a private screening and dinner of the film Les Misérables in New York during 2012. According to the documents, Epstein responded to seeing her name on the list with the enthusiastic comment: "Amazing!!!"
Speaking publicly about their relationship for the very first time, Princess Sofia confirmed their encounter at the film screening while emphasizing the limited nature of their interactions. "We met at a restaurant in a social context when I was introduced and at a film screening with many others. Thankfully, that was all," she explained to reporters gathered for her statement.
Princess Expresses Sympathy for Victims
The Swedish royal expressed profound sympathy for Epstein's numerous victims while distancing herself from the disgraced financier's criminal activities. "Now that I have read about all the terrible crimes he has subjected young women to, I am so grateful that I have had nothing to do with him since the few occasions in my twenties," Princess Sofia stated with evident emotion.
She continued with a clear message of support for those affected by Epstein's actions: "My thoughts go out to all the victims. I hope there will be justice in this." This public statement represents a significant departure from previous royal communications on the matter, which had largely avoided direct commentary.
Earlier Denials and Changing Royal Narrative
Previously, representatives for the princess had firmly denied any participation in events with Epstein. When initially questioned about the film screening documentation, a spokesperson told Swedish outlet Expressen: "The princess was in Sweden on the relevant date and has no knowledge of how her name ended up on the document you refer to."
The Swedish royal family had previously disclosed that Princess Sofia met with Epstein on multiple occasions during 2005, before her marriage to Prince Carl Philip. According to leaked emails reported by Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter, Epstein extended an invitation for the princess to visit his private Caribbean island, Little St James, though royal representatives confirm she never accepted this offer.
Background of the Princess Before Royal Life
Before exchanging vows with Prince Carl Philip in 2015 and becoming Sweden's princess, Sofia Hellqvist led a markedly different life as a glamour model and reality television personality. She gained initial fame through participation in the Swedish reality program Paradise Hotel in 2005, which launched her public career.
Following this television exposure, she relocated to New York City, where she became a recognizable figure on the exclusive party circuit. During this period, she documented her glamorous lifestyle through blogs on platforms like Glife and Nattstad, mingling with celebrities and Hollywood stars at high-profile events.
Swedish media extensively covered the princess's unconventional background in the lead-up to her royal wedding, highlighting her previous work as a topless model—including a controversial 2004 photoshoot with a live boa constrictor for a men's magazine—and her reality television appearances.
Mentor's Role in Epstein Introduction
According to reports based on leaked correspondence, a Swedish businesswoman who served as Princess Sofia's mentor facilitated multiple introductions between the future royal and Epstein. In December 2005, this mentor allegedly emailed Epstein describing Sofia as "an aspiring actress who just arrived in New York" and suggesting they meet.
The email reportedly included a photograph of the then-21-year-old model and prompted Epstein's response: "I'm in the Caribbean. Does she want to come for a couple of days? I'll send a ticket." This exchange occurred three years before Epstein's initial conviction in Florida for procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute.
Further emails from April 2006 indicate Epstein offered both Princess Sofia and her friend Camilla places at an acting school, though visa complications reportedly prevented either woman from accepting this opportunity.
Royal Wedding and Life After Scrutiny
Princess Sofia married Prince Carl Philip, who stands third in line to the Swedish throne, in a lavish June 2015 ceremony at Stockholm's Royal Palace. The wedding attracted thousands of well-wishers lining the streets to celebrate the commoner-turned-princess.
Five years after her appearance on Paradise Hotel, Sofia met her future husband in a Stockholm nightclub. Within a year of their meeting, the couple relocated to Villa Solbacken on Djurgården in Stockholm, where they continue to reside with their children.
In response to media scrutiny about her past before the royal wedding, Princess Sofia previously told Swedish television that she had "long since moved on" from that chapter of her life. Her recent statements regarding Epstein represent her most direct engagement with questions about her pre-royal associations.
