Jeffrey Epstein continues to generate controversy for royals. His links to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have been the most notorious, but this week, news emerged involving Sofia of Sweden. The reports claim that she met Epstein on various occasions, placing the Nordic Crown under scrutiny. Through it all, Princesses Estelle, 13, the eldest daughter and future queen, and Princess Ines, 10 months old, have come to the forefront of attention.
Sofia of Sweden has kept a low profile amid the scandal and has taken refuge at Villa Solbacken. Her absence from the Nobel Prize gala, one of the most important events on the royal calendar, was widely noted. The Royal House has addressed the matter head-on, sharing Sofia’s account of her encounters with Epstein with national media outlets. According to these reports, the meetings took place when she was living in New York: “She met Epstein a couple of times about 20 years ago. We want to clarify that this occurred in social settings, such as at a restaurant or at a movie premiere.”
In a bid to maintain a sense of normalcy, Prince Carl Philip and Sofia of Sweden marked St. Lucia Day, an important celebration in Scandinavian culture that signals the start of the Christmas season. The pair shared a video of their children lighting red candles, a traditional act symbolizing hope and the victory of light over darkness. The star of the image is the youngest member of the family, Ines, who appears surrounded by her siblings: Alexander, Prince Gabriel of Sweden, and Julian.
The image of the ninth grandchild of King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia has drawn considerable attention, marking one of her first public appearances since last February. She's changed significantly as she nears her first birthday. Within a few hours of its posting, the Epstein issue took a back seat, at least in the eyes of the public.
On Monday, Princess Ines also took the spotlight. As Queen Silvia officially ushered in the Christmas season, surrounded by her nine grandchildren, Ines took the spotlight with an adorable appearance, marking her first time being a part of this event and her second public appearance within 48 hours. She was carried in the arms of her cousin, Princess Estelle.
It seems like Ines has come to her mother’s rescue, whether by strategy or pure coincidence. While the Epstein case has been in development for years, it seems like the scandal has only just landed in the courts of Norway, bound to make a scandal as more files are released.
The connection between Sofia of Sweden and Epstein
Sofia's connection to Epstein dates back to 2004, when she was single and known as Sofia Hellqvist, rising to fame after appearing on the reality show "Hotel Paradise." The appearance resulted in her moving to the United States, hoping to pursue a career in fashion or acting. Barbro Ehnbom, a Swedish-American economist, is said to have introduced various young Swedish women to Epstein, including Sofia.
The newspaper DN made various claims, including that Epstein offered "to pay for acting classes" for Sofia. He reportedly donated money to Ehnbom’s network until 2014, at a time when she served as Sofia's mentor. The Royal House has issued various claims, denying that Epstein helped Sofia in any way, including with her professional training or in obtaining a visa. “She never depended on him and has had no contact with him for 20 years,” they stated.
Their ties date back to a time before Sofia met Prince Carl Philip of Sweden. The couple met in 2009 at the Hamnkrogen restaurant in the town of Båstad. Sofia recounted that her first impression of the Prince was of someone very humble, wit her noting his eyes. “I felt that something clicked, but I also thought that’s how all girls feel when they meet him,” she said.
Six years later, the couple got married in one of the most widely covered royal weddings. Every summer, they take their kids to the restaurant where it all began.