Princess Sofia of Sweden’s engagement ring broke royal tradition – like this
Although we know all there is to know about the British royal family’s engagement rings, we do not know as much about the other incredible rings that other royal families around the world received from their other half when they went down on one knee. In 2014, Sweden’s Prince Carl Philip proposed to Sofia Hellqvist as a model. But the ring he gave her broke from royal tradition.
The Duke of Värmland asked Sofia to marry him with a round diamond surrounded by a ring of smaller diamonds set on a paving stone.
According to reports, Prince Carl Philip worked on the design of the engagement ring with the court jeweler WA Bolin.
This was the same exclusive jewelry company that also created a ring for Philips’ sister, Princess Victoria.
Traditionally in Sweden, elegant engagement rings are not exchanged.
Instead, they often change modest gold bands during the engagement and keep the more glittery ring for the bride on the wedding day.
READ MORE: The royal family’s most expensive sapphire jewel unveiled
Prince Carl Philips’ marriage proposal came as a complete surprise to Sofia.
The then 35-year-old Prince asked the question only in the morning.
Speaking about the proposal, the prince admitted: “I woke up several times the night before, I do not know if Sofia noticed it. I wanted it to be a surprise.”
The couple then said “I do” on June 13, 2015 in a beautiful ceremony in the Royal Church in Stockholm, with horse-drawn carriages and exquisite royal guests.
The bride wore a fantastic wedding dress made by Swedish designer Ida Sjöstedt.
Sofia, was a controversial royal bride since she was previously known as a model and reality TV personality, then became a princess of Sweden.
After their wedding, Princess Sofia chose to pair her engagement ring with a diamond-plated wedding band.
Seven years later and the couple has three children; Prince Julian, Prince Alexander and Prince Gabriel.
Prince Carl Philip is the only son and second child of Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.
His older sister Princess Victoria is the heir to the Swedish throne and she has two children.
That’s why Prince Carl Philip is currently fifth in the line of succession.