Princess Sofia of Sweden's 40 best style moments

At 24 years old, Sofia Hellqvist could have hardly imagined the turn her life would take as she attended the tennis week in Båstad during the summer of 2009. While strolling through town in a laid-back ensemble of jeans and a white shirt, a chance meeting with Carl Philip, the Prince of Sweden, occurred. That fateful seaside meet-cute sparked a love story rivalling a fairytale.

In 2015, the pair were married in a grand affair, with Sofia officially joining the Swedish royal family and taking on the new title Princess Sofia of Sweden. Nearly a decade later, the Prince and Princess have welcomed three sons into their family, with a fourth child now on the way. In September, mere days before our magical cover shoot with the Princess, it was announced that she was expecting again.

Ever since she entered the public eye, it’s been evident that the Princess possesses a keen sense of style. She often gravitates toward feminine, timeless silhouettes and refined tailoring, with the occasional billowing regal gown or floral-printed frock for good measure. Over the years, as we’ve watched her evolve from a fledgling princess to a busy mum working toward a brighter future, her sartorial prowess has only sharpened further, consistently captivating us with her polished and sleek looks. Like her fellow Scandinavian royals, Princess Sofia champions homegrown talent alongside international labels and isn’t afraid to set an example by re-wearing her favourite pieces.

As the Princess celebrates her 40th birthday today, Vogue Scandinavia marks this milestone – and the honour of featuring the royal on the cover of our latest issue – by taking a trip down memory lane with 40 of her best style moments to date.

Related: Video: A rare glimpse into the world of Princess Sofia of Sweden at 40

In May 2012 at the baptism of Princess Estelle, the daughter of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, held in the Drottningholm Palace Chapel.

Attending a private dinner on the eve of the wedding of Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill, hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, at The Grand Hotel in Stockholm in June 2013.

Related: How the Scandinavian royal families celebrate Christmas

At the wedding of Princess Madeleine and Christopher O'Neill at the Royal Palace in June 2013, decked out in a striking lavender cowl-neck gown.

Attending the baptism of Princess Leonore, daughter of Princess Madeleine and Chris O'Neill, at Drottningholm Palace Chapel in June 2014, the future Princess donned an all-white ensemble featuring a veiled fascinator and an A-line dress paired with a lightweight coat, both designed by Valerie Aflalo.

Boarding the S/S Stockholm, which transported the couple to a private dinner hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia on the eve of their wedding, the Princess-to-be chose a light blue gown embellished with crystals and pearls, designed by Zuhair Murad.

Related: A breakdown of every Swedish Royal family member

The big day, June 13, 2015, when the Prince Couple tied the knot, and Sofia became Princess of Sweden. She wore an elegant lace and silk crepe custom gown dreamt up by Swedish designer Ida Sjöstedt.

In December 2015, while expecting her first child, Prince Alexander, the Princess attended her first Nobel Prize banquet as a member of the Swedish royal family. Her billowing dark blue dress was made by Oscar de la Renta.

Arriving with the Prince at a formal gathering at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts in February 2016.

Attending the baptism of Prince Oscar, son of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, in May 2016. The Princess' baby blue frock came courtesy of British designer Antonio Berardi.

Arriving at the Opera House in Oslo to celebrate King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway's 80th birthdays in May 2017. At the time, the Princess was expecting her second child, Prince Gabriel.

Partaking in Crown Princess Victoria's 40th birthday celebrations at the Royal Palace in July 2017, accompanied by the Prince Couple's first son, Prince Alexander.

Related: Queen Mary of Denmark’s 6 favourite Nordic fashion brands

The baptism of the Prince Couple's second child, Prince Gabriel, on December 1, 2017, at the Drottningholm Palace Chapel. For the occasion, the Princess donned the traditional Älvdalen folk dress – a nod to the quaint village where she grew up – inherited from her great aunt Ann-Marie. You can spot the royal wearing the piece for the second time in our striking cover editorial.

At the Nobel Prize banquet held at Stockholm's City Hall in December 2017. The Princess' shimmering blush lace gown was designed by Swedish couturier Ida Lanto.

At the 'Christmas in Vasastan' concert at Stockholm's Gustav Vasa church in December 2017.

In January 2018, the Prince Couple were immortalised on the red carpet for Idrottsgalan, the annual Swedish sports awards gala held at the Ericsson Globe Arena. The Princess' tiered, mauve gown was dreamt up by Swedish brand Malina.

In April 2018, the Princess attended the UNDP's Spring Gala at the Fotografiska photography museum. Her sleek raven look comprised a second-skin long-sleeve top and a dramatic, floral-embellished skirt by Ida Sjöstedt.

The following month, in May 2018, the Princess participated in the annual Sophia Party at Sophiahemmet University College in Stockholm, where Medals of Merit were presented to nurses, also known as Sophia Sisters. Her sophisticated pink suit was designed by Sand Copenhagen.

Related: 10 of the most iconic Scandinavian royal wedding dresses of all time

In June 2018, the Princess attended the Sophiahemmet University College graduation ceremony wearing an emerald A-line dress by the British label L.K. Bennett.

The Prince Couple visited Stockholm City Hall for a lunch in connection with the Italian state visit in November 2018. The Princess' chic pastel blue look featuring a long-sleeve knit and form-fitting pencil skirt was designed by Hugo Boss.

At the Nobel Prize banquet at Stockholm's City Hall in December 2018, the Princess stunned in a fire-engine red, floor-grazing gown by Zetterberg Couture.

In June 2019, the Princess attended the 'Recovery From Anorexia' symposium at the Sophiahemmet University College. Casual yet refined, she combined her blush waffle-stitch cotton jumper from Cos with relaxed white trousers.

Arriving at the church ceremony marking the opening of the Parliamentary session at Stockholm Cathedral in September 2019.

In October 2019, the Princess attended the 'Learning and Dyslexia' conference at Stockholm University. Her dapper patterned wool coat by 2nd Day was paired with black accessories, a matching turtleneck, and a baby blue pencil skirt by Hugo Boss, a favourite piece she has worn on multiple occasions.

In January 2020, the Princess joined Prince Carl Philip and Prince Daniel on the red carpet at Idrottsgalan. Her forest green halter-neck gown, designed by Stella McCartney, is another number that she has worn on many occasions.

The following year, in August 2021, the Prince Couple celebrated the baptism of their third son, Prince Julian. For the special occasion, the Princess chose a white dress adorned with intricate floral embroidery by Etro.

Attending the launch of the digital installation 'No To Net Hate 2.0' at the Fotografiska museum in November 2021.

Arriving at the graduation ceremony for Sophiahemmet University at Stockholm City Hall in March 2022, the Princess sported a polished look featuring a printed midi dress styled with a chunky belt by the royal-favourite, family-owned Finnish brand Andiata.

In the same month, Princess Sofia posed alongside Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel at the 'Child Protection Can Not Wait' meeting at Stockholm Palace.

In July 2022, the Prince Couple joined the celebrations for Crown Princess Victoria's 45th birthday, held at Borgholm Castle in Öland. The Princess looked charming as ever in Malina's light peach puff-sleeve dress adorned with floral motifs.

Arriving at the Funkisfestivalen at Stockholm's Waterfront Congress Centre in August 2022, the Princess opted for a vibrant turquoise printed maxi skirt by Maxjenny!, paired with a simple black long-sleeve top.

During the Dutch royals' visit to Sweden in October 2022, the Prince Couple attended a concert hosted by The Netherlands for the Swedish Royal Family at Konserthuset. The Princess's flowing, sparkly blue gown was designed by Malina.

In May 2023, the Princess once again attended the Sophiafest at Sophiahemmet University College. She showcased her fondness for baby blue with a sharp suit by 2nd Day.

A week later, the Princess attended the 2023 Polar Music Prize together with her husband, looking nothing short of beautiful in a romantic, floral-printed frock by Norwegian brand ByTimo.

Related: Flower power: The mother-daughter pair bringing ByTimo into full bloom

In September 2023, the Prince Couple arrived at the Royal Palace Church for the festivities celebrating King Carl Gustaf's Golden Jubilee. For the daytime event, the Princess embraced sorbet tones, wearing a pastel yellow midi dress by Lilli Jahilo, paired with a matching hat and Christian Louboutin pumps.

The next year, in February, the Prince Couple took part in the 'Ctrl+Rights For Increased Safety On The Net' symposium at Space Stockholm. The Princess' timeless, all-black tailored look was designed by Dorothee Schumacher.

Arriving at the Karolinska Institute for a forum on neuropsychiatric disabilities in Stockholm in April 2024, the Princess opted for an elegant look featuring black tailored trousers by Andiata and a bright fuchsia silk blouse from Dea Kudibal for a splash of colour.

When King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark visited Sweden in May 2024, the Prince Couple welcomed them aboard the royal yacht. The Princess donned a dreamy, crisp white dress by Lilli Jahilo, paired with Christian Louboutin heels.

On the second day of the Danish royals' visit in May, the Princess was captured arriving at Stockholm's City Hall in a well-curated look featuring a flowy teal dress paired with nude accessories.

This year’s Polar Music Prize ceremony took place at Stockholm’s Grand Hôtel in May, with the Prince Couple gracing the red carpet in stylish ensembles. The Princess donned a black dress paired with a sparkly silver bolero, both designed by Fadi el Khoury.

This October, the Princess attended the Sophiahemmet University College graduation ceremony in yet another covetable all-black look, her breezy dress this time designed by Rodebjer.