By now even those who literally reside on the underside of rocks – assuming at least someone out there actually does that – know all about the British Royal Wedding. You’ve seen the pictures and read the stories, maybe so many times that you almost feel like you were there. Almost. But the Windsors aren’t the world’s only royal house to recently celebrate a marriage. Swedish Prince Carl Philip, the Duke of Värmland, wed former reality-TV star and glamour model Sofia Hellqvist on June 13.
The media has dubbed it “the party of the year.” Sadly, we didn’t quite make it out to that Swedish Royal Wedding, and we’re guessing you didn’t either. But if you did, I have to ask, why didn’t you make me your plus one? I’m just kidding, of course.
The Royal Couple
Prince Carl, 36, is third in line to the Swedish throne, and his new wife and former “commoner” Sofia, 30, formerly worked as a yoga instructor and once posed as a topless model before going on to start a charity benefitting disadvantaged children in South Africa. It seems the prince shares her passion for charity, too: the couple, who first met each other in a restaurant in 2010, asked for charitable donations in lieu of wedding gifts.
According to the Swedish Royal Court’s website, The Prince Couple’s Foundation will “promote and support children and youth in care and educational settings.” The couple promised that the organization will be backed by their “sincere commitment.”
There has been much noise in the Swedish press around Sofia’s background as a model and reality TV star, but she says she’s moved on from those days. For its part, the Royal Family has chosen to emphasize her charitable work when speaking publicly about Prince Carl’s new wife.
Of her past life, Sofia has said: “I don’t regret anything. All these experiences have made me the person I am.” But she also added that, “I wouldn’t have made those choices today.”
The Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties
Prince Carl waved goodbye to his single life back in April when a close circle of friends jetted off with him for a weekend in Greece. Sofia is said to have packed his bags in secret, and the festivities were apparently planned in part by his sister, Crown Princess Victoria.
As for Sofia, she elected for more of a “toned-down” bachelorette party. At least, it was more toned down by royal standards. Her now sister-in-law Victoria, two sisters and best friends spent a weekend away at an opulent mansion at Lake Mälaren, which isn’t far from Stockholm. The 17th century manor has a dozen bedrooms, a dozen bathrooms, a library, hot tub, home cinema, dining room, game room and an English-style pub.
The Ring
Rather than presenting Sofia with a priceless family heirloom to decorate her ring finger, Prince Carl purchased an engagement ring for his now-wife from court jeweler W.A. Bolin in Stockholm. It was the very same jeweler who crafted Crown Princess Victoria’s ring. For Sofia, the jewelry house made a double-diamond band with a round center stone encircled by a halo of diamonds.
The prince has stated that he helped in the creation of the design – though just a little, he says.
“The ring has fine proportions and fits in well with the charity work [Sofia] does in South Africa,” Johanna Pietsch, an expert on jewelry, told Royalista. “Here it is important that the stone isn’t too large.”
Pietsch believes that the main diamond is less than a single carat, and the ring is said to be worth $16,517. An expensive ring by most standards, but one that’s far less so than those worn by many royals and celebrities.
The Ceremony
Thousands of well-wishers crammed into the streets to join wedding guests in celebrating the marriage, which took place at the chapel of Stockholm’s Royal Palace. After they were wed, the royal couple kissed in front of the many cheering fans, and Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf gave a speech.
Approximately 550 guests were in attendance, many of them foreign royals like Britain’s Prince Edward and Japan’s Princess Takamado. The guests proceeded down a red carpet to the chapel to take their seats for the wedding.
The band played Coldplay’s Fix You in the royal chapel before a man sung Rihanna’s Umbrella to the newlyweds in Swedish.
Reports said that the prince had some initial troubles getting the ring on Sofia’s finger, but he figured it out eventually, and the crowd celebrated what’s being called a “true Cinderella story.” Quickly sliding into the royal life, Sofia hopped into a horse-drawn carriage with her prince and paraded down Stockholm’s cobbled streets in Old Town. They then looped back around to the palace for a 21-gun salute and the banquet.
Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings
While not all diamond rings sell for north of $16,000, you’d be hard-pressed to find one that’s as affordable as it is beautiful. Thankfully, you have another option: cubic zirconia engagement rings from Birkat Elyon. Our hand-cut and polished Russian Formula cubic zirconia reflects the light as amazingly as real diamonds do but at prices you can feel good about.