The Swedish royal family is preparing to welcome a new addition as Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia announce they are expecting their fourth child, due in February 2025.
Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia are overjoyed to share the news of their expanding family, the Swedish Royal Court announced on September 2. According to the official statement, “Princess Sofia is feeling well,” and the newest member of the royal family is expected to arrive in February next year. The court also noted that Princess Sofia’s schedule of public engagements will remain unchanged for the time being.
The forthcoming baby will join the couple’s three sons: Prince Alexander, 8; Prince Gabriel, 7; and Prince Julian, 3. Over the years, the royal couple has offered the public heartwarming glimpses into their family life, sharing moments from birthdays, summer vacations, and holiday celebrations.
Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, who have been married since 2015, are officially titled Their Royal Highnesses, though their children do not hold these titles. This also applies to the children of Prince Carl Philip’s sister, Princess Madeleine, who shares three children—Princess Leonore, Prince Nicolas, and Princess Adrienne—with her husband, Christopher O’Neill.
This status is a result of a 2019 decision by King Carl XVI Gustaf, the father of Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine. The palace explained at the time, “His Majesty The King has decided on changes to The Royal House… to establish which members of The Royal Family may be expected to perform official duties incumbent on the Head of State or related to the function of the Head of State.” The decision specified that the children of Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, as well as those of Princess Madeleine and Christopher O’Neill, would no longer be members of The Royal House.
However, the decision did not affect the titles of the children of Crown Princess Victoria, the king’s eldest daughter and heir to the throne, and her husband, Prince Daniel. Their children, Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar, retain their royal titles.
Following the 2019 announcement, Prince Carl Philip expressed support for the decision, describing it in an Instagram post as a “positive” move that allows his children to have “freer choices in life.” Princess Madeleine echoed this sentiment, noting on Instagram that the change had been planned for some time and that she and her husband believe it offers their children a greater opportunity to shape their own futures as individuals.