Princess Sofia of Sweden attended King Carl Gustaf XVI’s 80th birthday celebrations while facing increased attention regarding her previous connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Royal Birthday Under Scrutiny

The princess, formerly Sofia Hellqvist, a model and reality TV personality, wore a wide-brimmed blue hat during the celebrations, seemingly to minimize media attention. This followed her recent acknowledgement of meeting Epstein on multiple occasions before marrying into the Swedish royal family.

Epstein Files Reveal Meetings

The revelations stem from the release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice. These files included Princess Sofia’s name on a guest list for a private screening and dinner of the film Les Misérables in New York in 2012. Epstein reportedly expressed excitement about the guest list.

Princess Sofia confirmed the meeting, stating it occurred in a social setting with many others and she was grateful their interaction was limited to those few occasions.

Initial Denials and Clarifications

Earlier statements from her spokesperson had initially denied her participation in the screening, claiming she was in Sweden at the time. However, Princess Sofia has since clarified her recollection of the events.

The Swedish royal family previously disclosed that she met Epstein several times in 2005.

Invitations to Private Island

Leaked emails also reveal Epstein extended invitations for the princess to visit his private Caribbean island and offered her and a friend places at acting school. The family maintains that Princess Sofia did not accept the invitation to Little St James.

Background and Connections

Princess Sofia’s past life as a model and yoga instructor, and her introduction to Epstein through a Swedish businesswoman who later attended her wedding, have resurfaced. The businesswoman reportedly sent Epstein a photograph of the then 21-year-old Sofia, prompting an invitation to visit his island.

The 80th birthday celebrations, intended to honor King Carl Gustaf XVI’s 50-year reign, were overshadowed by the renewed focus on Princess Sofia’s past associations and Epstein’s network of influence.