Disney princesses are known for cooking and cleaning with a smile on their face. Whether you think of Cinderella, Snow White, or Sleeping Beauty, they all care for those around them however they can. Well, it’s time to add a new princess to the list–a real-life one. Princess Sofia of Sweden is stepping up to the plate to assist probably the hardest workers in the world right now–healthcare workers.
The Mission
Sophiahemmet University College in Stockholm gave a three-day course for over 80 volunteers, teaching them the necessary skills to be able to assist in the hospital. Princess Sofia, the 35-year-old mother of two was among them. There is no word on when she will be starting with the hospital as of yet. Sophiahemmet Hospital stresses that they don’t expect these volunteers to be taking on the duties of doctors or nurses. Instead, they will be facilitating the work that needs to be done, taking care of the less glamorous duties. According to hospital spokesperson Pia Hultkrantz, “anyone who attends this training will not have any patient-close care. They can disinfect equipment, do shifts in the kitchen and cleaning.”
Though this sort of work is no doubt grueling, Princess Sofia is not deterred. On Wednesday, April 15, 2020, the Royal Court of Sweden said that “the Princess wants to get involved and make a contribution as a voluntary worker to relieve the large workload of health care professionals.” For the Princess, it’s not about recognition–but instead, how best to help. (1)
The Princess
Princess Sofia did not grow up royal. In fact, her mother was in marketing and her father was an employment counselor when she was born. She went on to study in Sweden while modeling on the side. In 2004, she was voted Miss Slitz 2004, after posing for the men’s magazine, Slitz, with a snake.
She then went on to study accounting in New York, after a brief stint on reality TV. She worked as a bartender and a yoga instructor. During her time there, she co-founded Drop of Mindfulness, which made yoga wear. When she moved back to Sweden, she met Prince Carl Phillip. The couple made their relationship public in early 2010, eventually marrying in 2015. Although she was the victim of vicious attacks by the press, Sofia rose above it, and instead founded a charity, Project Playground, which helped South African children. In addition to her hospital and charity work, she is now also an anti-bullying advocate. (2)
The Virus
Sweden has been hit hard by COVID-19. Their percentage of closed cases ending in death is high, with spikes on March 17th (approximately 89%) and March 31st (approximately 92%). Currently, the percentage of closed cases that ended in death hovers just under 74%. Sweden is drawing notice–and mixed reactions–for not instituting a lockdown policy in the country. They do encourage citizens to practice social distancing. Ann Linde, Sweden’s Foreign Minister, says their “government has made a series of decisions that affect the whole society. It’s a myth that life goes on as normal in Sweden.” (3, 4)
