In a new interview, Sofia Hellqvist has opened up about the first time she met her future in-laws King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia and how she is looking forward to her new life as a princess. As she prepares to join the Swedish royal family when she ties the knot with Prince Carl Philip on 13 June, Sofia has spoken out about being welcomed by her fiancé's parents, as well as addressing how she has moved on from her controversial appearance on a reality TV show.
In the interview Sofia denied that she had been treated coldly by Sweden's monarch and his Germany-born wife, instead saying their first meeting was "a fantastic experience".
"It has been speculated that I wasn't embraced by the family but it was the opposite," she said, adding that the first time she met the king and queen was at Solliden Palace where they had a "charming lunch"
Carl Philip interjected that Silvia "gave Sofia a big hug", while the brunette beauty confirmed, "I felt welcome from day one and nothing else."
In the hour-long documentary, which was mainly filmed during the royals' summer holiday at Solliden, Prince Carl Philip revealed that he was equally welcomed by Sofia's family
"It was like being in my own house," he said of the relaxed atmosphere when visiting his wife-to-be's family home.
Sofia also addressed her time as a model and her appearance on a Swedish reality show in the documentary, which is called The Year with the Royal Family.
"Much has been written [about it] over the years, not only following our engagement ," she said. "For me it's pretty boring, it happened ten years ago and I moved on with my life.
"But no regrets," she added. "All experiences build a person, although I wouldn't do it now if you asked me."
Laughing, Sofia concluded: "I can say I have lived life 100 per cent."
The duo were also quizzed about how they met. "I was eating with friends in Baastad," said Carl Philip, "Sofia was there with a friend and our friends knew each other. We started with a shy greeting and everything followed.
Finally the couple spoke of their future together and how Sofia is feeling about officially joining the Swedish royal family.
"I have spent many years with them, I know that life and know what is going to change. I'm ready, no surprises, I think it will be fine," she said. "I know it will," added Carl Philip.
