Princess Sofia of Sweden has called on members of the public to take action and help those suffering as a result of the refugee crisis. The 30-year-old princess, who married Prince Carl Philip three months ago, gave a speech in Pretoria, South Africa in which she urged everyone to "do something".
"I think that everybody can contribute in their own way and do something," said Sofia, while attending a conference for Global Child Forum. The organisation was set up by her parents-in-law King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden in support of children's rights.
"I have a great belief that every individual can make a difference and help a fellow human being," Sofia added.
"The main thing is that we do something," said Princess Sofia at the conference to discuss the refugee crisis
"If so, start by ensuring that those who come to Sweden get the help that they need to contribute money to organisations that are actually in place, and make a difference and do something about it. The main thing is that we do something."
"What action can you take as a professional and as a person to make a positive impact on a child's life?" Sofia continued. "As long as children suffer, we have work to do."
Sofia set up children's charity the Sofia Hellqvist Project Playground in 2010
Before she joined the royal family, Sofia, who has volunteered in South Africa, Senegal and Ghana, founded children's charity the Sofia Hellqvist Project Playground. The charity, which she established with a friend, aims to support underprivileged children in South Africa by providing meals, counsel and recreational activities such as football and weekends away.
Sofia worked as the charity's secretary general until April of this year, just two months before she tied the knot with Carl Philip in a spectacular royal wedding. Her older sister Lina still works as a project coordinator.
While studying at Stockholm University, Sofia, a qualified yoga instructor, also took up courses in Global Ethics, Child and Youth Studies, the UN Convention on Children's Rights in Theory and Swedish practice, and Gender and International Relations.
The 30-year-old princess has volunteered in South Africa, Senegal and Ghana in the past
Sofia is not the only charity-focused royal in the family. Her mother-in-law Queen Silvia is co-founder of the World Childhood Foundation, which Princess Madeleine worked for in New York City.
Other causes that Queen Silvia champions are supporting the disabled, those suffering with dementia and dyslexia, and children suffering from sexual exploitation and drug abuse.
