Princess Sofia of Sweden is bumping along nicely in her first pregnancy

Content Managing Editor

January 22, 2016Jan 22, 2016, 1:08 PM GMT

In a few months Princess Sofia of Sweden will have to learn how to juggle royal duties with motherhood, but until then the philanthropic royal is dedicating her time to her patronages and charities. Sofia, who is expecting her first child with husband Prince Carl Philip in April, carried out an engagement for one of her newest causes on Thursday.

She was appointed honorary president of Sophiahemmet in January – a non-profit organisation and private hospital that has links to the Swedish royal family. Its nursing education was sponsored by former monarch Queen Sophia back in 1884.

Showing her support for the long-standing cause, Sofia attended a graduation ceremony of students from the Sophiahemmet University College. The Duchess was given the honour of presenting each nurse, known as the Sophia Sisters, with the university's traditional brooch.

© Photo: Rex

Princess Sofia presented each nurse with the university's traditional brooch

All eyes were on Prince Carl Philip's wife, who matched the graduates in a chic monochrome outfit. The 30-year-old wore a lace black dress and cream blazer, giving royal watchers a glimpse at her burgeoning bump.

This is the first time that Sophia has been seen carrying out an engagement this year. She will most likely scale back her official appearances as she enters the final trimester of her pregnancy.

The Duchess is expecting her first child in April

So far, her pregnancy has been plain sailing. Admitting that it felt "great", Sofia told a reporter last November that she and Carl Philip didn't want to know the sex of their baby. "It'll be a surprise!" she said.

The model-turned-Princess joined the royal family last June, when she married King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia's 36-year-old son.

"It'll be a surprise!" Sofia said of the baby's gender

Sofia has always shown a passion for charity work and in 2010 she founded the Princess Sofia Project Playground along with Frida Vesterberg. She worked there as secretary general until April 2015, just two months before her wedding.

Since then, she has acted as the honorary president of the charity, which helps disadvantaged children living in townships.

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