Sweden’s Princess Sofia attended the digital graduation ceremony for Sophiahemmet University on Friday, 5 February. The heavily pregnant Princess delivered remarks to congratulate the graduates during the online ceremony.
The ceremony is usually held at Stockholm’s City Hall in the Blue Hall but the current health crisis made that impossible this year.
Princess Sofia spoke about the symbolism in the uniform of Sophiahemmet – a white hat and black dress with lace. The white represents the light in life while the black symbolises life’s seriousness. The lace represents the joy in life.
“The light in life may symbolise the important effort you make and the opportunity for trust and security that you will give so many people. The seriousness of life may symbolise the tragedy and sorrow and sometimes frustration you will face.
“And then the joy of life – which is probably one of the reasons why you have spent years of your life on this particular education. To be able to be of service and help, to be able to contribute and to be part of society’s most important functions,” she said.
Her Royal Highness went on to add: “During your professional life you will meet people at all stages of life. You will be in situations of deepest sorrow and greatest joy. You will meet people who are both strong and fragile – sometimes, both at the same time.
“With today’s graduation ceremony, you will end a long and sometimes demanding education. Especially in the uncertain time we are in now. But with it in your luggage, you are well equipped for the future. And as a Sophia sister, you are now part of a large family of reputable nurses and midwives.”
The Princess concluded by wishing the graduates good luck and telling them to “feel the pride within you.”
Sofia has volunteered at Sophiahemmet Hospital since April 2020 when the pandemic began. Some of her work at the hospital was covered in this year’s “År med kungafamiljen” (Year with the Royal Family) on SVT.
