Oh baby! The royal family of Sweden is about to get a little bigger.
Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia are “delighted” to share they’re expecting baby No. 4, the Swedish Royal Court announced Sept. 2.
“Princess Sofia is feeling well,” the message continued, “and the birth is expected to take place in February 2025.” The court also noted that no changes are expected to be made to Princess Sofia’s schedule of public events.
The little one will join older brothers Prince Alexander, 8; Prince Gabriel, 7; and Prince Julian, 3. Over the years, the royal couple has given glimpses into their family's life, including birthdays, summer memories and holiday celebrations.
And while Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia—who wed in 2015—are called their Royal Highnesses, their children don’t hold these titles. Neither do the children of Prince Carl Philip’s sister Princess Madeleine, who shares Princess Leonore, Prince Nicolas and Princess Adrienne with husband Christopher O'Neill.
This is based on a decision made by Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine’s father King Carl XVI Gustaf in 2019.
“His Majesty The King has decided on changes to The Royal House,” the palace said in a statement obtained by People at the time. “The purpose of these changes is to establish which members of The Royal Family may be expected to perform official duties incumbent on the Head of State or related to the function of the Head of State. His Majesty The King has decided that the children of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, and the children of Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine and Mr. Christopher O’Neill will no longer be members of The Royal House.”
According to the outlet, this decision did not affect the titles of the children of Crown Princess Victoria (who is the king’s eldest child and heir to the throne) and her husband Prince Daniel: Princess Estelle and Prince Oscar.
However, Prince Carl Philip noted in a 2019 Instagram post that he saw this decision “as a positive” as it allowed his children to have “freer choices in life.” Princess Madeleine shared a similar sentiment.
“This change has been planned for a long time,” she wrote on Instagram. “Chris and I think it's good that our children now have a greater opportunity to shape their own lives as individuals in the future.”
For more royal news from this year, keep reading.
The Royal Family Celebrate Christmas
King Charles III and wife Queen Camilla were joined by Prince William, Kate Middleton and kids Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on their annual Christmas Day walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham in Norfolk, England.
Kate Middleton and Prince William Take Their 3 Kids Christmas Caroling
The family of five attended the annual Together At Christmas Carol Service at London's Westminster Abbey on Dec. 6. The holiday outing marked the first time the Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out with their children since the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in June.
Meghan Markle Breaks Silence on Prince Harry Divorce Rumors
The Duchess of Sussex shut down speculation of marital problems, joking during a Dec. 4 event in New York, "We've apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times."
"So, it's just like, 'What?'" continued Meghan, who shares kids Archie Harrison and Lilibet "Lili" Diana with the Duke of Sussex. "It's hard to keep up with, but that's why you just sort of ignore it."
King Charles III and Queen Camilla's Dog Beth Dies
The couple paid tribute to their late Jack Russell terrier on Nov. 18.
"A sad farewell to Beth, The Queen’s much-loved companion from @Battersea Dogs and Cats Home," a message on their official Instagram account read, "who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties, or curled up by the fire."
Queen Camilla Withdraws From Public Engagements Due to Chest Infection
"Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest," the Buckingham Palace announced on Nov. 5. "With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week, but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend's Remembrance events as normal. She apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result."
Camilla returned to work on Nov. 12 to host a reception at Clarence House.
Princess Beatrice Is Expecting Baby No. 2
The royal and her husband of four years Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are expecting their second child together, the Royal Family announced Oct. 1.
“Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together early in the new year,” the caption of their Instagram post read. “His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.”
Kate Middleton Completes Chemotherapy
On Sept. 9, the Princess of Wales shared that she had completed chemotherapy after being diagnose with an unspecified form of cancer earlier this year.
"The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you," she said in a video statement. "With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything."
The royal added, "Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes. I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can."
Kate Middleton's First Formal Appearance Since Cancer Diagnosis
The Princess of Wales returned to the spotlight on June 15—three months after sharing her cancer diagnosis—for the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London. She was joined by her husband Prince William and their three kids: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Princess Anne Is Released From Hospital
The Princess Royal was discharged after a five-day stay at Southmead Hospital. Her husband, Tim Laurence, said in a statement June 28, "I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all the team at Southmead Hospital for their care, expertise and kindness during my wife’s short stay."
Princess Anne is Hospitalized With Concussion
The younger sister of King Charles III sustained minor injuries during an incident at her estate Gatcombe Park, Buckingham Palace has announced.
"Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery," the June 24 statement, shared to X, read. "The King has been kept closely informed and joins the whole Royal Family in sending his fondest love and well-wishes to The Princess for a speedy recovery."
Kate Middleton Shares Chemotherapy Update
Nearly three months after sharing her cancer diagnosis, the Princess of Wales said that she's "making good progress" with chemotherapy, though there are "good days and bad days" amid her health journey.
"On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting," Kate wrote on Instagram June 14. "But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well."
She added, "My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home."
New Role for Prince William
On May 13, King Charles III bestowed the title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to his oldest son, sparking controversy as many royal watchers believed the title would be more suited for Prince Harry, who trained and served in the military branch.
Kin Charles III Returns to Public Duties
On April 26, nearly three months after sharing his cancer diagnosis, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles will return to public-facing duties.
Queen Camilla Attends Royal Maundy Service
The queen consort attended the Royal Maundy Service on March 28 in place of King Charles III, making her the first spouse of the Monarch to continue the ancient tradition.
Kate Middleton Shares Cancer Diagnosis
In a March 22 video message, the Princess of Wales shared that she'd been diagnosed with cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.
"It was thought that my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful," she said before noting that tests after the operation found cancer had been present. "My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment."
Kate Middleton Apologizes for Edited Family Photo Controversy
After photo agencies pulled the picture Kensington Palace shared of Kate since having her abdominal surgery on March 10, the Princess of Wales addressed claims the photo was doctored.
"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she tweeted on March 11. "I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C."
Lady Kitty Spencer Privately Welcomes Baby
Princess Diana's niece celebrated Mother's Day in the U.K. by sharing she and her husband Michael Lewis privately welcomed their first baby.
“It’s the joy of my life to be your mummy, little one. I love you unconditionally," she captioned her March 10 Instagram post. "Happy Mother’s Day to those who celebrate today."
Queen Camilla Takes a Break
After keeping up her full slate of engagements in the wake of her husband's cancer diagnosis, the palace cleared Camilla's schedule.
The Times pointed out March 2 that the queen consort didn't have any engagements on her calendar until March 11, when she'd be due at Westminster Abbey to observe Commonwealth Day.
Thomas Kensington Dies at 45
The husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor and ex-boyfriend of Pippa Middleton, was found dead Feb. 25. Days later, a coroner's inquest found that he died by suicide.
King Charles Diagnosed With Cancer
While King Charles III was in the hospital for his benign prostate enlargement procedure, the royal family member was diagnosed with cancer.
"His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties," Buckingham Palace said Feb. 5. "Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible."
Sarah Ferguson Is Diagnosed With a Second Type of Cancer
The Duchess of York's rep said in a statement on Jan. 21 that Sarah was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. Several months prior, she underwent a single mastectomy to treat breast cancer.
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark Abdicates the Throne
On Jan. 14, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark made history as she officially abdicated the throne, handing the crown over to her son, now known as King Frederik the 10th.
King Charles III Undergoing Treatment
Shortly after Kate's hospitalization was made public, Buckingham Palace shared that Charles "has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate."
"His Majesty's condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure," the statement added. "The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation."
Prince William Adjusting His Schedule
Amid Kate's recovery, Prince William postponed a number of engagements as he supported his family, including the couple's three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Kate Middleton Is Hospitalized
Kensington Palace announced on Jan. 17 that the Princess of Wales underwent planned abdominal surgery and was set to remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days.
"Based on the current medical advice," the Palace said, "she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."
Luxembourg Welcomes a New Baby
Princess Claire and Prince Felix of Luxembourg welcomed son Balthazar Felix Karl on Jan. 7, the first royal baby of the New Year!