A descendant of sovereign Greek, Danish, German, Russian royals, Sophie had struck out on her own in Spain, after striking out on a youthful romance with Rome-based Prince Hugo. As a model, a style journalist (probably like Diana de Cadaval, Duchess d'Anjou), and a mainstay in the Marbella scene for a decade, Sophie lived life to the full and with great 4 style. Then in the late 80's, a family death left Sophie in deep mourning. And Prince Hugo, who had by then untangled the financial mess left by his own family, re-entered the scene to provide the comfort she lacked. Older, wiser, he relit the flames. In 1990, Sophie walked down the aisle in Salzburg with a splendid Russian royal tiara securing her veil in a Valentino gown to her Prince. (If you wonder why the wedding gown of Clotilde Courau to her own Italian prince looks similar, perhaps the baby bump had something to do with it...) Although she stepped back from the social scene in her move to her husband's Palazzo Taverna and raising three children, Sophie continued to occasionally support charity work in Spain. Issues of Hola with her striking blue eyes always draw attention to her efforts and her healthy family. And in a poignant gesture towards others amidst the anxiety for 18 year old Alexis, Sophie, in a genuine 4 going to Enneagram 2 reaction, supported organ donation.
What an admirable act of kindness from a grieving royal family.
