Anders Zorn

Sofia of Nassau was born in July 1836 at Biebrich Castle in the Duchy of Nassau in Germany and was the daughter of Wilhelm of Nassau-Weilburg and Pauline of Württemberg. In the summer of 1856, she stayed with her older half-sister Marie at Monrepos Castle. There, she met Prince Oscar (II), whom she married the following year, and with whom she had four sons. Sofia is known for her extensive charitable work. Inspired by the new nursing practices championed by British Florence Nightingale, whose knowledge began to spread in Europe, the queen established the first nursing education in Sweden and laid the foundation for the Sophiahemmet hospital in Stockholm. She served as chair of the board and remained engaged in education throughout her life.