Norway’s future queen, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is officially moving to Sydney to study at the University of Sydney.
The news, confirmed by the Norwegian royal family earlier this week, has sparked questions about what exactly the young royal is doing in Australia, and why her tertiary education isn’t being pursued in Europe.
“She has chosen a three-year degree with a focus on international relations and political economy,” a spokesperson for the royal family revealed.
“The princess will be studying full-time and reside in a student residence on campus. Her royal highness looks forward to dedicating herself to her studies in the years to come.”
Naturally, with a colourful history serving in the Norwegian military, myriad sporting achievements and a rumoured romance with an F1 star, there’s plenty to unpack when it comes to the Scandi Princess set to call Sydney home.
With the Norwegian heir set to commence her studies on campus next semester, we dive into everything you need to know about Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, including where she’s been, why she’s here and what her life as a Sydney University student will look like.
Who Is Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway?
When it comes to future European monarchs, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway is up there with some of the brighter stars set to lead the royals into the new era.
Born in Oslo on 21 January 2004, Princes Ingrid is the eldest child of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and granddaughter to Norway’s current King Harald.
The 21-year-old grew up surrounded by fellow European royals, and counts King Felipe V of Spain, Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden as godparents.
As is expected in Norway, the Princess began her mandatory military service in January 2004 as a conscript at the Engineer Battalion in Brigade North. What started off as a 12-month contract, soon expanded to 15-months after the Princess’s aptitude for the armed forces, as a gunner on a CV-90 fighting vehicle, became known.
Speaking with media in the lead up to her graduation from military service, Princess Alexandra told reporters: “It will be very nice [to graduate] in one way, but also very sad, because there are many people I have gotten to know well and have grown to love very much.”
Far from her only talent, Princess Ingrid is also a keen sportsperson with a love of skiing and kickboxing. At just 16, the young royal even claimed gold in the junior Norwegian surfing championships.
Following her grandfather’s decision to change the country’s succession laws, Princess Ingrid Alexandra became second in line to the throne after her father, and is expected to become Norway’s second female monarch in 600 years.
Not only will her future title make her the second female Queen of Norway since the 15th century, she’ll also join a group of women all set to reign over Europe; including the princesses of Sweden, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands.
Who Is Princess Ingrid Alexandra Dating?
While all reports suggest the Norwegian royal is very much starting her life in Sydney as a single woman, she’s been linked to some high-profile partners in the past.
From 2022 to 2024, the Princess was thought to be in a relationship with economics student, Magnus Heien Haugstad, but ever the private royal, not much is known about their time together.
In 2024, rumours started circling about a potential love match with none other than Argentinian F1 driver, Franco Colapinto, who, according to Norway’s Se&Hør, was rumoured to be dating the royal for a brief time before the start of the 2024 F1 season.
Who Are Her Siblings?
If you’re not across the Norwegian royal family and their reality tv-worthy drama , then buckle up, because you’re in for a treat.
While Princess Ingrid Alexandra may be the eldest child of parents Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, she’s not her mother’s first.
In fact, Princess Alexandra was born after her older half-brother, Marius Borg Høiby, who Princess Mette-Marit shares with her first husband and convicted felon, Morten Borg.
The eldest son of Princess Mette-Marit has been marred with controversy including multiple arrests for alleged assault and breaking a restraining order. According to local publication Se og Hør, Marius has recently been blocked from accessing his mum and step-dad’s property, after a party he threw led to a motorcycle gang’s raid on the main house.
Born in 2005, Princess Ingrid’s little brother Prince Sverre is the youngest child of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mettte-Marit and is third in line to the throne.
In 2017, the young royal went viral for breaking with protocol during celebrations for the King and Queen’s birthday. Images and videos of the Norwegian prince ‘dabbing’ made global headlines at the time, earning the prankster his cheeky reputation.
Prior to the new succession rules, Prince Sverre would’ve been next in line for the throne ahead of his sister, despite him being the younger sibling.
Where Will Princess Ingrid Alexandra Of Denmark Live On Campus?
According to The Daily Mail, the Princess will be embracing on-campus student life as a member of St Andrew’s College, with current students reportedly receiving an email about the royal’s arrival just this week.
“Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway is moving to Sydney to study an Arts degree at the University of Sydney,” an email from college principal Dr Daniel Tyler read.
“I am pleased to let you know she will be joining ‘Drews’ and living on site. I know she is looking forward to integrating into College and university life,” he continued, before adding: “We will share reminders about security on the College site ahead of Semester 2.”
St Andrew’s College has previously been the subject of controversy for its questionable culture and history of unacceptable behaviours exhibited by some students.
The Princess isn’t the first European royal to study in Australia. Most recently, Danish Count Nikolai of Monpezat completed a semester at Sydney’s University of Technology, perhaps under the suggestion of his Australian aunt, Princess Mary.
Notably, King Charles also travelled to Australia to study, completing two terms at Geelong Grammar in Victoria when he was just 17.
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- What To Know About Martha Louise, Norway’s Newlywed Princess Who Speaks To Angels
- All About Prince Mary’s Nephew, Count Nikolai
