Future queen of Norway set to move to Australia - as her half brother and royal family's 'black sheep' faces sexual assault allegations from five women
'Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra will begin her studies at the University of Sydney in August, enrolling in a Bachelor of Arts program,' the Norwegian Palace said in a press release today.
'She has chosen a three-year degree with a focus on international relations and political economy.
'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.'
Ingrid Alexandra's decision to relocate to Australia comes amid what has likely been a difficult year for the Norwegian royal family after her step-brother Marius Borg was arrested on a string of sex assault charges - including two rapes - last August. He has vehemently denied the charges.
Crown Princess Mette-Maritt's son from a previous relationship, often referred to as the 'black sheep' of the Norwegian royal family, is also under investigation for three further sexual assaults and other charges.
He does not have a royal title nor any claim to the throne, with Ingrid Alexandra, 21, second in the line of succession after her father Crown Prince Haakon.
Her decision to move to Australia to continue her studies comes after Norway's future queen embarked on military training at the Engineer Battalion in Brigade Nord last year.
The update about the Princess' education comes after the Norwegian royal family released a series of intimate family photographs on her 21st birthday on January 21.
To mark the special occasion, the royal household shared five previously unseen pictures of the future Queen on Instagram with the caption: 'Happy birthday, Princess Ingrid Alexandra!'
The first photo shows Ingrid smiling proudly, wearing her military uniform as she poses in front of a tank.
The princess started her military training in January at the Engineer Battalion in Brigade Nord.
Another photo showed Ingrid with camouflage paint smeared on her face as part of a military training exercise while a fourth shows her bundled up with ski goggles on her head as she explores a snowy landscape.
In a complete change of scene, another photo shows the young princess flashing a dimpled smile as she wears a lifejacket onboard a boat.
However, royals fans were particularly delighted by the final snap of a glammed-up Princess Ingrid sitting alongside her brother Prince Sverre Magnus on the day of Princess Martha Louise's pre-wedding party in the idyllic coastal village of Geiranger.
With one hand placed on her younger brother's arm, Ingrid Alexandra dazzled in the emerald pleated maxi dress, floral lace bolero, and pink clutch bag that she picked for the occasion.
Her brother Sverre, meanwhile, looked dapper in a forest green velvet blazer paired with a crisp white shirt.
The post's caption read: 'The princess, who is currently serving in the Armed Forces, turns 21 years old.'
Royal fans and friends quickly flooded the comments with heartwarming messages.
'Happy 21st birthday! You're good for Norway, we're rooting for you,' wrote one, while a second penned: 'Happy 21st birthday to our lovely princess!' and a third chimed in: 'Happy birthday, beautiful Ingrid.'
Another enthusiastic royal fan penned: 'Congratulations so much on your birthday to our beautiful Princess Ingrid Alexandra.
'You are a great and healthy role model for the country's younger generations, and a worthy, skilled and inspiring member of the royal family.'
Princess Ingrid's birthday celebrations followed a tumultuous year for her family in the wake of the allegations against Borg Høiby - which has denied - and subsequent police investigation.
Earlier this year, it was reported that a fifth woman has accused the ex-royal - who stepped down from royal duties at the age of 20 - of rape that is alleged to have taken place after he was released from police custody for assaulting his girlfriend.
Marius Borg Høiby, 28, was first arrested on August 4, 2024, and has since faced a string of charges including assault and two rapes - which he denies - and as well as being under investigation for three further sexual assaults among other charges.
He also faces charges for breaching restraining orders against various women and tampering with evidence.
Høiby is now facing allegations of two rapes without intercourse, charges of abusing three women, 'threatening to kill a man, driving without a valid driver's license, reckless behavior, multiple violations of a restraining order, damage, threats, and bodily harm', as summarised by Norwegian media outlet Afterposten.
He has in past pleaded guilty to 'reckless conduct, damage, threats, bodily harm and a death threat - but denies all other charges.
Reacting to the most recent rape accusation, reported in March, his defence attorney said: 'I have no knowledge of this and therefore have no comments to give.'
Borg Høiby is not a royal - but the stepson of the future king of Norway. He was four when his mother married Haakon - and his half-sister is the future Queen of Norway.
Police are also investigating several other matters, including alleged sexual assaults, one of which he was accused of in February by a TV presenter.
It allegedly took place at his royal residence in a 'castle basement party' with police believed to have a video clip of the attack, according to Se og hor.
Linni Meister, 39, reportedly did not remember the alleged attack and only became aware of it after she was informed by law enforcement officials.
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