27-05-2025
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway confirmed to be moving to Australia for three year university degree
Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra will move to Australia in August to begin a three-year undergraduate degree at the University of Sydney, the palace has confirmed.
Ingrid, 21, is the daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette Marit and is second in line to the Norwegian throne behind her father.
On Monday, Norway's royal palace confirmed the young royal, who recently completed military service, will commence undergraduate studies at the University of Sydney.
'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.
'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.'
The future Queen of the ancient Norwegian monarchy is the god daughter of King Frederik of Denmark, the husband of Aussie-born Queen Mary.
The Norwegian Princess is only the latest in a long line of international royals who have completed part or all of their education in Australia.
Thailand's reigning King Vajiralongkorn spent several years studying in Australia in the 1970s, while King Charles spent two terms at Geelong Grammar School in 1966.
Ingrid's decision to study on the other side of the world also comes after a rollercoaster year for the Norwegian royal family.
The country was scandalised last year after Ingrid's half-brother Marius Borg Høiby was arrested on a string of sex assault charges - including two rapes - last August.
Mr Høiby is the 28-year-old son from Crown Princess Mette-Marit's previous relationship before she married into the Norwegian monarchy and has no role in the royal family.
Nevertheless, it is understood Ingrid is close with her elder half-sibling, which has reportedly created anxiety within the palace.
It is unclear if the geographical distance from her half-brother, who has denied all charges, influenced Ingrid's decision to move to Australia.
The Norwegian monarchy has also faced scrutiny over Ingrid's colourful aunt Princess Martha Louise, a self-professed clairvoyant often cited as the direct cause of an uptick in republicanism in Norway.
Martha Louise's second wedding to an American Shaman last year will reportedly be the subject of an upcoming Netflix documentary.
