Princess Ingrid Alexandra to Relocate for Three Years
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway will relocate to Sydney in August to commence her university studies. The 21-year-old royal will enrol at the University of Sydney for a full-time Bachelor of Arts degree.
The Royal House of Norway confirmed the move in an official press release issued over the weekend. “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 statement read.
The degree will span three years and focus on international relations and political economy.
Royal to Live in On-Campus Residence
The princess will live in a student residence located on the University of Sydney’s Camperdown and Darlington campus. “Her Royal Highness looks forward to dedicating herself to her studies in the years to come,” the statement concluded.
Princess Ingrid is the eldest child of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. She is the granddaughter of King Harald V and second in line to the Norwegian throne.
Temporary Pause from Official Duties
Princess Ingrid has recently begun taking on more public responsibilities in Norway. However, her relocation to Australia means she will step back from royal duties during her studies.
The decision marks a new chapter for the Norwegian royal, who will be immersed in academic life abroad.
A temporary pause from her royal duties
Norwegian Royal Family Faces Public Scrutiny
The move comes as the royal family has faced increased public attention due to issues involving Princess Ingrid’s older stepbrother.
Marius Borg Høiby, Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship, has been involved in several legal matters. In the past year, authorities arrested Marius following allegations including rape and breaching a restraining order. He denied all allegations.
In February, new accusations emerged, alleging Marius abused a TV presenter at a party in 2018 at Skaugum Castle. Reports state Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Ingrid, and Prince Sverre Magnus were in the residence during the alleged incident.
Marius has not publicly responded to the new claims.
Following Royal Education Traditions
Princess Ingrid is not the first European royal to study in Australia. Count Nikolai of Monpezat, nephew of Queen Mary of Denmark, studied at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 2023.
Count Nikolai completed a semester at UTS while undertaking a master’s program through Copenhagen Business School. UTS participates in the business school’s international exchange partnership.
Nikolai and his partner Benedikte Thoustru spent time near the Ultimo campus and were seen socialising in the area.
Count Nikolai and his girlfriend Benedikte Thoustrup
Royal Connections to Australia Continue
King Frederik of Denmark, Count Nikolai’s uncle, also shares a long-standing personal connection to Australia. He met his wife, Queen Mary, in Sydney during the 2000 Olympic Games.
Queen Mary, formerly Mary Donaldson, was born in Tasmania and became crown princess after marrying into the Danish royal family.
Count Nikolai now divides his time between Europe and Australia following his semester abroad.
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University Welcomes Royal Student
The University of Sydney has not released a separate statement regarding the enrolment. However, the institution has hosted several international figures over the years.
With its strong global rankings and extensive academic programs, the university remains a destination for students from over 130 countries.
Princess Ingrid’s selection of international relations and political economy aligns with her future leadership role.
Royal Education Abroad Reflects Global Outlook
By choosing to study abroad, Princess Ingrid follows a broader trend among young royals embracing global education. The move also reflects the importance placed on diplomacy and policy in modern monarchy roles.
The Norwegian royal household has indicated full support for the princess’s academic goals. The palace has not disclosed any official travel plans for her parents or siblings during the relocation.
Sydney Readies for Royal Arrival
Sydney’s academic and diplomatic circles are expected to closely follow the princess’s time in Australia. Her arrival in August will likely attract attention from both royal watchers and local media.
With her commitment to full-time study and residential living, Princess Ingrid will experience university life alongside thousands of local and international students.
