London: She’s jumped from a plane at 20,000 feet, commanded a fighting vehicle in Norway’s icy north and scrubbed barracks floors as part of her military service. But now, Princess Ingrid Alexandra is preparing for a very different kind of challenge: student life at the University of Sydney.
The 21-year-old heir to the Norwegian throne will relocate to Australia in August to begin a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on international relations and political economy, the Royal House of Norway confirmed.
Crown Princess Mette Marit, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway attending the Norwegian Constitution Day at their residence in Oslo.Credit: Getty Images
The first child of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, the princess is second in line to the Norwegian throne – after her father – and is poised to one day become Norway’s first queen regnant for more than 600 years. The last was Queen Margaret, who ruled Norway, Denmark and Sweden from 1387 to 1412.
She will be living at St Andrew’s College, one of the university’s most prestigious student residences, known for its strong alumni network, sandstone halls, and prominent traditions. The college’s principal Dr Daniel Tyler confirmed the news, first reported by the MailOnline, in an email to students.
“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 wrote. “There may be media interest and enquiries. Please join us in respecting her privacy. We will share reminders about security on the College site ahead of Semester 2.”
Princess Ingrid Alexandra has been focused on environmental protection and international affairs in recent years.Credit: Getty Images
University of Sydney’s vice-president Kirsten Andrews told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: “We’re very glad that Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra has chosen to study at the University of Sydney. University officials look forward to welcoming her and helping her get acquainted with university life and her studies.”
Ingrid Alexandra’s passion for sport and the outdoors is well documented: she’s a junior surfing champion, a keen skier, and trains in kickboxing. Her father has joked that if he were not heir to the throne, she “would have liked to have been a pro surfer on the World Tour.”
But in recent years, she has increasingly focused on environmental protection and international affairs – interests that now form the foundation of her studies.
