Royal Couple speak about Princess' decision to go abroad

King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway are supportive of their granddaughter Princess Ingrid Alexandra going to Australia. “Isn't that nice?” His Majesty told the press last week in Balsfjord, per VG. The Queen added, "Very good."

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Asked what they think about individuals who believe their 21-year-old granddaughter should have studied closer to Norway so she could contribute more to the royal family, the King answered: "You get this back with compound interest when she gets home, so I think that's just an advantage."

"She must be allowed to study and get an education before she starts representing," the monarch added.

The Princess is second in line to the Norwegian throne, after her father Crown Prince Haakon.

The Norwegian Royal House announced last month that Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon's daughter will be heading Down Under to study 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 Royal House shared. "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," the Royal House added. "Her Royal Highness looks forward to dedicating herself to her studies in the years to come."

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The future Queen of Norway graduated from high school, Elvebakken High School, back in June of 2023. That fall, Alexandra started working as a school assistant and environmental worker at Uranienborg School, and began her military service in January of 2024. The Princess was originally set to serve 12 months of initial service at the Engineer Battalion in Brigade Nord, but it was later extended to 15 months, which she completed this spring.

Last September, the Princess told a press pool at Skjold army camp that she had been "challenged many times since" arriving. She shared (translated to English), "I think the most important thing I have learned is that you can do much more than you think, and you are much stronger together. Whether it's in a team or in a platoon or company, you get a lot more done when you're not alone."

Alexandra also admitted that at Skjold, "I enjoy myself very much. It's a varied everyday life, and we do a lot of exciting things. And then I have to brag about my company. They are incredibly good at motivating each other and doing well every day. Without them I would not have enjoyed myself as much here."