Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway appears to have settled into her new home Down Under. Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit's 21-year-old daughter has been spotted out and about in Australia.
On Aug. 9, the Daily Mail published photos of the Norwegian royal taking a call during a trip to the Sydney Aquarium last Wednesday. Days earlier, the Princess reportedly attended a boat party on Sydney Harbour with friends. The future Queen was pictured posing for a picture as one of her pals snapped a selfie on a phone. The Daily Mail reported that "after spending five hours on the yacht, onlookers say Ingrid Alexandra was picked up by two white BMWs – vehicles that were previously used by Queen Mary and King Frederik of Denmark during their visits to Australia."
© Raquel Pires Photography / Det kongelige hoffPrincess Ingrid Alexandra was then reportedly driven to The Marly bar in Newtown, where she is said to have been seen buying a round of drinks for her friends.
The Norwegian Royal House revealed on July 25 that the Princess was already in Australia, where she is now studying at the University of Sydney. Pictures of the royal on campus and at the Sydney Opera House were accompanied by a personal message from the Princess. She said, "I am looking forward to starting my studies at the University of Sydney. Being a student will be exciting, and I look forward to gaining new perspectives on both European and international affairs. I am confident that I will learn a great deal."
The Royal House announced in May that Princess Ingrid Alexandra would be heading to Australia to begin a Bachelor of Arts program at the University of Sydney, and that she had "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 said at the time. "Her Royal Highness looks forward to dedicating herself to her studies in the years to come."
© Raquel Pires Photography / Det kongelige hoffKing Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway have expressed their support for their granddaughter going abroad for school. “Isn't that nice?” His Majesty said in June, per VG, while the Queen said, "Very good." Asked for their thoughts on individuals who believe their granddaughter—who is second in line to the throne—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."
The monarch added, "She must be allowed to study and get an education before she starts representing."
