Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway had family members visit her Down Under. According to Se og Hør, the royals' mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit and father Crown Prince Haakon were recently in Australia. The outlet reported that the Crown Princess was in the country for an "extended period," while the Crown Prince traveled there following a trip to Portugal.
© STIAN LYSBERG SOLUM/NTB/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesSe og Hør noted that the 21-year-old Princess' parents were probably there to help her settle in and familiarize themselves with the area where their daughter is now living. The pair have reportedly since returned to Norway.
Mette-Marit herself has studied Down Under. In high school, the Crown Princess spent a year abroad as an exchange student at Wangaratta High School in Australia.
It was announced in May that Princess Ingrid Alexandra would be heading to Australia to study at the University of Sydney, where she is enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program. "She has chosen a three-year degree with a focus on international relations and political economy," the Norwegian Royal House stated at the time. "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."
On July 25, the Royal House released photos of the future Queen on campus and at the Sydney Opera House. The pictures were accompanied by a personal message from the Princess, which read: "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."
© Raquel Pires Photography / Det kongelige hoffSince moving abroad, Princess Ingrid Alexandra has been spotted out in Sydney. Last week, the Daily Mail published photos of the royal taking a call during a trip to the Sydney Aquarium and reported that she attended a party on a yacht with friends.
The university student is second in line to the Norwegian throne after her father. King Harald V and Queen Sonja have expressed their support for their granddaughter going abroad for school. When asked for their thoughts on individuals who believe Princess Ingrid Alexandra 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."
His Majesty added, "She must be allowed to study and get an education before she starts representing."
