Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, who is second in line for the throne, is giving up her royal duties to go to school. She will start a three-year Bachelor of Arts program at the University of Sydney in August 2025. She will study international relations and political economy. The 21-year-old princess plans to live in student housing on campus in Sydney's Camperdown area while attending school.
She is now going to school after serving 15 months in the military with Norway's Engineer Battalion, where she was a gunner on a CV-90 infantry fighting vehicle. Her choice to study abroad shows that she is committed to getting more life experiences and education outside of the royal world.
According to the Royal House of Norway, "Her Royal Highness looks forward to dedicating herself to her studies in the years to come."
Kirsten Andrews, Vice-President of The University of Sydney was thrilled with her selection. She said, "We are delighted that the Princess has chosen the University of Sydney to further her education, and we are confident that she will enjoy Sydney as much as we do." She also stated that the Princess will have access to a dynamic university community and the best that the city provides.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra's decision to study in Australia is in line with a trend among European royals who want to get an education outside of their home country. Her move comes at a time when the Norwegian royal family is having problems, such as health problems for King Harald V and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and issues with her stepbrother, Marius Borg Høiby.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra is taking a break from her royal duties, and her education reflects a modern approach to the monarchy that focuses on personal growth and global involvement.
