Even princesses need a degree—where and why this royal’s studying in Oz
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It’s not every day that Sydney welcomes royalty, but this year, the University of Sydney has gained a rather distinguished new student.
This 21-year-old future Queen has officially arrived Down Under, ready to swap palace life for campus life as she embarks on a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree.
For those who might not be up to speed on their European royals, Princess Ingrid Alexandra is the daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and she’s second in line to the Norwegian throne.
But for now, she’s trading tiaras for textbooks, and the Norwegian fjords for Sydney’s sparkling harbour.
In a statement released on Friday, the Princess shared her excitement: ‘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.’
To mark the start of her Aussie adventure, the Palace released a series of photos showing Ingrid looking every bit the modern student—navy sweater, blue jeans, and sneakers—posing on campus and outside the iconic Sydney Opera House. It’s a far cry from the ballgowns and tiaras we’re used to seeing her in, but she looks right at home.
You might be wondering why a Norwegian royal would choose to study so far from home.
Well, Australia has a proud tradition of hosting international royals for their education. King Vajiralongkorn of Thailand spent several years here in the 1970s, and even King Charles (then Prince Charles) attended Geelong Grammar School in Victoria back in 1966.
Also read: Is this Royal Family headed Down Under? Princess teases her family's upcoming adventure
Down Under’s world-class universities, laid-back lifestyle, and multicultural society make Australia an attractive destination for students from all walks of life, including those with royal blood.
For Princess Ingrid Alexandra, studying in Sydney offers a unique opportunity to broaden her horizons and gain a global perspective—something that will no doubt serve her well when she eventually takes on more royal duties.
Her grandfather, King Harald, is fully supportive of her decision. When asked about his granddaughter’s move, he told Norwegian media: ‘You get this back with compound interest when she gets home, so I think that's just an advantage. (Ingrid) must be allowed to study and get an education before she starts representing.’
Read more: The Royal Mint has released a stunning new coin—but it’s who’s on it that has everyone talking
Have you ever studied abroad, or do you have fond memories of your own university days? What advice would you give to a young royal starting out in a new country? And if you could recommend one must-see spot in Sydney, what would it be? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
This 21-year-old future Queen has officially arrived Down Under, ready to swap palace life for campus life as she embarks on a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree.
For those who might not be up to speed on their European royals, Princess Ingrid Alexandra is the daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and she’s second in line to the Norwegian throne.
But for now, she’s trading tiaras for textbooks, and the Norwegian fjords for Sydney’s sparkling harbour.
Norway’s Princess Ingrid Alexandra has arrived in Sydney to begin a three-year Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney. Image source: Sky News Australia / Youtube.
In a statement released on Friday, the Princess shared her excitement: ‘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.’
To mark the start of her Aussie adventure, the Palace released a series of photos showing Ingrid looking every bit the modern student—navy sweater, blue jeans, and sneakers—posing on campus and outside the iconic Sydney Opera House. It’s a far cry from the ballgowns and tiaras we’re used to seeing her in, but she looks right at home.
The 21-year-old Princess, second in line to the Norwegian throne, has already settled in on campus and expressed excitement about gaining new perspectives. Image source: The Royal Correspondent / Youtube.
Photos released show the Princess around Sydney landmarks, including the university and Opera House, embracing a relaxed student style. Image source: The Royal Correspondent / Youtube.
You might be wondering why a Norwegian royal would choose to study so far from home.
Well, Australia has a proud tradition of hosting international royals for their education. King Vajiralongkorn of Thailand spent several years here in the 1970s, and even King Charles (then Prince Charles) attended Geelong Grammar School in Victoria back in 1966.
Also read: Is this Royal Family headed Down Under? Princess teases her family's upcoming adventure
Down Under’s world-class universities, laid-back lifestyle, and multicultural society make Australia an attractive destination for students from all walks of life, including those with royal blood.
For Princess Ingrid Alexandra, studying in Sydney offers a unique opportunity to broaden her horizons and gain a global perspective—something that will no doubt serve her well when she eventually takes on more royal duties.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra follows a tradition of international royals studying in Australia. Image source: Sky News Australia / Youtube.
Her grandfather, King Harald, is fully supportive of her decision. When asked about his granddaughter’s move, he told Norwegian media: ‘You get this back with compound interest when she gets home, so I think that's just an advantage. (Ingrid) must be allowed to study and get an education before she starts representing.’
Read more: The Royal Mint has released a stunning new coin—but it’s who’s on it that has everyone talking
Have you ever studied abroad, or do you have fond memories of your own university days? What advice would you give to a young royal starting out in a new country? And if you could recommend one must-see spot in Sydney, what would it be? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
