royalty
Norway’s Princess Ingrid is of legal age
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway turns 18. Photo: Javad Parsa/NTB/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
While Norway’s succession to the throne is in safe hands, Princess Ingrid Alexandra is gradually growing into royal life. Exciting hobbies do not stand in the way.
Norwegian Princess Ingrid Alexandra is now of legal age. For her 18th birthday on Friday, larger celebrations in the Scandinavian country had to be postponed due to the pandemic, but at least the young princess received a visit from high government officials.
Among others, she received Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Parliament Speaker Masud Gharahkhani in Oslo Palace. For the first time in the morning she also attended a Friday meeting between her grandfather King Harald V (84) and her father Crown Prince Haakon (48) and the government as an observer.
There was no shortage of presents for the birthday child either: the skier and surfer received a new surfboard from a state administration committee, and a bound copy of the 1990 constitutional amendment from the government, which stipulated at the time that women could also use the Norwegian surfboard can follow the throne. “It was an important constitutional change in the name of equality. She made Princess Ingrid Alexandra heir to the throne when she was born in 2004.”
At the same time, the princess gave her first official interviews. In a conversation with broadcaster NRK published on Friday, she said she was ready for the role that awaited her. How does it feel to turn 18? “It doesn’t feel that different. It may be a bit more responsibility, but that also means more freedom. I’m looking forward to it,” said Ingrid. She might now be able to travel alone – Japan is at the top of her wish list – and drive a car.
What comes after school? Of course she has a plan in mind, but it changes quite often. In any case, her mother, Crown Princess Mette-Marit (48), would like to see her train as a doctor, the princess revealed. “But let’s see.”