2023 has a been a special year for Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 2nd in line to the Norwegian throne.
Photo credit: NTB/Det kongelige hoff
While finishing her final year of high school, Ingrid Alexandra already had an office in the Royal Palace. She doesn’t have any official duties just yet, aside from focusing on her education. King Harald advised her that since her royal duties will last a lifetime, she should take her time with her studies. He also reminded her to remember to play along the way.
And play, she did. A major part of a student’s 13th year of school is called russefeiring, a month-long period before final exams when practically all the seniors do is party. Ingrid Alexandra posted on her Instagram that she and her fellow students from Elvebakken videregående skole (upper secondary school) in Grünerløkka, Oslo were coming to the end of 13 years of ups and downs. She emphasized that russ should look out for each other, and celebrate with togetherness and inclusion, adding that it’s never too late to forge new friendships.
The princess posted a photo of herself in her red overalls with friends from her russebuss (graduation party bus), named “Studio 23.” For russ, it is customary to wear coveralls with your last name stitched in large letters down one pantleg. Since the Royal Family doesn’t have a surname, Ingrid Alexandra used her mother’s maiden name, Høiby. For this year’s Syttende Mai, rather than standing with her family on the Palace’s balcony, the princess walked with classmates in the russetog (parade of graduates-to-be), waving up at her family.
Graduation Gala
For their graduation Elvebakken VG celebrated with a ceremony and performance at Oslo Concert Hall. Ingrid Alexandra attended with her parents and younger brother Prince Sverre Magnus. She wore an Asker bunad to represent her hometown. Visitors from all over Norway and the world came to congratulate the princess on this rite of passage, presenting symbolic gifts.
Photo credit: Øivind Möller Bakken / Det kongelige hoff
On the Horizon
This fall, Ingrid Alexandra will work as an assistant and environmental worker in an Oslo school. In 2024, the princess plans to serve 12 months of basic training (førstegangstjeneste) with the Engineer Battalion at Skjold camp in Indre Troms. After initial training, she will be assigned a service position and will then receive more technical education. As the eventual successor to the throne, she is preparing to become Supreme Commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Details about Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s plans for college have not been released.