Norway’s Princess Ingrid Alexandra marked her 20th birthday on Sunday, but this year’s celebration was far from the usual festivities. Instead of enjoying a party with her loved ones, the young royal found herself in a different environment as she continues her military service. Princess Ingrid began her training at the Skjold camp as part of the Northern Brigade of the Norwegian Army. Over the next year, she will learn essential skills such as hand-to-hand combat and will live alongside hundreds of soldiers and civilian employees.
A Unique Birthday Celebration
While Princess Ingrid Alexandra couldn’t be with her family on her special day, the Norwegian royal family’s social media accounts paid tribute to her. One photo shared on the palace’s Instagram account showed the princess wearing her military uniform and was captioned, “Happy birthday to Princess Ingrid Alexandra who turns 20 today.” Another image depicted Ingrid participating in military manoeuvres alongside her fellow soldiers in training, with a caption that read, “The princess has begun her first service serving in the engineer battalion at Camp Skjold in Indre Troms.”
Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s military service represents another step towards independence. As the daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, she is second-in-line to the Norwegian throne after her father. In October of last year, Ingrid moved out of the family’s royal residence, Skaugum, and into a flat in the hipster area of Grünerløkka in Oslo. This vibrant neighbourhood is renowned for its street art, stylish bars, nightclubs, hipster cafés, live music venues, and boutiques selling vintage clothing. It offers a dynamic and trendy environment that perfectly suits Ingrid’s aspirations.
Prior to her military training, Princess Ingrid Alexandra graduated from the Elvebakken Upper Secondary School in Oslo last April. She then worked as a school assistant and environmental worker at Uranienborg School, one of her former schools in the capital. Ingrid’s decision to join the military follows in the footsteps of her father, Crown Prince Haakon. While she has flown the nest, Ingrid’s younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, 18, still resides at the family home in Asker while completing high school at Elvebakken Upper Secondary School.
In a notable event last year, the Norwegian royals attended the 18th birthday gala of now-Crown Prince Christian of Denmark in Copenhagen. Crown Princess Mette-Marit made a radiant comeback after a period of sick leave, stunning in an ice-blue satin gown. Princess Ingrid Alexandra equally captivated onlookers with her ensemble, wearing a one-shoulder pleated gown in the same exquisite ice blue as her mother. She accessorized with the Boucheron pearl circle tiara and donned the Order of the Elephant, Denmark’s highest-ranked honour, for the first time.
As Princess Ingrid Alexandra continues her military training, she embarks on a journey towards personal growth and independence. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of her previous life, she embraces new challenges, honing her skills and forging new connections with her fellow soldiers. Princess Ingrid’s commitment to service and her pursuit of independence exemplify qualities that inspire not only her fellow Norwegians but also royal watchers around the world.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s 20th birthday celebration may have differed from the norm, but it showcased her resilience and determination to find her own path. As she continues her military service, she exemplifies the qualities of a modern, multifaceted royal, ready to face any challenge that comes her way.
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