It’s no secret that the Norwegian royal family has found itself at the centre of many controversies this past year.
We’ve discovered the Jeffrey Epstein connections, Marius Borg Høiby was convicted of rape and domestic violence, and Crown Princess Mette-Marit successfully underwent a lung transplant after a public battle.
It may seem as though the reputation of Norway’s royal family is crumbling, but 22-year-old Princess Ingrid Alexandra feels worlds away.
And for a short time, she was.
In 2025, she relocated to Australia to study a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Political Economy at the University of Sydney.
Until June 2 when she returned to Norway to be by her mother’s side as her lung condition worsened. A short while later, the Crown Princess’ lung transplant was successful, as per the palace.
In 2026 alone, Queen Sonja, King Harald and Princess Astrid were all rushed to the hospital.
All these moments have undoubtedly reignited old questions regarding her duties as the future Queen and regency. Yet, her grandfather, King Harald, hasn’t burdened Princess Ingrid with the responsibilities that come with royalty.
Norwegian historian and author, Trond Norén Isaksen, revealed to nine.com.au that the family insist younger royals find their own way.
“When the king has been asked whether his granddaughter might take on more duties, he has usually rejected it outright,” he shared, adding that he was again asked recently, to which the king responded, “‘We have not come that far yet,’ which clearly means that they are now considering it rather than ruling it out.”
Norwegian residents and royal watchers alike got a first taste of what Princess Ingrid would be like as a working royal when she attended her first solo public appearance in January 2026. The outing included a visit to the Sami Parliament and Karasjok School in Norway.
Then a few months later, she had her first public event in Australia, celebrating Norway’s National Day in Sydney.
Both marked huge steps toward her future place on the throne. But, she will not act as regent under Norway’s current system, where the cabinet steps in as acting head of state. Although it rarely happens, there is room for exploitation in this process.
“The practical reasons are that the king is old and often ill, while the [Crown Prince Haakon] travels a lot,” Trond said.
“If parliament votes in favour of the amendment, as it seems it will, it will make things easier for the crown prince, as his daughter can then step in for him and her grandfather as regent.”
Parliament will reportedly vote on this recommendation on November 3, 2026.
At 22-years-old, Princess Ingrid Alexandra isn’t considered too young to act as regent.
Denmark’s Crown Prince Christian’s first time as regent was at 18-years-old when his father, King Frederik, travelled abroad. The prince has done so many times since, even putting his military training on hold to fulfil his royal duties.
