The Norwegian Royal Family is navigating one of its most turbulent chapters. Over the past year, the family has been immersed in scandals and health scares, from Marius Borg’s criminal trial to Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s worsening pulmonary fibrosis and ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Through it all, the institution has had to continue its royal agenda, recently sharing plans for its National Day celebrations. It’s a tradition that features the royal family greeting the public from the balcony. This year, Princess Ingrid Alexandra will be absent.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesPrincess Ingrid has faced some scrutiny in past months
National Day will take place on May 17th. Crown Princess Mette-Marit will join Crown Prince Haakon, King Harald, Queen Sonja, and Prince Sverre Magnus in the traditional balcony appearance, a moment that carries particular weight this year.
The celebration features a children’s parade, one of its most emblematic elements, which will be attended by Crown Prince Haakon, Mette-Marit, and their son, Sverre. Princess Ingrid Alexandra won’t be in attendance, maintaining some distance from the issues that are plaguing her family.
Mette-Marit’s participation is in itself a statement. The Crown Princess, who has been increasingly seen using supplemental oxygen due to chronic pulmonary fibrosis, will appear publicly despite the scrutiny that surrounds her.
© NTBMette-Marit has been supported by her family throughout her controversies
Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s notable absence
The Princess’ absence is due to her relocation. She’s now based in Sydney, Australia, where she is enrolled in a three-year Bachelor of Arts program at the University of Sydney, focusing on international relations and political economy, studying full-time and residing in a student residence on campus. She will be celebrating her nation’s holiday from abroad, with the Royal House revealing that she will be involved in various events organized by the Norwegian-Australian Chamber of Commerce, the Norwegian Seamen’s Church, and more, uniting people like herself: young Norwegians living abroad.
It’s a decision that reaffirms her commitment to the institution while preventing to get further dragged into the scandals back home.
© NTB/AFP via Getty ImagesPrince Sverre Magnus has grown more involved with the institution following his mother’s worsening health
A future queen in the making — and under the microscope
Last year, the Royal Palace announced that Princess Ingrid would be studying at the University of Sydney. Since the young princess has been making regular trips home, maintaining an institutional presence as the royal heir in training. Still, the timing of her studies has not been without controversy. In a climate where the institution feels vulnerable, her studies abroad are now being discussed as a luxury that the nation can’t afford.
Over the past year, the royal family has been reshuffling its duties. With Mette-Marit operating on a reduced schedule due to her health, Prince Sverre Magnus has stepped in to take on more of her public commitments.
© Getty ImagesNational Day is one of the nation’s most important holidays