Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway has become the latest royal figure to voice her profound grief and solidarity with Australia following the devastating terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. The 21-year-old future Queen, who has been living in Sydney since July, described the massacre as "strange and unthinkable."
A Royal Student's Connection to Sydney
Princess Ingrid Alexandra had been residing in Sydney for several months, immersed in her studies for a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Political Economy at the University of Sydney. Her embrace of local life saw her become a familiar face around campus, her student accommodation at St Andrew's College, and the city's streets, even earning her the affectionate nickname 'Sydney Princess' from Australians.
The princess had already returned to her home country before the tragedy struck. She departed Sydney in the first week of December after her university term concluded and is currently spending the Christmas holidays with her family in Norway. She is expected to return to Australia to continue her degree.
Speaking to Norwegian media outlet TV 2, the royal shared her heartfelt condolences. "My thoughts go out to those who have lost. And especially to the Jewish community – both in Australia and back home in Norway," she stated. "Sydney is a city that I have grown to love very much, so it is strange and unthinkable that it happened exactly there."
Global Royalty Unites in Condemnation
Princess Ingrid Alexandra's message forms part of a chorus of condolences from royal houses across the globe. Denmark's Queen Mary and King Frederik, who have a deep personal connection to Australia, issued a joint statement expressing their profound sadness. Bondi Beach is a regular destination for the family during trips to Queen Mary's homeland.
"We and the people of Denmark are profoundly saddened by the tragic news of the terror attack at Bondi Beach," the Danish monarchs said. "We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to all those affected, their loved ones, the people of Australia and the Jewish community."
From the United Kingdom, the Prince and Princess of Wales declared they "stand with the Jewish community in grief," while praising the bravery of emergency responders. King Charles III and Queen Camilla said they were "appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack," commending the heroic actions of police and the public which they said prevented greater loss of life.
The Bondi Beach Tragedy: Facts and Response
The attack occurred on the evening of Sunday, December 14, at the iconic Bondi Beach. Two gunmen armed with rifles opened fire on a crowd gathered to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Authorities have officially declared the shooting a terrorist attack.
At least sixteen people, including children, were killed in the violence, with witnesses reporting more than 30 shots fired from an elevated footbridge. A makeshift memorial has since been established at the beach by mourners.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation, vowing to eradicate such hatred. "There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation," he asserted. "Let me be clear, we will eradicate it. Amidst this vile act of violence and hate will emerge a moment of national unity."
The unified messages from global royalty underscore the international shock at the atrocity and a shared commitment to stand against antisemitic violence and terrorism, offering solace to a grieving nation and community.
