Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway is wholeheartedly embracing her new life as an international student in Australia. The 21-year-old royal, who is second in line to the Norwegian throne, arrived Down Under earlier this year to begin her studies at the prestigious University of Sydney.
A Royal Tourist at Taronga Zoo
Recently, the princess enjoyed a quintessential Sydney experience with a visit to the famous Taronga Zoo. Demonstrating a hands-on approach, she was seen getting up close with iconic Australian wildlife. Her visit included encounters with bilbies and a koala named Humphrey, and she even took the opportunity to feed some kangaroos.
Strikingly casual for a royal outing, Ingrid Alexandra opted for a relaxed look of jeans and a simple white T-shirt. She wore little to no makeup and arrived with her hair still wet, showcasing a natural beauty that helped her blend seamlessly with other tourists. The polite future queen expressed her sincere gratitude to the zoo staff, sharing a video on her Instagram.
"Thank you for showing us around and for the very important work you do, very interesting," she wrote in the post, acknowledging their conservation efforts.
Embarking on a New Academic Chapter
The princess commenced her Australian adventure in July, marking the start of her university journey. She shared her excitement in a formal statement from the Royal Household, saying, "I'm looking forward to starting my studies at the University of Sydney."
She elaborated on her academic goals, noting, "It will be exciting to become a student, and I'm looking forward to gaining new perspectives on both European and international politics. I'm sure I will learn a lot." To celebrate this significant milestone, she posted a series of photographs taken around the university's campus.
Adapting to Australian Ways
While she is immersing herself in Australian culture and social life, the princess is still acclimatising to some local customs. In a relatable moment, she was recently spotted making a minor error with the country's road rules. As she and a friend went to get into a waiting Uber, Ingrid Alexandra, evidently accustomed to left-hand drive vehicles, instinctively reached for the door handle on the driver's side.
This educational move to Australia follows a year of military training she undertook last year at the Engineer Battalion in Brigade Nord. Her down-to-earth demeanour during her zoo visit and her enthusiasm for student life suggest she is thoroughly enjoying this new chapter of independence and learning.
