Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway has left her studies at the University of Sydney to return home amid a family health crisis. The 21-year-old royal, who is second in line to the Norwegian throne, had been just seven months into her three-year degree program when she decided to return to Norway.
The decision comes after Crown Prince Haakon announced last week that his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is “seriously ill.” The Crown Princess was diagnosed with chronic pulmonary fibrosis in 2018, a progressive lung disease that has worsened over time.
According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, Princess Ingrid Alexandra “plans to come home soon. It has to do with the family situation. She wants to be with her mother.” The princess reportedly intends to eventually return to Australia to complete her studies, but Crown Prince Haakon stated that it is currently unknown how long she will stay in Norway to support her mother during her illness.
Last week, Crown Prince Haakon provided a concerning update on his wife’s condition. “The Crown Princess is seriously ill and I think she has gotten a bit worse lately,” he said. “So I am worried about her health. She uses oxygen in her everyday life and it helps a little but it is not a perfect solution.”
The Norwegian royal family is facing multiple health challenges simultaneously. Queen Sonja, 88, was admitted to the National Hospital in Oslo last week after being diagnosed with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. She has since been discharged and is recovering at home. King Harald reported that her condition has improved significantly. “Her form is much better,” he said. “It wasn’t good when I left. She was a little depressed then because she wasn’t allowed to be here. That she wasn’t able to do what she did before, but as far as I understand, she is much better than she was when I left. Now the medication is under control.”
In a separate incident, reports emerged that a Sydney man will face court this week, accused of stalking the potential future queen of Norway. According to reports, a suspicious letter was sent to Princess Ingrid Alexandra that was intercepted by her security detail at St Andrew’s College at Sydney University. A 63-year-old man has been issued with an apprehended violence order (AVO) and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
