From Vanity Fair · Roberta Mercuri · · 2m
Norway's new heir to the throne
At 22, Princess Ingrid Alexandra is first in line to become Norway's first queen in 600 years.
In brief
At 22, Princess Ingrid Alexandra is first in line to become Norway's first queen in 600 years. Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, is now first in line to Norway's throne after her grandfather King Harald V died and her father became King Haakon VIII. She will be Norway's first queen in 600 years when she ascends…
Norway's beloved king has died
King Harald V, the 'people's king,' passed away at 89. His son Haakon, 53, is now King Haakon VIII and will reign under the motto 'All for Norway,' the same as his father's.
Meet the new heir to the throne
Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, is now first in line to the throne. Born January 21, 2004, she will become Norway's first queen in 600 years when she ascends.
Women can now inherit the throne
The Salic law, which barred women from succession, was abolished in Norway on May 29, 1990. Ingrid Alexandra joins Leonor of Spain, Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, and Elisabeth of Belgium as Europe's new generation of queens.
She's athletic and down to earth
Ingrid Alexandra shares her father's passion for surfing and skiing, and is also a kickboxing enthusiast. She broke up with economics student Magnus Heien Haugstad in 2024 after two years of dating.
She's been training for the throne
At her 18th birthday gala in January 2022, King Harald told her: 'Be yourself. And trust that that will be enough, always.' She completed 15 months of military training in April 2025 and now studies social sciences at the University of Oslo.
“Be yourself. And trust that that will be enough, always.”
Her parents gave her freedom to lead
King Haakon and Queen Mette-Marit told Ingrid she has the freedom to shape her own role and find her own path, even if she makes mistakes. They praised her joy and the life she brings to their home.
“One of the things we appreciate about you, Ingrid, is the joy that lives in you.”
Her next step is the oath of allegiance
After returning to Norway in June 2024 following her mother's lung transplant, Ingrid is now studying at the University of Oslo. Her next official engagement is taking the oath of allegiance to the constitution before parliament.
What it means
Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 22, is now first in line to Norway's throne after her grandfather King Harald V died and her father became King Haakon VIII. She will be Norway's first queen in 600 years when she ascends.
