Princess Ingrid Alexandra received the gift of a Norwegian flag that has orbited the Earth 56 times as she carries out official duties while on break from university.
The future queen of Norway has been taking on engagements this week, including a visit to the Norwegian Space Agency, where she learned about her country’s astronomical endeavours.
According to the Norwegian Royal Court, Princess Ingrid Alexandra received a tour of the facilities and heard how Norway is benefitting from participating in international space projects that will help the country.
Later, Princess Ingrid Alexandra hosted the first Norwegian woman in space in an audience and received a very special gift.
On her way inside the Royal Palace, Jannicke Mikkelsen, an astronaut and cinematographer, told NRK that “The flag has experienced 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets per day. That’s what I held when we flew over Norway and Svalbard. Now it’s here in Oslo and will be given to the princess.”
The future queen also received members of the Norwegian Reservist Association in audience.
On Monday, she and her father joined the Institute of Marine Research on a sprat expedition through the Oslo Fjord, her first official engagement since her studies ended for the semester at the University of Sydney.
The future queen told NRK that she was happy to be back home for the holidays, “I really enjoy Australia, but then it’s good to be away, but best to be at home.”
On Wednesday Princess Ingrid Alexandra will attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony for the first time alongside her grandparents, King Harald and Queen Sonja, and her parents, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. Prior to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, she will accompany her mother to a Save the Children’s Peace Prize party at the Nobel Centre.
The future queen will also attend a Christmas carol service at the Palace Chapel next week, and attend a government luncheon hosted by her grandparents in the days leading up to Christmas.
