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Norway

Crown Prince Haakon reveals details about Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s possible military service

Crown Prince Haakon has revealed some details about his daughter, Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s, possible military career.

In connection with his visit to the National Logistics Operations Centre at Sessvollmoen Camp on 7 February, the Crown Prince confirmed that Ingrid Alexandra had not yet completed the initial military surveys conducted by all Norwegian 18-year-olds.

His Royal Highness said: “She has not yet, but she has already visited the Armed Forces on two different occasions. She thought it was very interesting.”

In November 2021, the Princess visited the Armed Forces Special Command, where she got to greet special soldiers from the Hunter Troop and practice parachuting. A few weeks later, she visited the Air Force, where she was flown in an F-16 fighter jet. For her 18th birthday on 21 January, the Princess received the gift of three days in the Armed Forces by Chief of Defence, Eirik Kristoffersen.

In connection with Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s 18th birthday in January, a number of questions have been asked about her military future. In Norway, the monarch is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the Princess will one day be the Queen of Norway. Her father, Crown Prince Haakon, and grandfather, King Harald, both have an education from the Naval Academy and the War Academy. However, the Crown Prince has been clear that his children can choose their own education.

The initial military surveys conducted by all 18-year-old Norwegians are usually their first physical encounter with the Armed Forces and where the Armed Forces finds out whether a person is physically and mentally fit to serve. During the survey, the Norwegian youth go through physical exams, theoretical tests, health checks and a conversation.

Surveys are usually taken during the last year of high school. It is expected that Princess Ingrid Alexandra will take part in the military survey in the autumn or next spring.

When the Princess turned 18 in January, she also received her military adjutant and adviser, together with her new office at the Royal Palace in Oslo.

About author

Senior Europe Correspondent Oskar Aanmoen has a master in military and political history of the Nordic countries. He has written six books on historical subjects and more than 1.500 articles for Royal Central. He has also interview both Serbian and Norwegian royals. Aanmoen is based in Oslo, Norway.