Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway may have their hands full as heir to the throne, but they also thrive in the role of teenage parents. In 2001, the relatively unknown Mette-Marit Høiby and Crown Prince Haakon were married, and the Norwegian royal family gained a new member. Three years later, the Crown Prince couple had their first child together, Ingrid Alexandra. Norway’s future queen saw the light of day on a cold January day, and barely two years later, they welcomed Prince Sverre Magnus.
As 2nd-in-line to the throne, Ingrid Alexandra was immediately born with responsibility and expectations, a role she has handled masterfully, even before the official day of authority which was celebrated in June 2022 with a grand party.
Although the Crown Prince Couple have stood firm for over two decades, the stage is now ripe for a major change in their relationship. Of course, it cannot be denied that Mette-Marit and Haakon are no longer parents of young children a bitter-sweet realisation all parents one day come to terms with.
Prince Sverre Magnus is 17-years-old, and Ingrid Alexandra will turn 19 in a few weeks time. It also means that they will eventually want their independence, and fledge the Skaugum Estate in a near future. The parents, it seems, do not seem to be looking forward to this.
During the NRK documentary ‘The Year with the Royal Family’, the Crown Princess said: “It is a blessing to have teenagers in the house. Being able to be a part of their lives, follow them and their friends in everything they do, and all the discussions we have. So much we learn from them every day. I feel so lucky to be so close to them, and I fear that they will soon leave the house! It will probably be a bit empty then.”
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon then added: “I agree and both father and I are concerned that people should be allowed to make their own life and learn from their own mistakes.”
