Princess Ingrid Alexandra Set to Become Norway’s First Reigning Queen in Six Centuries
Following the death of King Harald V, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway has solidified her position as the direct heir to the throne, placing her on a historic path to become the Scandinavian nation’s first queen regnant in 600 years, according to reporting by Kumparan. The last reigning queen to lead Norway was Queen Margaret, who ruled from 1388 to 1412, as detailed by Kumparan.
The Constitutional Shift That Empowered Norway’s New Heir
Princess Ingrid Alexandra is the first member of the Norwegian royal family affected by a 1990 constitutional change in succession laws, according to Kumparan. Prior to this legal adjustment, eldest daughters could not automatically inherit the throne if they had a younger brother, meaning previous princesses like Princess Martha Louise were bypassed in the line of succession, per Kumparan. Because of the revised statute, the eldest child of a monarch now takes precedence regardless of gender, placing Ingrid Alexandra directly behind her father, King Haakon VIII, with her younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus, following next in line, as reported by Kumparan.
Military Training and Educational Background
In line with the traditions of European heirs, Princess Ingrid Alexandra completed rigorous military training starting in January 2024 and finishing on April 4, 2025, to prepare for her eventual role as supreme commander of the military, according to Kumparan. Academically, she began higher education at the University of Sydney in July 2025 before transferring to the University of Oslo to remain close to her family, as noted by Kumparan.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Princess Ingrid Alexandra become queen?
She is the heir to the throne behind her father, King Haakon VIII, and will ascend to the monarchy as queen regnant following his reign, according to Kumparan.
Who was the last reigning queen of Norway?
The last queen regnant of Norway was Queen Margaret, who ruled between 1388 and 1412, according to Kumparan.
Why is this succession historic?
She is set to be Norway’s first reigning queen in six centuries and the first royal to benefit from the 1990 equal primogeniture succession law, as reported by Kumparan.
Pro Tip: Stay updated on international royal developments by following official statements released by the Royal Court of Norway.
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