Norwegian Princess Ingrid Alexandra is not celebrating her twentieth birthday at home, but in the army. The eldest daughter of Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Mette-Marit began her military service a week and a half ago.
The Norwegian royal family wishes the princess a happy birthday on Instagram. “Happy birthday to Princess Ingrid Alexandra who turns 20 today,” says a photo of the princess in uniform.
The Princess began her first service in the Engineer Battalion at Camp Sköld in Endre Troms. This is a large area along the borders with Finland and Sweden. Norway has had compulsory military service for both men and women since 2015. It is the first country in Europe and within NATO to make military service compulsory for both genders.
The Princess was employed in the Engineer Battalion of the Nord Brigade for a period of twelve months. This is the largest unit in the Norwegian army. After basic training, Ingrid Alexandra will be assigned to a service position and will follow more specific training. Finally, a period of training follows and you will gain practical experience as a soldier.
Haakon and Mette Marit have two children. Prince Sverre Magnus is seventeen years old. Ingrid Alexandra is expected to become the country's second queen, after Queen Margaret in the 15th century.
